Why can't I open Word?

Question

Microsoft says "something went wrong. We are unable to open your program."

Answer 1

Restart your PC. If the problem remains, run an Online Repair; see https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/repair-an-office-application-7821d4b6-7c1d-4205-aa0e-a6b40c5bb88b .

Answer 2

If you are unable to open Microsoft Word and receive the message "something went wrong. We are unable to open your program," it could be due to several reasons. Here are some common troubleshooting steps you can take:

1. Check for Updates: Ensure that both your Windows operating system and Microsoft Office are up to date. Sometimes, updates can resolve compatibility issues.
2. Repair Office: You can try repairing your Office installation. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, select Microsoft Office, and then choose the Repair option.
3. Check for Conflicting Programs: Sometimes, third-party applications or add-ins can interfere with Word. Try starting Word in Safe Mode by holding down the Ctrl key while launching Word, which disables add-ins.
4. Reinstall Office: If the above steps do not work, consider uninstalling and then reinstalling Microsoft Office.
5. Check File Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to access Word files, especially if they are stored on a network drive.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to consult Microsoft support for further assistance.

---

References:

• "Microsoft program cannot be opened because of a problem" error when you start an Office program
• Troubleshoot problems that occur when you start or use Word