Office Settings & Configuration

Fix Word Macros and Add-Ins Not Working After System Update

Camila Milosovich Oct 12, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users need to restore functionality to VBA macros and third-party Word add-ins that failed following a system update.

Fix Word Macros and Add-Ins Not Working After System Update

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to use proofreading add-ins like PerfectIt, ProWritingAid, and custom VBA macros for document editing after a recent system update.
Observed behavior: Macros and add-ins have completely stopped working. Standard troubleshooting steps like reinstalling Word, reinstalling the add-ins, or changing Microsoft licenses do not resolve the issue.

Before you start

Ensure your system update has completely finished without any pending computer restarts, and verify that you have administrative access to modify Microsoft Word's Trust Center settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Re-enable Add-ins and Adjust Trust Center Settings

Word's security protocols may automatically disable add-ins and macros following a major system update to prevent potential vulnerabilities.

System updates often reset application security defaults. Checking the Trust Center ensures Word is actually allowing the add-ins to run.

Open Word Options

Launch Microsoft Word, click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner, and select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.

Check Disabled Add-ins

Navigate to the 'Add-ins' tab on the left sidebar. Review the 'Disabled Application Add-ins' list to see if PerfectIt or ProWritingAid are listed.

Manage COM Add-ins

At the bottom of the window, ensure the 'Manage' dropdown is set to 'COM Add-ins' and click 'Go'. Check the boxes next to your desired add-ins and click 'OK'.

Enable VBA Macros

Return to 'File > Options > Trust Center' and click 'Trust Center Settings'. Go to 'Macro Settings' and select 'Enable all macros' (or your preferred security level), then click 'OK'.

Re-enable Add-ins and Adjust Trust Center Settings

Add-in Updates: If re-enabling them fails, visit the developer's website (e.g., PerfectIt) to download the latest version, as the old version may be incompatible with the new system update.

Solution 2

Start Word in Safe Mode to Identify Conflicts

Running Word in Safe Mode helps determine if a specific broken add-in is causing a conflict that disables the rest of your tools.

Solution 3

Run a Repair on Microsoft Office

If managing add-ins directly fails, repairing the Office installation can fix corrupted registry keys and configuration files caused by the system update.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Stable Editing Experience

Tired of system updates breaking your Microsoft Word settings and causing downtime? WPS Office provides a highly compatible, stable, and lightweight alternative for your document processing needs, eliminating the frustration of constant update conflicts.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installer and follow the quick setup wizard.
2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and select your existing .docx files to continue working immediately.
3. Enjoy Stable Editing: Edit, format, and save your documents with confidence, knowing your layout and compatibility are fully retained.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Word add-ins stop working after a system update?

System updates can sometimes alter registry keys, modify software security permissions, or change core system files that Microsoft Word and third-party add-ins rely on. This can cause add-ins to become unrecognized, incompatible, or automatically disabled by Word's Trust Center.

How do I update PerfectIt or ProWritingAid?

You should visit the official websites of PerfectIt or ProWritingAid to download their latest installers. Sometimes, updates can also be triggered within the add-in's dedicated ribbon tab in Word. Installing the latest version often resolves compatibility issues triggered by OS updates.

Will repairing Microsoft Office delete my personal files?

No. Running a Quick Repair or Online Repair from the Windows Control Panel only fixes application files, missing shortcuts, and registry entries for Microsoft Office. It will not delete, move, or alter your personal Word documents.

What should I do if my VBA macros are completely missing?

If your custom macros have disappeared, check if your Normal.dotm template was overwritten or renamed during the system update. You can often recover them by locating backup templates in the '%appdata%\Microsoft\Templates' folder on your computer.

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