Office Apps Not Opening

Fix the Microsoft Account Pop-Up Blocking Word

Huma Ashraf Ch Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to access Microsoft Word due to an unskippable Microsoft account pop-up where the Continue button remains grayed out or unavailable.

How to Fix the Microsoft Account Pop-Up Blocking Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Opening Microsoft Word to view or edit a document.
Observed behavior: A Microsoft account pop-up appears and blocks access to the application, and the Continue button cannot be clicked to dismiss it, rendering Word unusable.

Before you start

Ensure you have an active internet connection to download software updates and temporarily save any open work in other Office applications before proceeding.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Microsoft Office to Version 2310

The Microsoft Word product team has released a permanent bug fix for this issue in version 16.0.16924.20124 (Version 2310).

This is the official and most effective solution to permanently stop the account pop-up from freezing or blocking access to your documents.

Open an alternative Office app

Since Word is blocked, open another functioning Microsoft Office application, such as Excel or PowerPoint.

Access your account settings

Click on 'File' in the top left corner, then select 'Account' from the bottom left menu.

Check for updates

Under the Product Information section, click on 'Update Options' and select 'Update Now' from the dropdown menu.

Restart Microsoft Word

Wait for the update process to finish downloading and installing. Once completed, relaunch Microsoft Word to verify the pop-up issue is resolved.

Official Fix Verified: Updating to version 16.0.16924.20122 or later permanently resolves the grayed-out Continue button bug.

Solution 2

Adjust Screen Resolution and Scroll (Temporary Workaround)

A temporary workaround to force the Continue button to become active if you cannot update Microsoft Office immediately.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office as a Seamless Microsoft Word Alternative

Tired of disruptive pop-ups, mandatory account logins, and update blockers? WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and user-friendly alternative that lets you open, edit, and save Word documents effortlessly without account barriers.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer.
2. Install the software: Run the installer and complete the quick, lightweight setup process.
3. Open your documents: Set WPS Office as your default application to open your existing Word documents instantly without pop-ups.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptxNo intrusive account pop-ups blocking your workflowLightweight installation that opens documents instantly without laggingFamiliar user interface requiring zero learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Continue button grayed out on the Word account pop-up?

This is caused by a known UI bug in specific older builds of Microsoft 365 where the pop-up fails to register that you have scrolled through or read the prompt, preventing the Continue button from activating.

Does changing my screen resolution permanently fix the pop-up?

No. Changing the screen resolution or clicking links inside the prompt is only a temporary workaround to help you scroll and activate the Continue button. You must update Office for a permanent fix.

Which version of Word fixes the pop-up blocking issue?

The product fix is officially rolled out in build version 16.0.16924.20122 and later, specifically noted by the Microsoft team as Version 2310 (16.0.16924.20124).

How can I update Word if the app is completely blocked?

If Word is blocked by the pop-up, you can trigger the Microsoft 365 update through any other Office application that isn't blocked, such as Microsoft Excel or PowerPoint, by navigating to File > Account > Update Options.

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