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How to Fix Microsoft 365 Word, Excel, and Teams Crashing on macOS
Question details
The user is experiencing persistent and unexpected crashes when using Microsoft 365 applications, even after reinstalling the software.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Teams)
- Device & OS
- macOS Monterey
- Scenario
- Attempting to run and work within Microsoft 365 productivity applications on a Mac computer.
- Observed behavior
- Applications such as Word, Excel, and Teams close unexpectedly and repeatedly, disrupting workflow.
Before updating your operating system or making system changes, ensure you have saved all open work and backed up important files using Time Machine or a reliable cloud storage service.
Upgrade macOS to a Newer Version
Upgrading your macOS to a newer, fully supported release (such as macOS 14 Sonoma) is the most effective way to resolve persistent system-level crashes with Office apps.
Compatibility issues between macOS Monterey and newer Microsoft 365 builds can cause instability. In many reported cases, simply reinstalling Office does not resolve the issue, but upgrading the underlying operating system permanently stops the crashes.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your Mac screen and select System Settings (or System Preferences).
Click on General in the sidebar, then select Software Update from the menu.
If a newer version of macOS is available (such as Ventura or Sonoma), click Upgrade Now and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Update Microsoft 365 Applications
Ensure you are running the latest build of Microsoft Office, which contains essential bug fixes and compatibility patches for macOS.
Switch to WPS Office for a Stable Mac Experience
If Microsoft 365 continues to crash on your Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly stable productivity suite that is fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats without the heavy system resource usage.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for macOS.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents to continue working without interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Word keep crashing on my Mac?
Crashes are often caused by compatibility issues between the specific build of Microsoft 365 you are using and your current macOS version (like Monterey). Outdated software, corrupted preferences, or conflicting add-ins can also trigger these unexpected closures.
Will reinstalling Microsoft 365 fix the crashing issue on macOS Monterey?
Reinstalling Microsoft 365 often does not resolve the issue if the root cause is operating system compatibility. Upgrading your macOS to a newer supported version, like Ventura or Sonoma, is typically required for a permanent fix.
How can I prevent data loss when Word or Excel crashes frequently?
Enable the AutoSave feature in Microsoft 365 by saving your document directly to OneDrive or SharePoint. This ensures your progress is continuously backed up to the cloud, minimizing data loss if the application closes unexpectedly.
Can I open my existing Microsoft documents in other free software on Mac?
Yes, you can use alternatives like WPS Office for Mac, which is free to download and natively supports standard Microsoft formats such as .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx, allowing you to edit your files seamlessly without risking application crashes.
