If you use Zoom a lot for your virtual meetings, you’ve probably heard that question several times. 

Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to hear what the speaker or other participants are saying during a Zoom call. Worse still is if it’s your turn to speak and no one can hear you. 

There are several causes for Zoom audio issues, which range from software bugs and Zoom microphone issues to an outdated Zoom app and problems with your headphones or computer audio. 

While you can’t avoid these and other audio problems on Zoom, there are some solutions you can try out when Zoom audio is not working on your computer or mobile device. 

What to Do When Zoom Audio Is Not Working

Whether you’re joining a Zoom call on a computer or mobile device, try the basic tips below to fix your Zoom audio issues before moving on to more advanced solutions.

Check Zoom Settings

Your Zoom settings page is the first place to go when Zoom audio isn’t working. 

Just before you join a Zoom call, you’ll get audio and video setting options for the meeting: Do not connect to audio and Turn off my video. 

These settings allow you to join the Zoom call with your video and audio automatically enabled. 

Try leaving the Zoom meeting and joining again, but this time leave the audio and video settings unchecked. 

You can also hover your cursor over the Zoom call screen or tap the screen to reveal the mic icon and check if you’re muted. If you’re muted, and it’s your turn to speak, or you’re the speaker, tap or select the mic icon to unmute yourself.

Test Your Zoom Audio 

If you still can’t hear any sound on Zoom, you can test your audio by performing a Join Meeting test. 

When you click on that link, it will take you to a test call on the Zoom app where you’ll find the following options: 

• Join with computer audio
• Automatically join audio by computer when joining a meeting
• Test speaker and microphone

You can select any or all these options to give Zoom authorization to use your microphone, and then check if the audio works again. 

Check Your Device Settings

Sometimes the problem may not be Zoom but your computer or mobile device. Here are some troubleshooting steps to try.

Computer-Related Fixes

Disconnect Audio Devices

Disconnect any audio device connected to your computer such as a Bluetooth speaker or Bluetooth headsets. If so, disconnect Bluetooth and the Bluetooth audio device from your computer and check whether the audio works again.

Update Your Computer

Sometimes Zoom audio may fail to work because of pending updates on your computer. To resolve this problem, update your computer’s operating system and then check if the Zoom audio works again.

1. If you’re using a Windows PC, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates. 

On a Mac, select Apple Menu > About this Mac > Software Update and install any pending updates.

Restart the Call

Restart your Zoom call by leaving the meeting and re-joining using the same Zoom credentials. If prompted about Microphone access, select Allow to give Zoom authorizations to use your mic. 

1. On a Windows PC, search for Microphone in the search box and select Microphone Privacy Settings.

2. Toggle the switch under the Allow desktop apps to access your microphone section to On to enable mic access for Zoom calls.

3. On a Mac, select Apple Menu > System Preferences > Security and Privacy. 

4. Select the lock icon, enter your password, and then check the box for your Mac’s microphone, Zoom, and your desired web browser so you can use audio on all these platforms.

Check Your Device Settings

Sometimes the problem may not be with the Zoom app but with your computer or mobile device. You can start by checking the volume levels on your device or moving closer to your mic. 

If none of these quick fixes resolve the issue, move to specific troubleshooting steps for your device as listed below.

Disconnect Bluetooth Audio Devices

If you have any Bluetooth speaker or headphones connected to the computer, disconnect the Bluetooth connection and check whether the audio works again.

Update Your Computer

You may have forgotten to update your PC or Mac with the latest software updates that usually contain security patches and bug fixes your device needs to work better. In this case, install any pending updates and then try using the audio on Zoom again. 

1. If you’re using a Windows PC, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates. 

2. On a Mac, select Apple Menu > About this Mac > Software Update and install any pending updates.

Smartphone or Tablet

If you’ve confirmed that your internet connection, volume level, and microphone are working fine, and you’ve tried restarting your smartphone or tablet and the Zoom audio still won’t work, try the troubleshooting steps below.

