Word not working

Question

Word is not working. I get a message that says there's an issue and if I want help. I say yes but nothing is happening.

Answer 1

What is the exact error message?

Generally, if you were offered to Repair Now, you may have found that that option often doesn't work. Instead, restart your PC and then run an Online Repair; see https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/repair-an-office-application-7821d4b6-7c1d-4205-aa0e-a6b40c5bb88b .

Answer 2

Hi! Let me help you.

When was the last time it worked fine

Have you tried the quick repair?

Press Windows + R

Type:

appwiz.cpl

Press Enter

Find Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365

Right-click it → select Change

Choose:

Quick Repair → faster, no internet needed

Click Repair.

Restart the computer after the Repair.

Answer 3

Follow these steps in order until Word works again:

1. Update Office
   1. Open any Office app that still opens (for example, Excel). If none open, skip to step 2.
   2. Create a new blank file.
   3. Select File > Account.
   4. Under Product Information, select Update Options > Update Now.
   5. Let updates finish, then restart the computer and try Word again.
2. Start Word in Safe Mode and disable add-ins
   1. Select the Search icon on the taskbar, type "run", and open the Run app.
   2. In Run, type: winword /safe and press Enter.
   3. If Word opens and shows “Safe Mode” in the title bar:
      1. Go to File > Options > Add-Ins.
      2. At the bottom, in the Manage list, choose Word Add-ins (or COM Add-ins) and select Go.
      3. Clear the check box for one add-in, select OK, then close Word.
      4. Start Word normally (without /safe). If it works, the last add-in unchecked is problematic. Leave it disabled or remove it.
      5. If Word still fails, repeat the process, disabling add-ins one by one (including COM Add-ins) until Word works or all are disabled.
   4. If Word does not start in Safe Mode, go to step 3.
3. Repair Office from Windows settings
   1. Open the Settings app on Windows.
   2. Go to Apps (or Apps > Installed apps).
   3. Find Microsoft Office / Microsoft 365 in the list.
   4. Select it, choose Modify.
   5. First run a Quick Repair if offered. If that does not fix it, run an Online Repair, which is more thorough and can fix most installation issues.
   6. Restart the computer and test Word again.
4. Update Windows and device drivers
   1. On Windows 11: Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   2. On Windows 10: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check online for updates from Microsoft Update.
   3. Install all available updates and restart.
   4. If problems continue, update key device drivers (video card, printer, mouse, keyboard) from the manufacturer’s site.
5. Uninstall and reinstall Office (if repair does not help)
   1. Use the Office uninstall troubleshooter from the Uninstall link in the article below to completely remove Office.
   2. Restart the computer when prompted.
   3. Reinstall the appropriate Microsoft 365 or Office version using the install article linked in the same section.

If the built-in “Repair now” prompt in Word does nothing, the Online Repair (step 3) or full uninstall/reinstall (step 5) is the recommended resolution.

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References:

• I get a "stopped working" error when I start Office applications on my PC
• How to troubleshoot problems that occur when you start or use Word
• Troubleshoot problems that occur when you start or use Word
• How to fix MS Word has run into an error that is preventing from working properly. Word will need to be closed as a result. - Microsoft Q&A
• we are sorry, but word has run into an error that is preventing it from working correctly. Word will need to be closed as a result. Would you like us to repair now? - Microsoft Q&A
• word will not open "Would you like to repair now? - Microsoft Q&A
• how can i fix it. - Microsoft Q&A
• How can I get office 365 to work? - Microsoft Q&A