Microsoft

Fix Microsoft Word Restarting Issues and Get Back to Work

Md Sojib Mia

— 3 min read
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An office worker looks stressed while working on a computer with Microsoft Word open.

If Microsoft Word keeps restarting, it can severely disrupt your workflow. This issue is often due to software conflicts, corrupted files, or outdated software. Fortunately, by following specific troubleshooting steps, you can resolve the problem and restore your productivity.

What causes Microsoft Word to keep restarting?

Microsoft Word can restart for several reasons, including:

  • Software Conflicts: Incompatible add-ins or other programs running simultaneously can cause Word to crash and restart.
  • Corrupted Files: A corrupted document or template can trigger frequent restarts.
  • Outdated Software: Using an outdated version of Microsoft Word or Windows may lead to stability issues.
  • Insufficient System Resources: Low memory or CPU resources can result in unexpected behavior from applications like Word.

These problems may manifest through a crash with an error message or simply a sudden restart without warning.

How to troubleshoot Microsoft Word restarting issues

To fix the issue with Microsoft Word restarting, follow these steps:

  1. Check for Updates - Open Word and go to File > Account > Update Options > Update Now. - Ensure that Word is up to date; an update can resolve known bugs.
  2. Disable Add-ins - Go to File > Options > Add-ins. - At the bottom, select COM Add-ins from the drop-down menu and click Go. - Uncheck all add-ins and click OK. Restart Word to see if the issue is resolved.
  3. Repair Microsoft Office - Open Control Panel > Programs and Features. - Find Microsoft Office in the list, right-click it, and select Change. - Choose Repair and follow the prompts to repair your Office installation.
  4. Start Word in Safe Mode - Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. - Type winword /safe and hit Enter. This starts Word without add-ins. - If it works fine in Safe Mode, the issue is likely related to add-ins.
A computer screen displays the update options for Microsoft Word.

How to verify if the issue is resolved

After applying the fixes, check if Microsoft Word is functioning correctly:

  1. Open Word normally and start a new document.
  2. Try to use features you previously had issues with, such as saving or opening files.
  3. Monitor if Word restarts unexpectedly. If it does not restart after these tests, the issue is likely resolved.

How to prevent Microsoft Word from restarting in the future

To minimize the chances of Word restarting again, consider these preventive measures:

  • Keep Software Updated: Regularly check for updates for both Microsoft Word and your operating system to avoid issues caused by outdated software.
  • Limit Add-ins: Only use necessary add-ins, as they can often conflict with Word's functionality.
  • Run Regular Maintenance: Perform regular system checks and cleanups to ensure your computer has sufficient resources.

What to do if none of the solutions work?

If you’ve tried all the above solutions and Microsoft Word still keeps restarting, consider these options:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: They can provide advanced troubleshooting and support.
  • Reinstall Microsoft Office: As a last resort, uninstall and then reinstall Office. Make sure to back up important documents before doing this.
  • Consider a Clean Installation of Windows: If the issue persists across multiple applications, a clean install may be necessary, but this step should only be taken after all other options have been exhausted.
An office worker is seen reinstalling Microsoft Word on a laptop.

Conclusion

If Microsoft Word continues to restart after following these steps, seeking professional help or considering a reinstall may be necessary. Regular maintenance and updates can help prevent similar issues in the future. Always keep backups of your important documents to avoid data loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if Word keeps crashing with no error message?

Try starting Word in Safe Mode to see if the issue persists. If it doesn't, the problem may be related to add-ins or settings.

Can I recover unsaved documents after a restart?

Yes, Word has an AutoRecover feature that may help recover unsaved documents after a crash.

Will reinstalling Microsoft Word fix the restarting issue?

Reinstalling can resolve many issues, but it's best to try other troubleshooting steps first.

How often should I update Microsoft Word?

You should check for updates regularly, ideally monthly, to ensure you have the latest fixes and features.

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