3 Fixes for Microsoft Word Not Working on Mac

Quick Tips

• Like other apps, Word holds the details of all the customizations that you make like keyboard shortcuts, into a specific preference file. You can relocate those files temporarily by deleting them.
• Open Disk Utility > First Aid > Run > Continue.
• 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.

Basic Fixes

• Check OneDrive Storage: By default, your Word files are saved in OneDrive. So you should have sufficient storage on your account.
• Remove symbols from file name: A few symbols might not be supported for file names by Microsoft Word on your Mac.
• Force quit and relaunch Word: Click on Finder at the top-right corner > Force Quit > Choose
• Update or reinstall Word on Mac: Download the latest version of the app from the Mac App Store.

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 the Finder app > Go > Go to Folder.

A search box will appear on your screen.

Step 2: In the search box, type ~/Library and then hit Return.

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

Step 4: Click on Containers folder from the list of folders.

Step 5: When the folder opens, use the search box in the top-right corner, type in com.microsoft.Word.plist and then hit Return.

Step 6: Select the file and then drag it towards the recycle bin to 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: Open Disk Utility on your Mac.

Step 2: In the Disk Utility window, click on the First Aid option.

Step 3: Click on Run to start First Aid > Click on Continue.

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 Down your 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 on Continue 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 to delete a Word document on your Mac.