Run Microsoft Word or other office apps in safe mode

Run Microsoft Word or other office apps in safe mode

Problem

Microsoft Word fails to launch correctly or not at all.

Resolution

Use one of the method below to launch Microsoft Word in safe mode to enable further troubleshooting.

Method 1: by mouse and keyboard

  1. Hold down the control key.
  2. Whilst control is held down double click to open the Microsoft Word desktop icon.
  3. When prompted to run Word in safe mode click the “Yes” button.

Method 2: using the run command

  1. Right click the Start button and choose “Run” in the menu, or use Windows+R hotkey instead.
  2. At the prompt enter this command line and then click “OK” button or press ENTER.
Winword.exe /safe
  1. Then the application will run to enable further troubleshooting.
Note

Other app command line shown below:

For Excel: Type excel /safe, and click OK.
For Outlook: outlook /safe
For PowerPoint: powerpnt /safe
For Publisher: mspub /safe
For Visio: visio /safe

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