Opening another word document when im opening any word document

Start Word with the /a switch to determine whether an add-in, global template, or Word setting is causing the duplicate document to open.

1. Isolate add-ins and templates

1. Close every Word window.
2. Press Windows + R.
3. Enter:

winword /a

4. In this Word session, select File > Open and open a document.

The /a switch prevents add-ins and global templates from loading automatically and prevents Word’s settings files from being read or changed.^1^

• If only one copy opens: an add-in, startup template, or automatic macro is likely involved. Continue with section 2.
• If two copies still open: skip to section 3.

2. Disable the component triggering the second document

Check Word and COM add-ins

1. Open Word normally.
2. Select File > Options > Add-ins.
3. At the bottom, choose Word Add-ins under Manage, then select Go.
4. Clear the enabled items and restart Word.
5. If necessary, repeat using COM Add-ins under Manage.
6. Re-enable items individually, restarting Word after each one, until the duplicate-opening behavior returns.

Clearing a Word add-in unloads it; it does not remove the underlying file from the computer.^2^

Also check Office web add-ins under File > Get Add-ins > My Add-ins and remove an unwanted add-in if applicable.^3^

Check for an automatic macro

Hold Shift while opening a document. If this prevents the second document from opening, inspect the document, its attached template, and Normal.dotm for an AutoOpen, AutoExec, or related automatic macro. Word can run AutoOpen whenever an existing document opens, while AutoExec runs when Word starts or loads a global template.^4^

For a business-managed computer, ask the Microsoft 365 administrator before removing an organizational template or macro.

3. Check for the fixed Microsoft 365 issue

If the extra item is actually a new blank document, rather than a second copy of the selected file:

1. In Word, select File > Account.
2. Check the version shown under About Word.
3. Select Update Options > Update Now.

Microsoft documented repeated blank documents beginning with Version 2507 (build 19029); the fix is included in Version 2509 (build 19231) and later.^5^ The normal Windows update path is File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.^6^

If updates are controlled by your organization and Update Options is unavailable, contact the IT administrator.

4. Repair Office if it also happens with /a

On Windows 11:

1. Right-click Start and select Installed apps.
2. Find Microsoft 365, select … > Modify.
3. Run Quick Repair first.
4. If the behavior remains, return to the same location and run Online Repair.

Online Repair is more comprehensive but may require an internet connection and reactivation/sign-in afterward.^7^

If the issue remains after Online Repair, record whether the second window contains the same file, a blank document, or a read-only copy, together with the version shown under File > Account > About Word, and provide those details to your Microsoft 365 administrator or Microsoft Support.

References

1. How to troubleshoot problems that occur when you start or use Word | Microsoft Support
2. Load or unload a template or add-in program | Microsoft Support
3. View, manage, and install add-ins for Excel, PowerPoint, and Word | Microsoft Support
4. Auto Macros
5. Microsoft Word might repeatedly open new, blank documents without being prompted | Microsoft Support
6. How to update Microsoft 365 or Office for Windows | Microsoft Support
7. Repair an Office application