can't open word, PowerPoint or excel

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2026-08-29T15:13:33.8933333+00:00

Hi Microsoft team

I can't open Word, PowerPoint or Excel. Whenever I try to open any of these apps, I get a notification asking whether I want to Repair now, Help, or Close. What should I do about this issue?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | Other | Windows
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  1. Lester Bernard Reyes 84,725 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-29T15:47:29.7366667+00:00

    Hi, I'm Bernard. I'm happy to help!

    Kindly follow the steps provided in the AI answer to fix the issue. However, if the issue persists, I recommend reinstalling the Office app by following the steps below:

    Press the Windows key + R, then type in:

     

    appwiz.cpl

     

    Then hit OK

     

    Look for the Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 app > Right-click, then select Uninstall

    Follow the prompts to uninstall your Office app.

    Then reinstall your Office app by following the steps from the link below:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/download-install-or-reinstall-microsoft-365-or-office-2024-on-a-pc-or-mac-4414eaaf-0478-48be-9c42-23adc4716658

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-29T15:13:48.17+00:00

    Try this in order:

    1. Restart the PC, then try opening Word, Excel, or PowerPoint again.
    2. Run an Office repair:
      • Select Start and open Control Panel.
      • Go to Programs > Programs and Features.
      • Select the Office product.
      • Choose Change.
      • Select Quick Repair and then Repair.

    If the apps still fail to open, check whether an add-in is causing the problem:

    1. Start the app in Safe Mode:
      • Press Windows key + R.
      • Type one of these commands and press Enter:
        • winword /safe
        • excel /safe
        • powerpnt /safe
    2. If the app opens in Safe Mode:
      • Go to File > Options > Add-Ins.
      • In Manage, select the app add-ins or COM Add-ins, then select Go.
      • Clear one add-in at a time, select OK, and restart the app normally.
      • If the app opens normally after disabling one add-in, that add-in is the cause.

    If the app does not open in Safe Mode, repair Office again or uninstall and reinstall Office.

    If the error specifically says Office is busy or Unable to start Office, wait a few minutes first. If that continues, restart the PC and use the Microsoft uninstall troubleshooter to completely remove Office, then reinstall it. Note: the troubleshooter can’t uninstall Office 2024 and requires Windows 10 or later.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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