Many times, it’s not easy to narrow down the source of the problem. For instance, Word loads elements like the Normal.dot template, registry data key, and other templates or add-ins in the Office startup folder. You can start Word or Excel in safe mode without such elements so you can narrow down what’s causing the problem. Safe mode is helpful when Word or Excel keeps crashing, or the files are corrupted and won’t open in normal mode. In this guide, we’ll show you how to open Word and Excel in safe mode so you can recover your files and continue with your work.
What Happens When You Start Word or Excel in Safe Mode
Opening Word or Excel in safe mode is different from Windows safe mode. In the latter, the whole operating system restarts without some startup software and third-party drivers that can cause issues. See our guides on how to boot into safe mode in all versions of Windows and how to boot up and use a Mac in safe mode. If you open Word or Excel in safe mode, the following restrictions apply, though not to all Office apps:
You can’t save any templates.Recovered documents won’t open automatically.All command-line options except /a and /n will be ignored.You can’t save preferences.Additional programs and features won’t load automatically.You can’t create or open documents with restricted permission.You can’t save files to the Alternate Startup Directory.In Microsoft SharePoint Workspace, features like task scheduler, messaging, notification, awareness, and synchronization will be disabled.The autocorrect list won’t load and won’t save changes.Command bar or toolbar customizations won’t load and can’t be saved.The last used Web site won’t open in Microsoft Office SharePoint Designer.
How to Open Word or Excel in Safe Mode
You can open Word or Excel in Safe Mode using:
Keyboard shortcutCommand argumentCortana or Windows search boxDesktop shortcut
Open Word/Excel in Safe Mode Using a Keyboard Shortcut
You can quickly open Word or Excel in safe mode using a keyboard shortcut.
Open Safe Mode Using a Command Argument
You can also open Word or Exvel in safe mode using a command argument.
Open Word or Excel in Safe Mode Using Cortana or Windows Search Box
Instead of using the Run prompt, you can use Cortana or Windows search box to open either program in safe mode.
Open Word or Excel in Safe Mode Using a Desktop Shortcut
If you want a quicker way to open either program in safe mode without using commands or the keyboard shortcut, you can create a desktop shortcut for that. Note: If Word or Excel starts properly in safe mode, the issue could be with the Office startup folder or the registry data key. You can resolve these issues by editing the registry, reinstalling Word or Excel, or using Office Repair Utility. If the issue isn’t resolved while in safe mode, you may have a problem with Windows, hardware issue, malware, or other meddlesome problem. To leave safe mode, close Word or Excel and launch each of the applications normally.
How About Automated Safe Mode?
Files start in automated safe mode when an Office application doesn’t start due to specific issues like a buggy extension or add-in, corrupted template, file, registry, or corrupted resource. A message will appear to identify the problem and ask you if you want to disable the problematic part of the application. If you still have issues with the application, automated safe mode may have prompted you to disable more functionality that could prevent the app from opening normally. To view the list of Disabled Items: To stop safe mode, exit Word or Excel and launch them again normally.
Find the Problem
If you can’t open Word or Excel in safe mode or have recurring issues opening them in normal mode, you can troubleshoot or fix Office problems with Repair. Alternatively, check out our guide on the best alternatives to Microsoft Office. Leave a comment and let us know if you found this guide helpful.
