How to Fix "WINWORD.EXE - Application Error (0xc0000142)

in Microsoft Word

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

A simple restart can resolve temporary glitches.

Close all applications and restart your PC.
Try opening Microsoft Word again.

Why this matters: Restarting clears temporary system issues that may interfere with Word.

Step 2: Repair Microsoft Office

Corrupted Office files can trigger this error.

Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
Select Microsoft Office and click Change.
Choose Quick Repair > Repair, then restart your PC.
If the issue persists, repeat steps but select Online Repair (full repair).

Why this matters: Repairing reinstalls missing/corrupted files without affecting your documents.

Step 3: Disable Add-ins

Faulty add-ins may cause Word to crash.

Open Word in Safe Mode: Press Win + R, type winword /safe, and hit Enter.
If Word opens in Safe Mode: Go to File > Options > Add-ins. Disable all add-ins, then restart Word normally. Re-enable add-ins one by one to identify the culprit.

Why this matters: Add-ins can conflict with Word’s core functionality.

Step 4: Update Windows and Office

Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues.

Update Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Update Office: Open Word > File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.

Why this matters: Updates patch bugs and improve stability.

Step 5: Reinstall Microsoft Office

If all else fails, perform a clean reinstall.

Uninstall Office via Control Panel > Programs and Features.
Download the latest version from Microsoft’s website and reinstall.

Why this matters: A fresh install eliminates deep-rooted corruption.

Additional Tips

Check for malware using Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus.
Reset Word settings: Rename the Normal.dotm template file (located in %AppData%\Microsoft\Templates).
Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as Admin and run sfc /scannow.

Prevention:

Regularly back up important documents.
Avoid force-closing Word during operation.

By following these steps, you should resolve the 0xc0000142 error and restore Word’s functionality. If the problem persists, contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.