Office 2013 is a widely used productivity suite, but sometimes it may stop working properly on Windows 10. This can be frustrating, especially when you rely on Office apps for your daily tasks.
Fortunately, there are simple troubleshooting steps you can follow to resolve most issues. These steps are designed to be easy and clear, even if you are not very tech-savvy.
This guide will walk you through the process from basic checks to more advanced solutions. By the end, you should be able to get Office 2013 running smoothly again.
Let’s get started with some quick tips before diving into detailed troubleshooting.
Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks
Before trying any fixes, make sure of the following:
- Windows 10 is updated: Keeping your system updated helps prevent compatibility issues.
- Office 2013 license is valid: An expired or invalid license can cause Office apps not to open.
- Close all Office apps: Sometimes, multiple Office programs running in the background cause conflicts.
- Backup your important Office files: To avoid any data loss during troubleshooting.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
It may sound simple, but restarting your PC can fix many temporary glitches. When Windows restarts, it clears memory and stops any stuck processes that might block Office applications.
How to restart:
- Click the Start menu (Windows icon) at the bottom left of your screen.
- Select Power and then click Restart.
- Wait for your computer to reboot fully.
- Try opening any Office 2013 app again.
Step 2: Run Office 2013 as Administrator
Sometimes Office needs extra permission to run properly, especially if Windows updates changed system settings.
To run Office as an administrator:
- Find the Office app icon (e.g., Word 2013) on your desktop or Start menu.
- Right-click the icon and select Run as administrator.
- Click Yes if a User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.
- Check if the app opens without errors.
Step 3: Repair Office 2013 Installation
Office files may become corrupted over time. Repairing the installation can fix missing or damaged files without reinstalling everything.
How to repair:
- Press
Windows + Rkeys to open the Run dialog box. - Type
appwiz.cpland press Enter to open Programs and Features. - Scroll down and find Microsoft Office 2013 in the list.
- Select it and click Change at the top.
- Choose Quick Repair first and click Repair.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- If the problem persists, repeat and choose Online Repair (this takes longer and requires internet).
Step 4: Disable Add-ins in Office Apps
Sometimes third-party add-ins cause Office to freeze or crash. Disabling them can help identify the problem.
To disable add-ins:
- Open any Office 2013 app (e.g., Word) in Safe Mode by holding
Ctrlwhile launching the app, then click Yes when prompted. - Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
- At the bottom, set the Manage box to COM Add-ins and click Go.
- Uncheck all add-ins and click OK.
- Close and restart the app normally to see if it works correctly.
Step 5: Check for Windows and Office Updates
Microsoft regularly releases updates to fix bugs and improve compatibility. Running the latest updates often resolves issues.
To update Windows:
- Open Settings from the Start menu.
- Click Update & Security.
- Select Windows Update and click Check for updates.
- Install any available updates and restart your PC if prompted.
To update Office 2013:
- Open any Office 2013 app.
- Go to File > Account (or Office Account).
- Click Update Options > Update Now.
- Allow Office to download and install updates.
Step 6: Reinstall Office 2013
If none of the above steps work, reinstalling Office may be necessary. This ensures a fresh installation without corrupted files.
How to reinstall:
- Uninstall Office 2013 by going to
appwiz.cpl(Programs and Features), selecting Office, and clicking Uninstall. - Restart your computer.
- Use your original Office 2013 installation media or download the installer from Microsoft’s official site.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Office.
- Activate Office using your license key.
FAQs
Why does Office 2013 keep crashing on Windows 10?
Crashes can occur due to corrupted files, incompatible add-ins, outdated software, or conflicts with recent Windows updates.
Can I use Office 2013 on the latest Windows 10 updates?
Yes, but sometimes Office 2013 may need updates or repairs to work smoothly with new Windows versions.
Will repairing Office delete my documents?
No. Repairing Office only fixes program files and settings. Your documents remain safe.
What if Office prompts for activation repeatedly?
This usually means a license issue. Make sure your product key is valid and that you are signed in with the correct Microsoft account.
Is it possible to upgrade Office 2013 to a newer version?
Yes, Microsoft offers newer versions like Office 2019 or Microsoft 365 subscriptions that you can purchase and install.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the steps above and Office 2013 still does not work on Windows 10, here are some final options:
- Visit the official Microsoft Support page for guided assistance.
- Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant tool which can automatically diagnose and fix Office issues.
- Consider upgrading to a newer version of Office to ensure full compatibility with Windows 10.
- Seek help from a professional IT technician if the problem is complex.
Conclusion
Office 2013 not working on Windows 10 can be fixed by following a series of straightforward troubleshooting steps. Starting with simple actions like restarting your PC and running Office as administrator can resolve many issues.
Repairing the Office installation and disabling problematic add-ins often fix deeper problems. Keeping Windows and Office updated is essential for smooth performance.
If problems persist, reinstalling Office or using Microsoft’s support tools can help. Remember to back up your files before making major changes.
By carefully following this guide, you should be able to restore your Office 2013 programs and get back to work without hassle.