How to Fix Microsoft Word Keeps Closing With an Error
Question details
Microsoft Word repeatedly closes or crashes after displaying an error message, and standard troubleshooting like the quick 'Repair Now' option or basic reinstallation does not resolve the issue.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- The user is attempting to open or work within Microsoft Word, but the application unexpectedly shuts down, preventing normal document editing.
- Observed behavior
- The application crashes repeatedly and displays an error prompt. Basic uninstallation or quick repair attempts fail to stabilize the software.
Ensure you have saved any open work in other Office applications and locate your Microsoft Office account details or product key, as an Online Repair may require you to sign back in.
Start Word in Safe Mode to Isolate Add-ins
Running Word in Safe Mode bypasses customized settings and third-party add-ins, helping you identify if an incompatible extension is causing the crash.
Many unexpected crashes in Microsoft Word are triggered by outdated or incompatible third-party add-ins. By launching the application in Safe Mode, you can disable these extensions temporarily.
Press the Windows key + R simultaneously on your keyboard to open the Run command window.
Type 'winword /safe' into the text box and press Enter or click OK. Word will open with 'Safe Mode' displayed in the title bar.
If Word runs smoothly in Safe Mode, navigate to File > Options > Add-ins. Select 'COM Add-ins' from the Manage drop-down at the bottom, click Go, and uncheck all add-ins to disable them. Restart Word normally to see if the issue is resolved.
Run a Complete Office Online Repair
When the quick 'Repair Now' option fails, performing a full Online Repair can fix deeper corruption within the Office installation files.
Perform a Windows Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs to identify if background software is conflicting with Microsoft Word.
Switch to WPS Office for a Stable, Crash-Free Experience
If Microsoft Word continues to crash or display recurring errors, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly stable, lightweight, and free alternative that offers seamless compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, allowing you to resume your work instantly without further interruptions.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and click the free download button to get the latest version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick setup instructions to install the suite on your computer.
- 3. Open Your Word Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx files directly. All your formatting and content will be perfectly preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the 'Repair Now' option not fix Microsoft Word?
The 'Repair Now' option only performs a quick, superficial scan to fix minor registry issues. If your Office installation files are deeply corrupted, it won't resolve the problem. You will need to perform a complete Online Repair to re-download and replace the damaged files.
Will uninstalling and reinstalling Microsoft Office delete my documents?
No, uninstalling or reinstalling Office applications like Word will not delete your personal files or documents. Your documents remain securely saved on your computer's hard drive or cloud storage.
How do I know if an add-in is causing Word to crash?
You can identify this by starting Word in Safe Mode using the 'winword /safe' command. If Word runs perfectly in Safe Mode without crashing, an active add-in is likely the culprit. You can then disable add-ins one by one in the settings to find the exact cause.
