How to Fix Microsoft Word 2013 Operating System Configuration Error
Question details
The user needs to fix an error preventing Microsoft Word 2013 from opening, while other Office applications like Excel and PowerPoint function normally.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2013
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to launch the Word 2013 application or opening a Word document from the desktop.
- Observed behavior
- The application fails to launch and displays the error message: 'The operating system is not presently configured to run this application'.
Ensure you have your Microsoft Office product key or account login details handy, as advanced troubleshooting steps may require you to repair or reinstall the software.
Repair Office and Remove Duplicate Installations
Use the Windows Control Panel to remove any conflicting Office versions and run the built-in repair tool to fix corrupted application files.
Having multiple versions of Office installed simultaneously can cause registry conflicts, leading to this specific configuration error. Removing older versions and repairing your current installation is the safest first step.
Press the Windows key, type 'Control Panel', and press Enter. Navigate to 'Programs' and click on 'Programs and Features'.
Scroll through the list of installed programs. If you see multiple versions of Microsoft Office, right-click the unwanted ones and select 'Uninstall'.
Right-click your main Microsoft Office 2013 installation and choose 'Change'. Select the 'Quick Repair' or 'Online Repair' option and follow the on-screen prompts.
Once the repair process finishes, restart your Windows computer and attempt to open Word 2013 again.
Disable Compatibility Mode for WINWORD.EXE
Check the properties of the Word executable file to ensure Windows isn't incorrectly forcing it to run under restricted compatibility settings.
Completely Uninstall and Reinstall Office
Use the official Microsoft removal tool to wipe deeply corrupted registry keys and reinstall a clean version of Office 2013.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Word Configuration Errors
If Microsoft Word 2013 continues to display system configuration errors or crashes, consider making the switch to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight Office suite that opens your existing Word documents flawlessly without complex system dependencies.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the setup file. The lightweight installation takes only minutes to complete.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your .docx files directly to resume working without system errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this error affect Word 2013 but not Excel or PowerPoint?
Word relies on its specific executable file (WINWORD.EXE) and individual registry keys. If only Word's specific file associations, add-ins, or compatibility settings become corrupted, the rest of the Office suite will continue to function normally.
Will running an Office repair delete my Word documents?
No. Running an Online Repair or Quick Repair from the Control Panel only targets the Microsoft Office program files and registry entries. Your personal .docx files are completely safe and will remain untouched.
What should I do if a complete reinstallation doesn't fix the configuration error?
If reinstalling does not resolve the issue, you may have a broader system-level conflict. Try performing a 'Clean Boot' via the Windows System Configuration utility to disable background services, or create a new Windows user profile to test if your current profile is corrupted.
