To open Word in Safe Mode, hold down the Ctrl key while you open Word, then click Yes when it asks whether to start in safe mode. You can also press Windows + R, type winword /safe, and press Enter. Safe Mode starts Word without add-ins, customizations or startup templates, which makes it the fastest way to find out whether one of those is causing crashes or freezes.
Quick Answer
Hold Ctrl while starting Word > Yes, or Run > winword /safe.
Method 1: Hold Ctrl
- Close Word completely.
- Press and hold Ctrl.
- Keep holding it and open Word from the Start menu, taskbar or a document.
- When the prompt asks whether you want to start Word in safe mode, click Yes.
Method 2: Use the Run Box
- Press Windows + R.
- Type winword /safe (there’s a space before the slash).
- Press Enter or click OK.
The title bar shows (Safe Mode) so you know it worked.
What Safe Mode Turns Off
| Disabled | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| COM and other add-ins | The most common cause of crashes at startup |
| Customized ribbon and toolbars | Rules out a damaged customization file |
| Templates in the Startup folder | Rules out a problem template loading automatically |
| Saving some settings | Changes you make may not stick until you restart normally |
Find the Problem Add-in
- If Word works in Safe Mode, open it normally (or stay in Safe Mode) and go to File > Options > Add-ins.
- At the bottom, set Manage to COM Add-ins and click Go.
- Uncheck all add-ins and click OK, then restart Word normally.
- Turn add-ins back on one at a time until the problem returns. The last one you enabled is the culprit.
No Dictate button? See how to dictate in Word 2016 with Windows voice typing.
If repairs don’t help, see how to reinstall Word.
If Safe Mode fixes the problem, see how to disable add-ins in Word.
Troubleshooting
- “Windows cannot find winword”: Check the spelling and the space before /safe. If it still fails, use the Ctrl method.
- Word also crashes in Safe Mode: The problem isn’t an add-in. Try Settings > Apps > Installed apps > your Office app > Modify > Quick Repair, then Online Repair if needed.
- Only one document crashes: The file may be damaged. Use File > Open, select it, click the arrow next to Open, and choose Open and Repair.
- Formatting looks odd after a fix: See how to remove all formatting in Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get out of Safe Mode?
Close Word and open it normally.
Can I open other Office apps in Safe Mode?
Yes. Hold Ctrl when starting them, or use excel /safe, powerpnt /safe or outlook /safe in the Run box.
Does Word open in Safe Mode automatically?
Sometimes. After a crash, Word may offer to start in safe mode the next time you open it.
Does Safe Mode work on a Mac?
No. Word for Mac doesn’t have the same Safe Mode; troubleshoot there by removing add-ins or starting the Mac in its own safe mode.
Summary
- Hold Ctrl while opening Word, or run winword /safe.
- Confirm “(Safe Mode)” in the title bar.
- If it works, disable add-ins and re-enable them one by one.
- If it still crashes, repair Office.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.