Fix Word Closes Immediately with Microsoft Error Reporting on Mac
Question details
Microsoft Word crashes and closes immediately after launch, prompting a Microsoft Error Reporting window on a Mac system.

- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac (Microsoft 365)
- Device & OS
- macOS Ventura
- Scenario
- Launching the Microsoft Word application on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- The application closes unexpectedly shortly after being opened and displays the Microsoft Error Reporting message, persisting even after a system restart.
Ensure you have an active internet connection to download the latest macOS system updates, and save any open work in other applications before restarting your Mac.
Update macOS Ventura to the Latest Release
Updating macOS resolves core compatibility issues between Microsoft 365 apps and the operating system.
Older versions of macOS Ventura (such as 13.3.1) may contain bugs that conflict with recent Microsoft Office updates. Keeping the operating system fully updated is the most effective way to stop immediate crashing.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'System Settings'.
Click on 'General' in the sidebar, then select 'Software Update' on the right.
If a newer version of macOS Ventura is available, click 'Update Now' or 'Restart Now' to install it.
Once the Mac has successfully updated and rebooted, open Microsoft Word to verify if the crash is resolved.

Extract Crash Log Details for Diagnosis
Analyzing the crash report provides exact details about which module or add-in is causing Word to close.
Locate Microsoft Applications Correctly on Mac
Understanding where Office applications are stored on Mac helps when verifying your installation integrity.
Try WPS Office for Mac When Microsoft Word Keeps Crashing
If Microsoft Word for Mac continues to crash and disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a completely free, lightweight alternative that provides excellent compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, a familiar user interface, and seamless migration for all your documents.
- 1. Download for Mac: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS version.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Edit Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing .docx files to continue working without interruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Error Reporting appear every time I open Word on Mac?
The Microsoft Error Reporting tool launches automatically when Word encounters a critical error during startup. This is often caused by an outdated macOS version, corrupted application preferences, or incompatible third-party add-ins.
Can an outdated macOS cause Microsoft 365 apps to crash?
Yes, Microsoft 365 apps are designed to integrate closely with macOS. Older operating system versions, like early builds of macOS Ventura (e.g., 13.3.1), may contain bugs that conflict with updated Office applications, causing them to close unexpectedly.
Where are Microsoft Office applications stored on a Mac?
On macOS, Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are typically installed directly into the main 'Applications' folder as standalone programs, rather than being grouped inside a single 'Microsoft Office' folder.
What information should I look for in a Mac crash log?
When viewing a Microsoft Error Reporting log via the 'More Information' button, look at the first 20 lines. The most critical details are usually found under 'Exception' (the type of error) and 'Blamed Module' (the specific file or process that caused the crash).




