Unable to run Word, the repair option doesnt work

That error usually is not fixed by the Repair Now button in the dialog, because it typically performs only a quick repair. Use this order instead:

1. Restart Windows
   • Wait a few minutes, restart the PC, sign back in, and try Word again.
2. Run an Online Repair for Office
   • In Windows 11: right-click Start > Installed apps.
   • In Windows 10: right-click Start > Apps and Features.
   • Select Microsoft 365 or Office.
   • Choose Modify.
   • If prompted with repair choices:
     • For Click-to-Run, select Online Repair > Repair.
     • For MSI-based installs, select Repair > Continue.
   • Follow the on-screen steps, then restart the PC.
   Note: this repairs the entire Office suite, not just Word.
3. Start Word in Safe Mode to check add-ins
   • Press Windows + R.
   • Type winword /safe and press Enter.
   • If Word opens in Safe Mode, go to File > Options > Add-Ins.
   • In Manage, select the Word add-ins type, or choose COM Add-ins if no Word-specific option appears, then select Go.
   • Clear one add-in at a time, select OK, and restart Word normally after each change.
   • Older add-ins such as Abbyy FineReader, PowerWord, and Dragon Naturally Speaking are known to cause problems.
4. If Word does not open even in Safe Mode
   • The issue is less likely to be caused by add-ins.
   • Repair Office again if needed, or uninstall and reinstall Office.
   • Also make sure the latest device drivers are installed on the PC.
5. If the problem is only Word
   • A damaged Word options registry key can cause startup problems.
   • Before changing the registry, export the key as a backup.
   • The documented key is: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Word\Options
   • After backing it up, deleting the Options key and starting Word can reset damaged Word settings.
   Warning: editing the registry can cause system or application problems if done incorrectly. Export the key first so it can be restored.

If Online Repair does not fix it, the next supported path is uninstalling and reinstalling Office.

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