Winword.exe Error – Here Are The Best Fixes for You

Jack

By Jack

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Winword.exe

Are you experiencing a winword.exe error and are frustrated? Don’t worry about it because this article’s content explains the most practical fixes.

So, keep reading this article and find out how to overcome this annoying issue easily.

Introduction to Winword.exe Error 

Winword.exe Error 

There is absolutely no doubt about the popularity of Microsoft Word. It is a well-known word-processing application that is widely used across the globe.

Well, MS Word is a part of the Microsoft Office suite package (often called “Office Package”).

Although it is known as a pretty solid application, it tends to experience some issues once in a while. Winword.exe error is one of those issues, and let’s learn about it before moving to the solutions.

When Microsoft Word is running, an executable called “Winword.exe” runs in the background and is visible in the Task Manager.

However, when you try to launch Word, you may end up seeing a Winword.exe error. That will be followed by another error code as well. As the issue appears as a Winword.exe error, you will be prevented from using the MS Word application.

More importantly, it may appear due to a number of things, including malware, corrupted installation, or corrupted system files.

PS: if you are experiencing the issues like Microsoft Word not responding, here are the top solutions for you.


Reasons Behind Winword.exe Error

Below are some reasons that can trigger the winword.exe errors on your computer.

  • Errors in the installation of the Office suite.
  • All user profiles, in this case, come with their own configurations that are stored locally. That is to allow a personalized experience for each user. You won’t be able to run the app if any of these files are corrupt.
  • Your computer’s antivirus software may mistakenly identify the Office suite as a threat. As a result, it can block Word’s operations.
  • Your computer system has DLLs for each Microsoft component. You will be unable to run any of the suite’s applications if any of these are corrupt.
  • The winword.exe application error can occur if any of the Microsoft Office suite’s components are outdated or corrupted.
  • Malware can also be disguised as winword.exe error messages and target the user. In this case, a thorough antivirus scan should be performed.

We’ve several options in terms of solutions to fix the winword.exe error. The last resort, however, is to reinstall the Office suite. Before proceeding with the solutions, ensure your PC is connected to a solid internet connection. Also, you should have administrator privileges.

Besides, if you are looking for Microsoft Office 2013 product key for free, this guide is just for you.


Top 8 Solutions to Fix the Winword.exe Error

Solution 01: Perform a Virus Scan

To start with, you should scan your computer in full. This is required to identify and remove various malware issues.

The good news is that you can even use Windows Defender antivirus in addition to a third-party virus guard. Let’s learn how to use it.

  • Open the system’s Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  • Now, in the right pane, you should click on the option called Update & Security and choose Windows Security. Afterward, you should go to the Virus & Threat Protection option to proceed.
  • Now, click on the option called “New Advanced Scan.” After that, select “Full scan” and press the button labeled “Scan Now.”
Perform a Virus Scan

It’ll begin scanning all of your files. Also, you should note that it will take a little longer to be completed. All you need is to be patient until it’s completed. Check if the winword.exe error is resolved.

Solution 02: Update Windows OS

If truth to be told, Microsoft has come to know about the winword.exe issue and offered fixes with updates.

So, if your system isn’t updated for quite a while, you should do so immediately. If you want to learn how to do that, follow the steps below.

  • Go to the Windows Settings menu.
  • Now, click Update & Security and choose Windows Update. It can be done with the left menu.  
  • Go ahead and click on the option labeled “Check for Updates” to proceed.
Update Windows OS

If you see any new updates, you should follow the instructions displayed to install them. Once that is done, restart the PC and reopen Windows Word. You can see if you have solved the issue.

Solution 03: Repair the Office Installation

It was previously mentioned that the Winword.exe error could trigger a corrupt installation file. So, you may repair the installation file to see if it can fix the issue.

Mentioned below are the steps.

  • Click Programs and choose the option called “Programs and Features.” It is located in Control Panel.
  • You can find a list of programs under this list. The option “Change” can be found by right-clicking on the Office program. Click on it.
  • Select Quick Repair from the menu that appears and click on the option labeled “Repair.”
Repair the Office Installation

That’s it. Try to launch Microsoft Word and see if the issue is gone.

Solution 04: Check If You Have any Problematic Applications

If you have problematic applications installed on your PC, that could be another reason for the winword.exe error.

There are many software applications that can cause problems with your installation’s permissions and several other aspects. As a result, that will prevent you from using the Office suite.

So, if you have installed a problematic application, you should check them. Some users claimed that Adobe Acrobat was interfering with the Office suite and ended up with the error message.

In this case, please go to the application manager and uninstall the application. Once the changes are done, you can restart your computer.

