Office Apps Not Opening

How to Fix Word Showing an Error and Not Opening Documents

Bushra Parveen Oct 8, 2026 869 views

Question details

Microsoft Word displays a startup error preventing the application from opening user documents.

How to Fix Word Showing an Error and Not Opening Documents

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Opening local or cloud-stored Word documents on a desktop computer.
Observed behavior: Word displays an error stating that it has encountered a problem preventing it from working correctly, and fails to launch or load the document.

Before you start

Ensure you have copied the exact error message to your clipboard, and verify if the issue occurs with both locally saved files and cloud-stored documents.

Solution 1Recommended

Run the Microsoft Office Online Repair

Use the built-in Windows repair tool to fix corrupted Microsoft Office application files that are causing Word to crash.

Running an Online Repair will download and replace missing or corrupted Office components. This is often the most effective way to resolve startup errors without manually modifying system files.

Open Windows Settings

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings, then navigate to Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features).

Locate Microsoft Office

Scroll down or use the search bar to find your installation of Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office in the app list.

Run Online Repair

Click the three dots next to the app (or right-click) and select 'Modify'. Choose 'Online Repair' from the prompt and click 'Repair' to begin the process.

Internet Connection Required: Online Repair requires a stable internet connection as it downloads fresh installation files from Microsoft servers.

Solution 2

Test Word in a New Windows User Account

Create a new local Windows account to determine if a corrupted user profile is preventing Word from opening.

Solution 3

Verify Installation Source and Reinstall

Ensure your Office suite was downloaded from an official source and perform a clean reinstallation.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Bug-Free Document Experience

If Microsoft Word continues to show errors or fail to open your documents, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative that easily opens all your existing Word files without the heavy system requirements or complex profile issues.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer.
2. Install the Software: Run the installation file and follow the quick setup wizard on your Windows PC.
3. Open Your Documents: Right-click any problematic Word document, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office to view and edit your file instantly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats like .docx and .docLightweight installation with blazing fast startup timesFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate user interfaceSeamless migration with no need to convert your existing files

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word say it encountered a problem and needs to close?

This error is commonly caused by incompatible COM add-ins, a corrupted Windows user profile, or damaged Office program files. Running the Office Repair tool or starting Word in Safe Mode usually resolves the issue.

Will repairing Microsoft Office delete my personal documents?

No, running the built-in Microsoft Office Online Repair or Quick Repair will only fix the core application files. Your locally or cloud-stored documents will remain completely safe and untouched.

How do I check my current Microsoft Office version if Word won't open?

If Word cannot be opened to access File > Account, you can check your version by going to Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps, and searching for 'Microsoft Office' or 'Microsoft 365' to see the version number listed next to the app.

Office App Problems