How to Fix Word 'Starting the Add-ins Runtime' Startup Error
Question details
The user is unable to use Microsoft Word because it gets stuck during startup, repeatedly displaying a 'We're starting the add-ins runtime' message, often leading to a completely unresponsive app or a blank document.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Launching Microsoft Word or opening an existing Word document.
- Observed behavior
- Word repeatedly displays a message stating 'We're starting the add-ins runtime' and freezes or shows a blank document. Disabling add-ins via the Trust Center fails to resolve the issue.
Ensure you have saved any open work in other Office applications, and check if you can open Word in Safe Mode (by holding down the Ctrl key while launching the app) to bypass the initial freeze.
Identify and Remove Web Add-ins via the Insert Tab
Since the Trust Center doesn't always stop modern web add-ins from initializing, manually removing the problematic add-in from the My Add-ins dialog is the most effective approach.
Modern Office Add-ins (web add-ins) use a separate runtime environment to operate. If this runtime fails to load or if a specific add-in is corrupted, Word will hang on startup. Accessing the Office Add-ins dialog allows you to pinpoint and remove the failing component.
Hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and double-click the Microsoft Word shortcut. When prompted to start in Safe Mode, click 'Yes'.
Click on the 'Insert' tab located on the top ribbon.
Click the 'My Add-ins' or 'Get Add-ins' button to launch the Office Add-ins dialog box.
Review the list of installed add-ins under the 'My Add-ins' section. Click the three-dot menu icon next to any recently installed or suspicious add-in and select 'Remove'.
Close Word and launch it normally without holding the Ctrl key to verify if the runtime startup problem has been resolved.
Disable Inactive COM Add-ins from Word Options
If web add-ins aren't the cause, hidden or inactive COM add-ins attempting to load in the background might be triggering the runtime loop.
Switch to WPS Office for a Fast, Add-in Free Writing Experience
If Microsoft Word continues to freeze or hang on startup due to stubborn add-in runtime errors, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative that opens documents instantly without heavy background dependencies slowing you down.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions. Once installed, launch the WPS Office application.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Click on 'Writer' and simply drag and drop your existing .doc or .docx files directly into the workspace to continue working immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word say 'starting the add-ins runtime'?
This message appears when Word attempts to initialize the background runtime environment (like Microsoft Edge WebView2) required to run modern web-based Office Add-ins. If the runtime fails, is outdated, or if a specific add-in is corrupted, the application gets stuck trying to load it.
Does starting Word in Safe Mode bypass the add-ins runtime?
Yes, launching Word in Safe Mode disables most customizations, extensions, and add-ins. This allows you to access your documents and navigate to the options menu to troubleshoot and remove the malfunctioning add-in.
Why can't I find the 'My Add-ins' button in Word?
The 'My Add-ins' button may be missing or greyed out if your IT administrator has disabled access to the Office Store via Group Policy, if you are offline, or if you are using an older volume-licensed version of Office that doesn't fully support modern web add-ins.
Why didn't disabling add-ins in the Trust Center fix the issue?
The Trust Center settings primarily control macro security and legacy COM add-ins. Modern web add-ins operate differently and may still attempt to trigger the runtime environment even if strict Trust Center policies are applied. You often need to remove them directly via the 'My Add-ins' menu.
