I get a "stopped working" error when I start Office applications on my PC

1. Open any Office app, such as Word, and create a new document.

2. Go to File > Account.

3. Under Product Information, choose Update Options > Update Now.

   Note: You may need to select Enable Updates first if you don't see the Update Now option right away.

4. Close the You're up to date! window after Office is done checking for and installing updates.

Certain add-ins may cause compatibility issues that cause a "stopped working" error with Office apps. A quick way to find out is by starting the Office app in Safe Mode. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Select the Search icon and type "run", then select the Run app that appears in the search results.

   • In Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Window 8, right-click the Start button (lower-left corner), and choose Run.

   • In Windows 7, select Start > Run.

2. Type one of these commands:

   Note: If you get a "can't find" error after typing the command, check if you included a space between the app name and /safe.

   • Type excel /safe and press Enter to start Excel.

   • Type winword /safe and press Enter to start Word.

   • Type powerpnt /safe and press Enter to start PowerPoint.

   • Type mspub /safe and press Enter to start Publisher.

   • Type visio /safe and press Enter to start Visio.

To ensure the Office app is in Safe Mode, check the title bar. You should see something like: Microsoft Excel (Safe Mode).

If the Office app doesn't start in Safe Mode, the problem isn't with add-ins. Try repairing Office or uninstalling and reinstalling it instead. If that still doesn't work, you should have the latest device drivers installed on your PC.

If the Office app starts in Safe Mode, disable the application add-ins and COM add-ins one at a time:

1. With the Office app still in Safe Mode, select File > Options > Add-Ins.

2. Check the Manage list for Add-ins options, such as Word Add-ins or Excel Add-ins, and then select Go. If you can't find an Add-ins option specific to the Office app in the Manage list, choose COM Add-ins instead.

3. Uncheck one of the add-ins in the list and select OK.

   Note: Some older add-ins are known to cause problems. Uncheck these add-ins first if they are in your list: Abbyy FineReader, PowerWord and Dragon Naturally Speaking.

4. Restart the application (not in Safe Mode this time).

If the Office app starts, there's a problem with the add-in you unchecked. We recommend you visit the company website for the add-in to check for an updated version you can install. If there isn't a newer version or if you don't need to use the add-in you can leave it unchecked or remove it from your PC.

If the Office app doesn't start, repeat the steps to uncheck the other add-ins one by one. If there was another Add-ins option in the Manage list, such as COM Add-ins, repeat this process for those add-ins as well. If all add-ins are unchecked and you still can't open your Office application, the problem isn't related to add-ins. Try some of the other troubleshooting options provided in this article.

Older versions of these add-ins are known to cause problems with Office 2016 applications:

• ABBYY FineReader

• Dragon Naturally Speaking

If this didn't resolve your issue, select the next header, below.

This step is useful if one of the Office apps is damaged or corrupted. Try a quick repair first, and if that doesn't work, try the online repair. For more information, see Repair an Office application.

If this didn't resolve your issue, select the next header, below.

Older Windows device drivers may be incompatible with your Office application. You should run a Windows or Microsoft update on your PC to ensure you have the latest drivers. To do this, follow these steps:

For Windows 11:

1. Select the Start button.

2. Type "settings" in the Search box.

3. Select Windows Update.

4. Select Check for updates.

5. If updates are available, select Install.

For Windows 10:

1. Select the Start button.

2. Select Settings > Update & security > Windows Update.

3. Select Check online for updates from Microsoft Update.

4. If updates are available, they should automatically be installed on your PC.

For Windows 8.1 and Windows 8:

1. On the Start screen, select Settings on the Charms Bar.

2. Select Change PC Settings.

3. In the PC Settings app, select Windows Update.

4. Select Check for updates now.

For Windows 7:

1. Select Start.

2. Type Windows Update in the Search programs and files box.

3. In the search results, select Check for updates.

4. If updates are available, select Install.

If the problem continues to occur after updating Windows, you should check to make sure that these specific drivers are up-to-date: video card, printer, mouse, and keyboard. Drivers for these devices can usually be downloaded and installed directly from the manufacturer's website.

Also, if you have a laptop, you should check the manufacturer's website for any updated files related to the laptop. For example, there's a known issue with an older DisplayLink User Mode Driver that certain laptops use. To update the DisplayLink driver you need to go to the manufacturer's site.

Use the uninstall troubleshooter to uninstall Microsoft 365, Office 2021, Office 2019, or Office 2016 from your Windows PC.

1. Select the button below to start the uninstall troubleshooter.

   Uninstall

2. Click Open if you get a pop-up window indicating This site is trying to open Get Help.

3. Follow the prompts on the remaining screens and when prompted, restart your computer.

4. Select the steps for the version of Office you want to install or reinstall.

   Microsoft 365 | Office 2024 | Office 2021 | Office 2019 | Office 2016