Check if you have any problematic applications

Solution 05: Restart winword.exe 

If none of the above solutions have worked, use the task manager to restart the ‘winword’ process. If you use an older version of Windows, the process will appear as ‘winword.’

However, in newer versions, it appears simply as Microsoft Word. Regardless, you should complete the process and relaunch the respective Office application.

  • Press the “Windows” key along with the “R” key simultaneously, and then enter “taskmgr” in the dialogue box.
  • Locate the process in the task manager, right-click it, and select the “End Task” option.
  • Launch Word to see if the error is fixed.
Restart winword.exe 

Solution 06: Perform an SFC Scanning Process

As mentioned before, damaged system files can prevent WinWord from functioning properly. In that case, go for an SFC scan. With that, the system can replace those problematic files with new ones. 

  • To open the Run dialog, you should simultaneously press the “Windows” key and “R” keys.
  • To run Command Prompt with administrator privileges, enter the text cmd. Then hit Ctrl” + “Shift along with the “Enter” key.
  • Now, to run the respective command, type sfc /scannow. After that, press Enter to proceed.
Perform an SFC Scanning Process

Make sure that you do not interrupt the ongoing scan. That will take around 15 minutes. Once that is completed, restart the PC. Then, check if you can start Word. If you don’t get the error winword.exe, that’s done. 

However, if it fails, launch Command Prompt. Make sure you do it with administrative privileges.

Then, you should restart the computer and run the DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /restorehealth. Then, if required, run the SFC scan once again.

Solution 07: Reinstall Office Package

You can consider reinstalling the Office suite if none of the other options work. The previous methods can address minor glitches, but this solution will fix deeper, complex issues.

So, you’ll need to uninstall the currently installed package first. Then you can then proceed with a new installation. That should be done after removing all the temporary files.

Please note that you must have your activation key with you. You will have to provide the key again because we will reinstall the application.

  • Press Windows + R to invoke the Run utility and enter “appwiz.cpl” in it.
  • Now, locate the Microsoft Office entry in the application manager. You should perform right-click on it and choose the option called “Uninstall” to proceed.
Reinstall Office Package
  • Now, follow the onscreen instructions to uninstall Office completely.
  • Now you have two options; put your Office CD in or run the installer. Either way should work.
  • Check if the issue is resolved.

Solution 08: Go for a System Restore

Did you enable system restore previously? If so, it is a smart move to address any unexpected issues. So, if all of the above solutions have failed, you can use a system restoration to overcome it.  Please follow below simple guide if you want to perform a system restore.

  • To open the Search bar, hit Windows + S.
  • Now, choose “Restore” from the drop-down menu. From the search results that appeared, create a restore point.
  • You should go to the tab labeled “System Protection” and click on “System Restore.” Hit Next to proceed.
Go for a System Restore
  • Select the desired restore point so you can proceed to the next step. To complete it, you can follow the onscreen instructions, which are very easy.

Please note that you can use the “Scan for affected programs” feature at this stage. It becomes handy when checking the removed features or elements during the restoration. After that, you may reinstall those programs.


Conclusion

Encountering the winword.exe error can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can overcome it. In this article, we have explored various methods to fix the winword.exe error in Microsoft Word.

Remember to start with simple solutions like restarting your computer and updating Microsoft Word. If those don’t work, proceed to more advanced solutions like repairing the installation, running System File Checker, and disabling add-ins.

Always exercise caution when modifying the registry and consider seeking professional assistance if needed. Reinstalling Microsoft Word and seeking technical support are the final options if all else fails.

FAQs

Q1. What causes the winword.exe error in Microsoft Word?

The winword.exe error can be caused by various factors, including corrupted system files, incompatible add-ins, malware infections, or issues with the Microsoft Office installation.

Q2. Can I fix the winword.exe error by restarting my computer?

Restarting your computer can help resolve temporary glitches and conflicts that may be causing the winword.exe error. It’s recommended to try this simple solution before proceeding with other troubleshooting steps.

Q3. How can I disable add-ins in Microsoft Word?

To disable add-ins in Microsoft Word, go to the “File” tab, select “Options,” and choose “Add-Ins.” From the list of add-ins, disable all the checkboxes and restart Microsoft Word.

Q4. Is it safe to modify the Windows Registry to fix the winword.exe error?

Modifying the Windows Registry requires caution and technical knowledge. It’s advisable to create a backup of your registry or seek assistance from a knowledgeable professional.

Q5. What should I do if none of the troubleshooting steps work?

If none of the troubleshooting steps work, it’s recommended to seek technical support from the Microsoft Office support team or visit their official support website for further assistance.

Jack
Jack

Ten years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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