Whats wrong if my Microsoft word doesn't want to open or run?

yxl_ isaa 0 Reputation points
2026-11-08T10:59:21.15+00:00

My Microsoft word doesn't want to open or run. It tells me that there is an error that prevents it from working correctly and it needs to be shut down. What should i do to make it run again? This is the first time this has happened.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows
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  1. DaveM121 946.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-08T11:32:10.9766667+00:00

    1

    The 'Repair Now' button on that error popup dialog only performs a quick repair of the Office apps and that rarely resolves the problem with the Office apps, the best option is to perform a full online repair of your Office installation.

    Before performing this process to ensure you do not loose the Office installation during the repair, please log into your Microsoft account on this link (https://account.microsoft.com/services/) and check to ensure your Office licence or Microsoft 365 subscription is listed correctly on your account.

    Open the Settings App (gear icon on your Start Menu)

    Go to Apps - Installed Apps or Apps and Features

    Then, scroll down to find Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365.

    Select that and choose Modify - Online Repair

    That should fix any issues with your Office Installation.

    2

    If that does not resolve the problem, completely uninstall Office, restart your PC, then download and reinstall Office from your account online (https://account.microsoft.com/services/).

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-08T10:59:38.1366667+00:00

    Try this in order:

    1. Start Word in Safe Mode
      • Press Windows + R.
      • Type winword /safe and press Enter.
      • If Word opens in Safe Mode, the problem is likely an add-in.
    2. Disable add-ins if Safe Mode works
      • In Word, go to File > Options > Add-Ins.
      • In Manage, select the add-in type and choose Go.
      • Clear one add-in at a time, then select OK.
      • Restart Word normally after each change.
      • Older add-ins such as ABBYY FineReader and Dragon Naturally Speaking are known to cause problems.
    3. Repair Office
      • Right-click Start and select Apps and Features.
      • Select Microsoft 365 or Office and choose Modify.
      • Start with Quick Repair.
      • If that does not fix it, run Online Repair.
      • This repairs the full Office installation, not just Word.
    4. Update Windows
      • On Windows 11: Start > type settings > Windows Update > Check for updates > Install.
      • On Windows 10: Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows Update > Check online for updates from Microsoft Update.
    5. If Word still will not open, test Word without add-ins and templates
      • Press Windows + R.
      • Type winword /a and press Enter.
      • If Word works with /a, the issue may be related to add-ins or Word settings.
    6. Last step: uninstall and reinstall Office
      • If repair and updates do not help, uninstall Office and reinstall it.
      • Restart the PC after uninstalling before reinstalling.

    Important: if registry troubleshooting is attempted later, back up the registry first because incorrect changes can cause serious problems.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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