Microsoft Word Keeps Crashing When Opening or While Working

Nothing kills productivity like Word suddenly closing without warning, especially when you haven’t saved your work. This typically happens due to:

• Corrupted add-ins
• Damaged template files
• Outdated software
• Graphics hardware conflicts

Here are 5 proven methods to fix it, starting with the simplest:

Method 1: Restart Word in Safe Mode

(Best for quick diagnosis)

1. Close all Word documents
2. Press Windows Key + R
3. Type:

winword /safe 

4. Press Enter

If Word opens normally in Safe Mode: The problem is likely an add-in (proceed to Method 2).

Method 2: Disable All Add-ins

(Fixes most recurring crashes)

1. Open Word (in normal or Safe Mode)
2. Go to:
   File → Options → Add-ins
3. At bottom, select:
   COM Add-ins → Go…
4. Uncheck ALL boxes → OK
5. Restart Word normally

Still crashing? Move to Method 3.

Method 3: Reset Word’s Normal Template

(Fixes document-specific issues)

1. Close Word completely
2. Press Windows Key + R
3. Paste this and press Enter:

%appdata%\Microsoft\Templates 

4. Rename Normal.dotm to Normal_old.dotm
5. Restart Word (it will create a new template)

Method 4: Repair Office Installation

(For deep system issues)

1. Open Control Panel
2. Go to:
   Programs → Programs and Features
3. Find Microsoft Office → Click Change
4. Select:
   Quick Repair → Repair
   (If that fails, try Online Repair)

Method 5: Update Everything

(Often overlooked solution)

Update these in order:

1. Windows (via Windows Update)
2. Office (File → Account → Update Options)
3. Graphics drivers (via Device Manager)

Last Resort:

If all else fails:

• Create a new Windows user profile
• Completely uninstall/reinstall Office
• Pro Tip: Always combine these with frequent saving (Ctrl+S) to minimize frustration. Start with Method 1 and work your way down until the problem is solved!
• Which method worked for you? Let us know in the comments!