How to fix
“We’re sorry, but Word has run into an error”
on Windows

Hi, I recently encountered an issue where every time I try to open Microsoft Word on my Windows computer, I receive an error message stating, "We're sorry, but Word has run into an error that is preventing it from working correctly." It's really hindering my ability to work on my documents.

With its collection of productivity tools, Microsoft Office is an integral component of the modern workspace. Word in particular is essential for document creation. Nevertheless, on Windows platforms, issues with Word might occasionally cause users' workflows to be interrupted.

A notable example of such disruptions is the error message: "We're 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 it now?"

This message can appear suddenly, and choosing to repair might not always resolve the issue permanently. There's a high chance that the error will recur and the active document will crash again.

The root causes of the "We're sorry, but Word has run into an error" vary, ranging from outdated software versions to conflicts with add-ins or even deeper issues within the Windows operating system. Such problems can hinder the smooth operation of Word, affecting productivity and potentially leading to data loss.

A number of actions could be taken to address this problem. It is essential to update Windows and the Office suite frequently because identified problems are frequently resolved in these updates. While the compatibility troubleshooter can find and correct system compatibility issues, the Office repair tool can resolve problems inside the Office installation itself.

In some instances, these errors in Word may signal underlying issues within the Windows environment that are not immediately apparent. For a comprehensive solution, employing a professional PC repair app [d1] can be effective. These tools are designed to automatically diagnose and rectify a wide array of Windows problems, ensuring that your system, and by extension Word, operates smoothly without frequent errors.

Fix 1. Install all available Windows updates

Windows updates often include patches that fix common bugs and improve system stability, which can resolve issues with Word crashing.

• In Windows search, type Updates and press Enter.
• Click Check for updates and wait till Windows installs update.
• Make sure you also install all optional updates if such are available.
• To implement the changes, reboot your system.

Fix 2. Update Word

Outdated versions of Word might contain bugs that cause errors. Updating Word to the latest version can resolve these issues by applying the latest fixes and improvements.

• Open Microsoft Word and navigate to File.
• From the file menu, select Account.
• Under Product Information, locate and click on Update Options.
• From the dropdown list, select Update Now. The program will then check for available updates and install them.

Fix 3. Use the Online repair feature for Office apps

The Online Repair feature fixes all aspects of an Office installation. It's more comprehensive than the quick repair and can resolve persistent issues.

• Open Control Panel.
• Select Programs > Programs and Features.
• Select Microsoft Office and click on Change.
• Choose the option for Online Repair and click Repair.
• Follow the prompts to finish the process.

Fix 4. Run Program Compatibility troubleshooter

The Program Compatibility troubleshooter can automatically detect and fix problems with apps running on Windows, including Office apps like Word.

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and press Enter.
• On the right side of the window, click Additional troubleshooters/Other troubleshooters.
• Scroll down and select Program Compatibility troubleshooter.
• Click Run the troubleshooter/Run.
• Wait for the troubleshooter to finish.
• Restart your system once done.

Fix 5. Disable add-ins in Word

Add-ins can enhance Word but sometimes cause conflicts leading to errors. Disabling them can help identify if an add-in is the source of the problem.

• Open Word.
• Click on File > Options.
• Select Add-Ins in the left pane.
• At the bottom, next to Manage, select COM Add-ins and click Go.
• Uncheck all the boxes to disable all add-ins.
• Click OK and restart Word.

Fix 6. Reinstall Office

If all else fails, reinstalling Office can provide a fresh start, potentially resolving persistent errors.

• Right-click on Start and pick Apps and Features/Installed apps.
• Scroll down to find the MS Office installation.
• Click Uninstall and confirm with Uninstall.
• Follow on-screen instructions to remove the app completely.
• Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
• Navigate to the following location and delete its contents:
  C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office
• Next, type regedit in Windows search and press Enter.
• Go to the following locations in the Registry Editor and delete these items:
  Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\AppVISV
  Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\ClickToRun
  Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office
• Reboot the PC and then reinstall Microsoft Office.