Safe Mode is a powerful troubleshooting feature in Windows that allows you to start your computer with only the essential files and drivers needed to run the operating system. If you encounter issues with Microsoft Word, opening it in Safe Mode can help you troubleshoot and resolve problems such as crashes or error messages. In this user-friendly guide, we will walk you through three different methods to open Microsoft Word in Safe Mode on Windows 11/10.
How to Open Microsoft Word in Safe Mode on Windows 11/10?
Method 1: Open Microsoft Word in Safe Mode via Run Command
Step 1. Close any open Word documents or instances of the program running on your computer to ensure a smooth transition to Safe Mode.
Step 2. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard or right-click on the Start button and select “Run” from the context menu to open the Run dialog box.
Step 3. In the Run dialog box, type “winword /safe” (without quotes) and click “OK.”
Step 4. Microsoft Word will launch in Safe Mode, which may take a few moments as only the necessary components load.
Step 5. Confirm that you have successfully opened Microsoft Word in Safe Mode by looking for the words “Safe Mode” in the top title bar of the application window.
Step 6. Now that Microsoft Word is open in Safe Mode, you can troubleshoot any problems you were experiencing without interference from conflicting add-ins or settings.
Step 7. If Microsoft Word works correctly in Safe Mode, the issue may be caused by an incompatible add-in or an incorrect setting. You can disable or uninstall add-ins one by one to identify the specific culprit. Additionally, review recent system setting changes that might have caused the problem.
Step 8. To exit Safe Mode and return to the regular mode of operation, close Microsoft Word and restart your computer. Once your computer restarts, you can open Word as you normally would, and it will operate with the default settings and configurations.
Method 2: Open Microsoft Word in Safe Mode by Holding the CTRL Key
Step 1. Press and hold the CTRL key on your keyboard.
Step 2. Double-click the Microsoft Word shortcut on your desktop or click its shortcut in the Start Menu or taskbar.
Step 3. A pop-up dialog will appear, asking if you want to start Word in safe mode. Release the CTRL key and click “Yes.”
Microsoft Word will start in Safe Mode, isolating any add-ins or settings that might be causing issues.
Method 3: Create a Desktop Shortcut to Always Open Microsoft Word in Safe Mode
Step 1. Right-click the Microsoft Word shortcut on your desktop.
Step 2. Select “Properties” from the pop-up menu.
Step 3. In the Properties window, click inside the Target textbox.
Step 4. After the last quotation mark, add a blank space followed by the parameter “/safe” (without quotes). The target path should look like this:-
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\WINWORD.EXE" /safe
Step 5. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
Conclusion
Opening Microsoft Word in Safe Mode on Windows 11/10 is a straightforward process that can help you troubleshoot and resolve issues with the application. Whether you prefer using the Run command, holding the CTRL key, or creating a desktop shortcut, these methods allow you to isolate problems caused by add-ins or settings. By following this user-friendly guide, you can effectively navigate Safe Mode and ensure a smooth experience while working with Microsoft Word.
