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How to Fix Microsoft Word 2021 Crashing on Startup or During Use
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where Microsoft Word 2021 closes unexpectedly or throws bad-instruction errors upon startup or during document editing.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2021
- Device & OS
- Windows and macOS
- Scenario
- Launching Microsoft Word 2021 or working on documents in the application.
- Observed behavior
- The application closes unexpectedly, sometimes displaying a bad-instruction or crash error, and the issue persists even after restarting the application or computer.
Before making changes, verify your exact operating system version and check if the crash happens with all documents or just one specific file.
Run an Online Repair on Windows
Use the built-in Windows repair tool to fix corrupted Office files that may be causing Word 2021 to crash.
Windows includes a built-in repair utility specifically for Microsoft Office applications. Running an Online Repair will download and replace corrupted installation files without affecting your personal documents.
Click the Windows Start menu, type 'Control Panel' into the search bar, and press Enter to open the application.
Under the 'Programs' category, click on 'Uninstall a program' to view a list of all installed software.
Scroll through the list to find 'Microsoft 365 Apps' or 'Microsoft Office 2021'. Right-click the application and select 'Change'.
Approve the User Account Control prompt if it appears. Select 'Online Repair' from the options provided, click 'Repair', and wait for the process to complete.
Troubleshoot Word Crashes on macOS
Isolate the issue on a Mac by testing Word in Safe Mode or creating a new user account to check for software conflicts.
Switch to WPS Office for a Stable and Seamless Experience
If Microsoft Word 2021 continues to crash and disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office, ensuring your documents are safe and accessible without constant crashes.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installer for your operating system and complete the quick installation.
- 2. Open Existing Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx files directly. All formatting and layouts will be preserved.
- 3. Resume Work: Enjoy a stable editing experience and continue working on your documents without worrying about unexpected crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Word 2021 close automatically on startup?
Word may close automatically due to corrupted installation files, conflicting third-party add-ins, outdated operating systems, or issues with a specific damaged document.
How do I open Microsoft Word in Safe Mode?
On Windows, press and hold the CTRL key while double-clicking the Word shortcut until a prompt asks if you want to start in Safe Mode. Click 'Yes'. This disables all add-ins for troubleshooting.
Will running an Online Repair delete my Word documents?
No. The Online Repair tool only reinstalls and fixes the Microsoft Office application files. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations will remain untouched on your computer.
What should I do if Word only crashes when opening a specific file?
If the crash is isolated to a single file, the document is likely corrupted. Try opening Word first, navigating to File > Open, selecting the file, clicking the arrow next to the Open button, and choosing 'Open and Repair'.
