Fix Word Error: The Operating System Is Not Configured for This Application
Question details
Microsoft Word 2013 fails to open and displays a configuration error, while other Office applications like Excel and PowerPoint function normally.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2013
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Attempting to launch Microsoft Word 2013 for document editing after a potential system update or software conflict.
- Observed behavior
- Word fails to open, returning the error 'The operating system is not currently configured for this application'. Standard repair attempts and system scans do not fix the issue.
Ensure you have your Microsoft Office 2013 product key or the login credentials for your associated Microsoft account ready, as you will need them to reinstall the software.
Completely Reinstall Office using Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant
Use Microsoft's official SaRA tool to completely wipe corrupted Office 2013 files and reinstall a fresh copy to fix deep configuration errors.
The 'Operating system is not currently configured' error usually indicates deep registry or installation corruption that a standard Quick Repair cannot fix. Completely removing and reinstalling Office is the most effective solution.
Navigate to the official Microsoft support page and download the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) Office uninstall tool.
Launch the downloaded executable file and follow the on-screen prompts to completely remove Microsoft Office 2013 from your Windows 10 PC.
Once the uninstallation process is fully complete, restart your computer to clear any remaining cached files and registry entries.
Sign in to your Microsoft account portal or insert your original installation media to download and reinstall Microsoft Office 2013.
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click 'Check for updates' to ensure your operating system has all required patches.
Use WPS Office to Open and Edit Your Word Documents
If Microsoft Word 2013 continues to fail with configuration errors, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible Office alternative that lets you view, create, and edit Word documents without complex Windows registry issues.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office from the official website and run the lightweight installer.
- 2. Launch WPS Writer: Open WPS Writer from your desktop shortcut or start menu.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Click 'Open' to access your existing Word documents and continue your work without interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel work but Word gives a configuration error?
This happens when the specific registry keys or installation folders associated with Microsoft Word become corrupted, while the shared Office components and Excel-specific files remain intact.
Will uninstalling Office 2013 delete my saved Word documents?
No, uninstalling and reinstalling Microsoft Office only removes the application program files. Your personal documents, templates, and files saved on your hard drive will not be affected or deleted.
What if I don't have my Office 2013 product key anymore?
If your Office 2013 license is linked to your Microsoft account, you can reinstall it by simply signing in to the Microsoft account portal. Otherwise, you must recover your product key using a key finder tool before uninstalling to avoid losing access.
Can a Windows 10 update cause this Word configuration error?
Yes, major Windows 10 feature updates can sometimes disrupt older software configurations, leading to registry mismatches that trigger this specific Office 2013 application error.
