Office for Mac Issues

How to Fix Microsoft Word Error Code 53 on Mac

Steve K Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve runtime error code 53 that constantly appears when opening or using Microsoft Word, which persists even after reinstalling the software.

How to Fix Microsoft Word Error Code 53 on Mac

Product: Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365)
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Launching and working on documents in Microsoft Word on a Mac computer.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Word displays runtime error code 53. Reinstalling Microsoft 365 does not clear the error, suggesting an underlying add-in conflict or corrupted configuration.

Before you start

Ensure all Microsoft Office applications are fully closed before you begin troubleshooting. It is also recommended to verify that your macOS is up to date.

Solution 1Recommended

Update or Remove the Adobe Acrobat Add-in

Since runtime error 53 is frequently caused by an outdated or incompatible Adobe Acrobat add-in, updating or disabling it is the most effective first step.

Third-party add-ins, particularly Adobe Acrobat's PDFMaker add-in, are notorious for triggering runtime error 53 in Word on Mac. A standard reinstallation of Office does not remove these add-ins, which is why the error persists.

Check for Adobe updates

Open the Adobe Acrobat application on your Mac. Click on 'Help' in the top menu bar and select 'Check for Updates'. Install any available updates and restart your Mac.

Test Microsoft Word

Launch Microsoft Word to see if the error is resolved. If error 53 still appears, proceed to remove the add-in.

Remove the add-in

Navigate to the Word Add-ins manager via the 'Tools' menu > 'Templates and Add-ins'. Uncheck or remove the Adobe Acrobat add-in (often named linkcreation.dotm) and restart Word.

Update or Remove the Adobe Acrobat Add-in

Add-in Location: If you cannot remove the add-in from within Word, you can manually delete the linkcreation.dotm file located in the ~/Library/Group Containers folder.

Solution 2

Reset Microsoft Word Container Folder

If disabling add-ins doesn't work, resetting Word's container folders can clear corrupted application settings causing the error.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Bug-Free Experience on Mac

If Microsoft Word continues to display runtime errors on your Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft 365 without the frustrating add-in conflicts.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the installation package designed for Mac.
2. Install the application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
3. Open your files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word documents. Enjoy a seamless experience without runtime errors.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsLightweight and optimized for macOS performanceFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate interfaceBuilt-in PDF tools without needing third-party add-ins

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What does runtime error code 53 mean in Microsoft Word?

Error 53 usually indicates that a required dynamic link library (DLL) or add-in file cannot be found. On Mac, it is most commonly associated with a broken or incompatible Adobe Acrobat PDF add-in file, such as linkcreation.dotm.

Why didn't reinstalling Microsoft 365 fix error 53?

Uninstalling Office on a Mac often leaves behind user library files, third-party add-ins, and preference folders. If the error is caused by a corrupted settings file in your Containers folder or a lingering add-in, a standard reinstall will not remove them.

Is it safe to move the Microsoft Word container folder to the desktop?

Yes, moving the container folder is completely safe. When you restart Word, the application will automatically generate a fresh, default container folder. Keeping the old one on your desktop acts as a temporary backup in case you need to restore custom templates or settings.

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