3 Fixes for Microsoft Word Not Working on Mac

Paurush dabbles around iOS and Mac while his close encounters are with Android and Windows. Before becoming a writer, he produced videos for brands like Mr. Phone and Digit. On weekends, he is a full-time cinephile trying to reduce his never-ending watchlist, often making it longer.

Basic Fixes

Fix 1: Remove Microsoft Word Preference Files

Like other apps, Word holds the details of all the customizations that you make like keyboard shortcuts, in to a specific preference file. You can relocate this preference file temporarily and relaunch Microsoft Word if using it without any customizations or changes helps. Follow these steps.

Step 1:Open theFinder app > Go > Go to Folder.

A search box will appear on your screen.

Step 2:In the search box, type~/Libraryand then hitReturn.

Step 3:Select thefirst result that appearsin the search box because that’s usually the location you’d want to open.

Step 4:Click onContainersfolder from the list of folders.

Step 5:When the folder opens, use the search box in the top-right corner, type incom.microsoft.Word.plistand then hitReturn.

Step 6:Select the file and thendrag it towards the recycle binto delete it.

Fix 2: Run Disk Utility

Too much of random app installation or moving large files could impact the disk performance of your Mac. Especially if you are using the cache and unwanted system files cleaner apps. The best way to check for any storage related errors is to use the Disk Utility. Follow these steps to fix any storage errors leading to Microsoft Word not working on Mac.

Step 1: OpenDisk Utilityon your Mac.

Step 2:In the Disk Utility window, click on theFirst Aidoption.

Step 3:Click onRunto start First Aid > Click onContinue.

After the Disk Utility runs and repairs the disk errors, close the wind

Fix 3: Boot Your Mac in Safe Mode

You can attempt to boot your Mac in the Safe Mode to investigate if any third-party app or service is preventing Microsoft Word from working properly. The Safe Mode basically enables only system services disables any kind of third-party app or service from launching automatically. That’s a good option to investigate. Here’s how you can use it.

For M1 Mac users

If you use a MacBook model with Apple Silicon M1 chip inside, booting your Mac in the Safe Mode is pretty easy.

Step 1: Shut Downyour Mac.

Step 2:After your Mac shuts down, press and then hold down the Power Button till you see startup options –Macintosh HD and Options.

Step 3:Select the Macintosh HD, hold down the Shift key and then click onContinue in Safe Mode.

Step 4:After your Mac restarts in the Safe mode, open the Microsoft Word app to check if it is working.

For Intel Mac Users

For those using Intel-chip based MacBooks, you’ll have to follow a slightly different process.

Step 1:Restart your Mac.

Step 2:Press and hold the Shift key the moment your Mac restarts.

Step 3:Release the Shift key once you see the login window on your screen.

Tip:Learn how todelete a Word document on your Mac.

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Last updated on 25 July, 2024

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