Office Apps Crashing

How to Fix Microsoft Word Keeps Crashing With an Error

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is experiencing repeated crashes and error messages in Microsoft Word specifically when attempting to save a document, and standard fixes have not resolved the issue.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Saving a document after editing
Observed behavior: Microsoft Word stops working, displays a recurring error message, and crashes despite having run an Office repair, Windows updates, and checking subscription status.

Before you start

Before proceeding, check if other Microsoft Office applications like Excel or PowerPoint are also experiencing crashes, as this helps isolate whether the issue is specific to Word or affects the entire Office suite.

Solution 1Recommended

Start Microsoft Word in Safe Mode

Running Word in Safe Mode disables third-party add-ins, helping you identify if an external plugin is causing the application to crash.

Add-ins can sometimes conflict with Word's core functions, especially during operations like saving. Safe Mode bypasses these add-ins to test application stability.

Open the Run dialog

Press the Windows key + R simultaneously on your keyboard to open the Run command window.

Launch Word in Safe Mode

Type 'winword /safe' into the text box and press Enter or click OK.

Disable problematic add-ins

If Word does not crash in Safe Mode, navigate to File > Options > Add-ins. At the bottom, select 'COM Add-ins' and click Go. Uncheck all add-ins and restart Word normally to see if the issue is resolved.

What to do if it still crashes: If Microsoft Word continues to crash even in Safe Mode, the issue is not related to add-ins and you should proceed to an Online Repair.

Solution 2

Run an Online Repair for Microsoft Office

An Online Repair downloads and replaces corrupted Office installation files that a standard quick repair might miss.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Word Crashing Issues

If Microsoft Word continues to crash and disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative that handles your documents reliably without the heavy resource usage that often leads to application errors.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS website and click the free download button.
2. Install the software: Run the lightweight installation file and follow the quick setup wizard.
3. Open your documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx files directly without losing any formatting.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight design ensures fast loading times and prevents unexpected crashes.Familiar user interface allows for a seamless transition with zero learning curve.Completely free to use for everyday document creation and editing.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out which version of Office I am using?

Open any functioning Office application like Excel, click on 'File', and select 'Account' (or 'Help'). Your Office version, account type, and subscription details will be displayed on the right side under Product Information.

Why does Word only crash when I try to save a document?

Crashing during the save process is often caused by a conflicting third-party add-in, insufficient folder permissions, or corruption within the specific document itself. Safe mode helps determine if add-ins are the culprit.

Where can I find Microsoft's official Word troubleshooting guide?

You can access Microsoft's official troubleshooting steps by visiting support.microsoft.com and searching for 'Word crashing or not responding' to find the latest diagnostic tools and support articles.

Office App Problems