How to Fix Microsoft Word Won’t Open on Mac

How to Fix Microsoft Word Won’t Open on MacMicrosoft Word is one of the most widely used word processing tools, and it is an essential tool for Mac users who need to create and edit documents, reports, and other written content. However, sometimes Microsoft Word won't open on your Mac, and this can be frustrating and time-consuming. Fortunately, there are several ways you can fix this issue and get back to work. In this article, we'll show you how to fix Microsoft Word won’t open on Mac.

Verify System Requirements

Before trying any other solutions, you should first check if your Mac and Microsoft Word versions are compatible. Make sure that your Mac has enough disk space and memory to run the program. If your Mac or Microsoft Word is outdated, you may need to upgrade to a new version or purchase a new one.

Update Microsoft Word

The first thing you should do if Microsoft Word is not opening on your Mac is to check for any available updates. Microsoft regularly releases updates to fix bugs and improve performance, so it's important to keep your software up to date. To check for updates, open Microsoft Word, click on "Help" in the menu bar, and select "Check for Updates." If there is an update available, download and install it.

Run Microsoft Word in Safe Mode

If Microsoft Word still won't open after updating, you can try starting it in Safe Mode. Safe Mode is a troubleshooting mode that disables all add-ins and customizations, allowing you to isolate and troubleshoot any issues. To start Microsoft Word in Safe Mode, hold down the "Shift" key while opening the app.

Disable Any Add-ins or Customizations

If Microsoft Word opens in Safe Mode, the problem may be with an add-in or customization. To identify and disable any problematic add-ins or customizations, go to "Preferences" in the menu bar, select "Add-Ins," and uncheck any add-ins that are causing issues.

Repair Microsoft Word

If running Microsoft Word in Safe Mode and disabling add-ins and customizations do not fix the issue, you may need to repair the software. Microsoft Word has a built-in repair tool that can fix any issues with the program. To use the repair tool, go to "Applications" in Finder, right-click on Microsoft Word, and select "Get Info." Click on "Open in 32-bit mode," and then click on "Repair" to start the repair process.

Uninstall and Reinstall Microsoft Word

If none of the above solutions work, you may need to uninstall and reinstall Microsoft Word. To do this, go to "Applications" in Finder, drag the Microsoft Word app to the Trash, and then empty the Trash. After uninstalling, download a new copy of Microsoft Word from the Microsoft website and install it on your Mac.

There you have it - several solutions to fix Microsoft Word won't open on Mac. By following these steps, you can troubleshoot and fix any issues with Microsoft Word quickly and easily. Remember to always keep your software up to date and free of unnecessary add-ins and customizations to ensure optimal performance.