How To: Repair Microsoft Office When an App Won't Open

Summary

Learn how to repair Microsoft Office on Windows or Mac when Word, Excel, Outlook, or another app crashes or won't open.

Body

Learn how to fix Microsoft Office when Word, Excel, Outlook, or another app crashes or won't open.

First, restart your computer and check for updates. That fixes a lot of problems.

Windows

1

Open installed apps

Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.

2

Find Microsoft 365

Find Microsoft 365 (or Microsoft Office), select More options (…), then Modify.

3

Run Quick Repair

Choose Quick Repair and select Repair. If that doesn't fix it, repeat and choose Online Repair.

Mac

Quit the app, move it to the Trash, and reinstall it. See Installing Microsoft Office on Your Personal Device.

On an NCU computer?

You may not have permission to repair or reinstall Office yourself. Contact the IT Service Desk instead.

Get help

Submit a request through Operating System or Software Support, call the IT Service Desk at 612.343.4170, or visit Miller Hall 226.

Details

Details

Article ID: 165314
Created
Mon 10/19/26 12:44 PM
Modified
Mon 10/19/26 12:46 PM
Audience
Employees
Students