Fix: Word Add-in Causing Crashes or Freezes

Identifying the Problem Add-in

When an add-in causes crashes, you need to isolate it through a process of elimination.

Step-by-Step Fix

Step 1: Confirm It’s an Add-in Issue

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type winword /safe and press Enter
3. Work normally for 10-15 minutes
4. If Word is stable in Safe Mode, an add-in is the cause

Step 2: Identify the Culprit

1. Go to File > Options > Add-ins
2. Select COM Add-ins from the Manage dropdown, click Go
3. Uncheck all add-ins and click OK
4. Restart Word (normal mode, not Safe Mode)
5. If stable, re-enable add-ins one at a time:
   • Enable one, restart Word, work for 5 minutes
   • If stable, enable the next one
   • When Word crashes, the last enabled add-in is the problem

Step 3: Fix or Remove the Problem Add-in

Option A: Update the add-in

1. Check the add-in vendor’s website for updates
2. Uninstall and reinstall the latest version

Option B: Remove the add-in

1. Go to File > Options > Add-ins > COM Add-ins > Go
2. Uncheck the problem add-in
3. Click Remove if you want to fully uninstall it

Option C: Report the issue

1. Note the exact steps that cause the crash
2. Contact the add-in vendor’s support
3. Include your Word version (File > Account) in the report

Step 4: Check for Add-in Updates

1. Go to Insert > Get Add-ins > My Add-ins
2. Check if any add-ins have available updates
3. Update all add-ins to their latest versions

Prevention

• Only install add-ins you actively use
• Keep all add-ins updated
• If Word starts behaving oddly after installing an add-in, disable it immediately