Blog

How to Fix Microsoft Word Has Run Into an Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Microsoft Word is one of the most widely used word processing applications. Sometimes, it may suddenly stop working and show an error message like “Microsoft Word has run into an error.” This can be frustrating, especially when you need to work on important documents.

Fortunately, there are simple steps you can follow to fix this error on Windows 11. These steps are designed for users with basic computer knowledge and will guide you through the troubleshooting process.

This article will help you understand why the error occurs and how to resolve it, starting from the easiest solutions to more advanced ones. By following these instructions carefully, you can get Word working again quickly.

Let’s begin with some quick things to check before diving into the more detailed steps.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes, outdated Windows files cause compatibility issues. Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date.
  • Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can fix temporary glitches.
  • Close Other Programs: Running many programs simultaneously can affect Word’s performance.
  • Check Internet Connection: Some Word features require internet access, so ensure your connection is stable.
  • Backup Your Documents: Before making changes, save and backup your important Word files to avoid data loss.

Step 1: Start Microsoft Word in Safe Mode

Starting Word in Safe Mode disables add-ins and customizations. This helps identify if an add-in is causing the error.

  1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type winword /safe and press Enter.
  3. Word will open in Safe Mode. Check if the error still appears.

If Word works fine in Safe Mode, the problem likely involves add-ins. You should disable or remove problematic add-ins.

How to Disable Add-ins

  1. Open Word normally.
  2. Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
  3. At the bottom, select COM Add-ins from the drop-down menu and click Go.
  4. Uncheck all add-ins and click OK.
  5. Restart Word and see if the error is resolved.
  6. If fixed, enable add-ins one by one to find the problematic one.

Step 2: Repair Microsoft Office

Repairing Office can fix corrupted files that may cause Word errors. There are two types of repairs: Quick Repair and Online Repair.

How to Perform Quick Repair

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
  3. Find Microsoft Office in the list and click the three dots next to it.
  4. Select Modify.
  5. Choose Quick Repair and click Repair.
  6. Wait for the process to finish, then restart your computer.

How to Perform Online Repair

If Quick Repair does not fix the problem, use Online Repair. This method reinstalls Office completely.

  1. Follow steps 1-4 from Quick Repair.
  2. Select Online Repair and click Repair.
  3. Make sure you have a stable internet connection during this process.
  4. After completion, restart your PC and try opening Word again.

Step 3: Update Microsoft Word

Running an outdated version of Word can cause errors due to compatibility issues with Windows 11. Keeping Word updated ensures you have the latest fixes.

  1. Open Word.
  2. Click File > Account.
  3. Under Product Information, click Update Options.
  4. Select Update Now.
  5. Allow Word to download and install updates.
  6. Restart Word after updating.

Step 4: Delete Word’s Normal.dotm Template

The Normal.dotm template stores default settings. If it becomes corrupted, Word may crash or show errors.

  1. Close Microsoft Word.
  2. Open File Explorer and paste this in the address bar:
    %appdata%MicrosoftTemplates
  3. Find the file named Normal.dotm.
  4. Right-click it and select Rename. Change the name to Normal.old.dotm.
  5. Restart Word. It will create a new Normal.dotm file automatically.

Step 5: Run Microsoft Office Troubleshooter

Microsoft offers a built-in troubleshooter that detects and fixes common Office problems automatically.

  1. Download the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant from the official Microsoft website.
  2. Run the tool and select Word from the list.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and fix issues.

Alternative and Advanced Options

  • Create a New User Profile: Sometimes, user profiles get corrupted. Creating a new Windows user account can help check if Word works properly there.
  • Check for Conflicting Software: Antivirus programs or third-party apps might interfere with Word. Temporarily disable them to test.
  • Reinstall Microsoft Office: Uninstalling and reinstalling Office can fix deep corruption issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Microsoft Word keep showing “has run into an error”?

This error can happen due to corrupted files, problematic add-ins, outdated software, or conflicts with other programs.

Will repairing Office delete my documents?

No, repairing Office does not delete your Word files. It only fixes program files.

How do I prevent this error from happening again?

Keep Word and Windows updated, avoid installing suspicious add-ins, and regularly back up your documents.

Can I recover unsaved documents after the error?

Yes, Word’s AutoRecover feature may help you recover unsaved files. Open Word and look for document recovery options.

Is Safe Mode permanent?

No, Safe Mode is a temporary mode used for troubleshooting. Word will open normally next time unless you specifically start it in Safe Mode.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Microsoft Word still shows an error, consider the following options:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for personalized help.
  • Use Online Word: Access Microsoft Word Online through your browser as a temporary solution.
  • Check System Integrity: Run Windows System File Checker by opening Command Prompt as administrator and typing sfc /scannow. This will check for corrupted system files.
  • Consider a System Restore: If the problem started recently, restoring your PC to an earlier point may fix the issue.

Conclusion

“Microsoft Word has run into an error” on Windows 11 can be fixed by following a series of simple troubleshooting steps. Starting with Safe Mode and disabling add-ins helps identify the cause. Repairing Office and updating Word ensure program files are intact and current.

Deleting the Normal.dotm template and using Microsoft’s troubleshooter can resolve deeper issues. If problems persist, advanced options like creating a new user profile or reinstalling Office may be necessary.

Always remember to keep your software updated and back up your documents regularly. With patience and these clear steps, you can get Word running smoothly again.

Leave a Reply