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Microsoft Word is a widely used application for creating documents. However, sometimes it may show an error message saying it “experienced an error” and stop working properly. This can be frustrating, especially when you are trying to finish an important task.

Fortunately, there are several simple ways to fix this issue in Windows 11. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow these solutions. Just take your time and follow the steps carefully.

This guide will walk you through easy-to-understand methods to resolve the Word error. By the end, you should be able to use Word without interruptions again.

Let’s get started with some quick checks before moving to the detailed fixes.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

• Save Your Work: If Word is still open, try to save your document to avoid losing data.
• Check for Updates: Sometimes, outdated software causes errors. Make sure Windows 11 and Microsoft Office are up to date.
• Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can fix many temporary issues in Windows.
• Close Other Programs: Running too many apps at once can cause conflicts. Close unused programs before opening Word again.

Step 1: Start Word in Safe Mode

Safe Mode opens Word without any add-ins or custom settings that might be causing the error.

1. Press Windows + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type winword /safe and press Enter.
3. If Word opens without errors, the problem is likely caused by an add-in.
4. To disable add-ins, go to File > Options > Add-ins.
5. At the bottom, select COM Add-ins and click Go.
6. Uncheck all add-ins and click OK.
7. Restart Word normally to see if the error is fixed.

Why this helps: Add-ins sometimes conflict with Word, causing errors. Safe Mode disables them to help identify the issue.

Step 2: Repair Microsoft Office

Repairing Office can fix corrupted files that cause errors in Word.

1. Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps or Apps > Apps & features.
3. Find Microsoft Office in the list and click the three dots next to it.
4. Select Modify.
5. Choose Quick Repair first and click Repair.
6. If the problem persists, repeat and select Online Repair (requires internet).

Why this helps: Repairing scans and fixes damaged Office program files, which can resolve many errors.

Step 3: Check for Conflicts with Antivirus Software

Sometimes antivirus programs mistakenly block Word features, causing errors.

1. Temporarily disable your antivirus software.
2. Try opening Word again.
3. If the error disappears, add Word or Office to the antivirus exceptions list.
4. Remember to enable your antivirus again after testing.

Why this helps: Antivirus can interfere with software operations. Allowing Word exceptions prevents this.

Step 4: Delete Word Data Registry Key

This step removes corrupted registry data that might be causing Word to fail. Please follow carefully.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes.
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice16.0WordData
4. Right-click on the Data folder and select Delete.
5. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
6. Open Word and check if the error is gone.

Note: The version number (16.0) corresponds to Office 2016 and later. If you have an older version, the number may differ.

Step 5: Create a New Windows User Profile

Sometimes user profile corruption causes Word errors. Creating a new profile can help.

1. Open Settings and go to Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click Add account under “Other users”.
3. Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, then Add a user without a Microsoft account.
4. Set a username and password for the new account.
5. Sign out of your current account and sign in to the new one.
6. Open Word and check if it works without error.

Why this helps: User profile issues can cause app errors. A new profile starts fresh without those problems.

Alternative Method: Use the Office Online Version

If you need to access Word immediately and the desktop app keeps failing, try the online version.

• Go to office.com.
• Sign in with your Microsoft account.
• Open Word online and continue your work from there.

This is a temporary workaround until your desktop app issues are resolved.

FAQs

Why does Word say it “experienced an error” on Windows 11?

This message appears when Word encounters a problem it cannot handle, often due to corrupted files, conflicting add-ins, or system issues.

Will reinstalling Office fix this error?

Reinstalling is an option but usually should be tried after repairing Office. Repair is quicker and often solves the problem without full reinstallation.

Can this error cause loss of my documents?

The error itself usually doesn’t delete files, but unsaved work can be lost if Word crashes. Always save your work frequently.

Is it safe to delete registry keys as shown?

Yes, but you should be careful. Deleting the specific Word Data key resets Word settings but does not harm your system. Backing up the registry before changes is recommended.

How do I update Office on Windows 11?

Open any Office app, go to File > Account > Update Options > Update Now to check and install updates.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Word still shows the error, here are your final options:

• Contact Microsoft Support: Visit Microsoft Support for professional help.
• Use System Restore: Restore your PC to a previous point when Word was working correctly. Search “Create a restore point” in Windows and follow instructions.
• Reinstall Microsoft Office: Uninstall Office completely via Settings > Apps, then download and install it fresh from your Microsoft account.
• Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes Windows fixes underlying issues that affect Office apps.

Conclusion

Facing the “Word experienced an error” message on Windows 11 can be annoying, but it is fixable. Starting with simple steps like running Word in Safe Mode and repairing Office often resolves the problem. It is important to understand that add-ins, corrupted files, or user profile issues are common causes.

If you proceed carefully through the steps outlined, you should find a solution that works for you. Remember to keep your software updated and save your documents frequently to avoid data loss. When all else fails, professional support and reinstalling Office remain reliable options.

By following this guide, you can get back to your work in Word with minimal downtime and frustration.