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How to Fix Microsoft Word Closing When Opening Documents
Question details
The user needs to fix an issue where Microsoft Word crashes and automatically closes as soon as a document is opened.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to open existing document files for editing or viewing.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Word displays an error message and then immediately terminates and closes the application.
Before beginning the repair process, ensure all Microsoft Office applications are fully closed and verify that your computer is connected to the internet.
Run an Online Repair for Microsoft 365
Using the built-in Windows repair tool can fix corrupted application files that are causing Word to crash upon opening documents.
The Online Repair tool acts as a comprehensive fix for Microsoft 365 applications by replacing missing or corrupted installation files. It may take a few minutes to complete depending on your internet speed.
Click the Windows Start menu, type 'Control Panel' in the search bar, and press Enter to open it.
Under the 'Programs' category, click on 'Uninstall a Program' to view the list of installed software on your computer.
Scroll through the list to locate 'Microsoft 365 Apps' (or your specific Office version), click to select it, and then click 'Change' at the top of the window.
If prompted by User Account Control, click 'Yes' to approve. In the repair dialog, select 'Online Repair' and click the 'Repair' button to begin.
Once the repair process finishes, restart your Windows computer and open a document in Word to confirm the issue is resolved.
Use WPS Office to Open Your Documents Safely
If Microsoft Word continues to crash or you want to avoid lengthy repair processes, switch to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free alternative that opens your documents quickly and reliably.
- 1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office installer from the official website and complete the installation.
- 2. Open Your Document: Right-click the problematic Word document, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office to edit it seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will running an Online Repair delete my Word documents?
No. Running an Online Repair or Quick Repair only replaces and fixes the Microsoft Office application files. All of your personal documents, saved files, and templates remain completely safe.
What is the difference between Quick Repair and Online Repair?
Quick Repair fixes common issues quickly without needing an internet connection by checking local files. Online Repair requires an internet connection and performs a full reinstallation of the application components, making it more effective for severe crashing issues.
Why does Word crash only when opening specific documents?
If Microsoft Word crashes only on specific files, the document itself might be corrupted, or it may contain unsupported macros or highly complex formatting that the application is struggling to process.
