If you experience problems when you start Microsoft Word, safe mode helps narrow down the source of the problem. Because Word loads the registry data key, the Normal.dot template, and other add-ins or templates in the Office startup folder before you realize something is wrong, the source of the problem isn’t immediately apparent or readily accessible. Safe mode provides a different way to start Word that doesn’t load these elements.
How to Start Microsoft Windows in Safe Mode
To find out if the problem lies with any of the aforementioned components, follow these steps to start Word in safe mode:
Instructions in this article apply to Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013 on Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.
- Go to the Windows Start menu and select Run. Or, press the keyboard shortcut Windows key+R.
- Type winword /safe, then select OK. Or, press and hold the Ctrl key and double-click the Word shortcut.
- When Word opens, Safe Mode appears at the top of the window.
Find the Problem
If Word starts properly, then the problem lies in the registry data key or something in the Office startup folder. To troubleshoot Word, disable add-ins, use the Office Repair Utility, or delete the data registry subkey, as well, as this might be the cause of startup problems in Word.
Go to the Windows Start menu and select Run. Or, press the keyboard shortcut Windows key+R.
Type winword /safe, then select OK. Or, press and hold the Ctrl key and double-click the Word shortcut.
When Word opens, Safe Mode appears at the top of the window.
If Word doesn’t start correctly in safe mode, or if you don’t want to edit the registry, reinstall Word. Back up your settings first before making any changes to the registry.
For more help fixing registry data key problems, consult the Microsoft Word support page.
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