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How to Fix EXC_BAD_ACCESS Crash When Opening Word on Mac
Question details
The user is experiencing a recurring EXC_BAD_ACCESS error crash when attempting to open specific documents in Microsoft Word for Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Opening an existing Word document on a Mac system.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Word unexpectedly closes and displays an EXC_BAD_ACCESS crash report. Standard troubleshooting such as reinstalling the current application version fails to resolve the crash.
Before modifying your application versions or system settings, check your current Microsoft Word version by opening the app (if possible) and selecting Word > About Microsoft Word to see if you are running version 16.80 or newer, which is documented to trigger this specific crash.
Revert Microsoft Word to Version 16.79
Rolling back to a previous, stable version usually resolves version-specific crashes like the EXC_BAD_ACCESS error introduced in recent updates.
Many Mac users report that this specific crash began after updating to Microsoft Word version 16.80. Removing the buggy update and downgrading back to version 16.79 is the most effective solution.
Open Finder, navigate to the Applications folder, right-click on Microsoft Word, and select 'Move to Trash'.
Visit the official Microsoft Office for Mac update history webpage and download the installer package specifically for version 16.79.
Run the downloaded installer. Once installed, open Word, go to Help > Check for Updates in the top menu bar, and uncheck 'Automatically keep Microsoft Apps up to date' so it does not immediately upgrade back to version 16.80.
Test the Document in Safe Mode
Booting into Safe Mode helps determine if background processes, third-party utilities, or corrupted caches are causing Word to crash.
Run Disk Utility First Aid
Running First Aid checks for and repairs disk errors or corrupted permissions that might be interfering with Microsoft Word's ability to read specific files.
Use WPS Office to Open Your Word Documents Without Crashing
If Microsoft Word for Mac continues to crash due to the EXC_BAD_ACCESS version bug, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative. You can seamlessly open, edit, and save your .docx files without dealing with update glitches or complex version rollbacks.
- 1. Download WPS Office for Mac: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer package for macOS.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder to complete the installation.
- 3. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer, go to File > Open, and select your problematic Word document to continue your work without crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the EXC_BAD_ACCESS error mean on a Mac?
EXC_BAD_ACCESS is a macOS memory management error. It indicates that an application (in this case, Microsoft Word) attempted to access a memory space it wasn't authorized to use, which is typically caused by software bugs or corrupted coding in a specific application update.
Will I lose my documents if I uninstall and revert Microsoft Word?
No. Uninstalling the Microsoft Word application by moving it to the Trash does not delete your locally saved .docx files or your OneDrive documents. Your files will remain intact and will open normally once you install the older version.
Where can I safely find older versions of Microsoft Word for Mac?
You can download safe, official legacy installers (like version 16.79) directly from the 'Update history for Office for Mac' page on Microsoft's official support website.
Are third-party Mac utilities causing Word to crash?
Sometimes. Third-party utilities like antivirus software, font managers, or system cleaning tools can interfere with Word's memory allocation. Booting your Mac in Safe Mode temporarily disables these utilities and helps isolate the problem.