Use the Join Audio Option

Most people with audio issues on Zoom tend to miss the Join Audio option that helps them connect the sound.

1. Tap the screen during a Zoom call to reveal the menu and then tap on the option to Join Audio in the bottom left corner. 

2. Tap WiFi or Cellular Data. 

Note: If the Join Audio option is missing, tap the menu in the bottom-right corner, select Disconnect Audio, leave the call, and rejoin after a few seconds.

Give Zoom Permission to Use Your Microphone 

You can also check whether Zoom has permission to use your phone or tablet’s microphone. 

1. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone and toggle the switch next to Zoom to allow the app to use your iPhone’s mic. 

2. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Zoom > Permissions and toggle the switch next to Microphone to allow Zoom to use your device’s mic.

Note: You can also try joining Zoom by dialing into the meeting with your phone number and see if your audio will work. If you’re unable to join by dialing in, the host may have disabled that option or is on a plan that lacks the audio add-on.

Update Zoom

You can also update the Zoom app on your computer or mobile device to avoid any potential issues, including those related to Zoom audio.

Computer 

1. Open Zoom on your PC or Mac and select your profile photo in the top right corner.

2. Select Check for updates from the menu.

3. Select Update to install any pending updates.

4. Next, select Install.

5. Select Continue to agree to Zoom terms of service.

6. Next, select Install again to perform standard installation of the software.

7. Enter your password and then select Install Software.

8. Once the installation is complete, select Close. Zoom will reopen after which you can test whether the audio works again.

Android

If you’re using the Zoom app on your Android device, you can update using these steps.

1. Open Google Play Store and tap your profile picture.

2. Tap Manage apps and device.

3. Next, tap Manage and then tap on the Zoom app. If there’s any pending update, tap Update to install it.

iOS

For iOS devices, you can update the Zoom app through the App Store.

1. Open the App Store and tap your profile photo.

2. If an update is available for Zoom, tap Update to install the update.

Reinstall Zoom

If all else fails, uninstall and reinstall Zoom on your computer or mobile device and then try using the audio during a Zoom call. 

Manage Your Audio Struggles on Zoom

By now you should’ve managed to get back your audio on Zoom. 

If you still can’t get any sound, try replacing your microphone with an external, high-quality microphone and set it up properly, or get a pair of good-quality headphones. 

If you’re using an iPhone, check out our guide on the best microphones for iPhone.

Was this guide helpful? Tell us in a comment below. 

You can keep your shared files in one place for every member to access, or use the meeting, call, chat, or poll features to engage and stay connected with your teammates wherever they are.

Better still, you can use Teams as a web app or a standalone app on your computer and mobile device without a Microsoft 365 subscription.

If you’ve been tasked with coordinating your teammates, use this guide to learn how to create a team in Microsoft Teams. 

How to Create a Team in Microsoft Teams

Before creating a team in the Teams app, you should know that the feature is only available for Microsoft 365 Business subscribers so you won’t find it on Microsoft 365 Family or personal plans. 

If you’re using Microsoft 365 Business but you don’t have the authorization to create a team, consult your IT administrator to give you access to create teams. 

Plus, the number of licenses you purchase determines the number of users who can access the app’s full features. If you lack the budget for more licenses, you can invite more Microsoft 365 users who don’t have access to Teams as guest users but they won’t have full access as the licensed users. 

Once you create a team, you can share files with teammates, or hold on-the-spot meetings and conversations. 

You can also call anyone from Teams if your organization has set up the calling feature, catch up on all unread messages, replies, and mentions, schedule meetings, and more.

Note: You can have up to 2,500 members in a single team, which includes licensed users and guests.

How to Create a Team in Microsoft Teams on a Computer

Microsoft Teams is easy to set up and use on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. You can build a team: 

• From scratch
• From a template
• From an existing group

Create a Team from Scratch

1. Download Microsoft Teams on your computer or mobile device. You can also use Teams online, and then create a user account or sign in with the Teams login credentials provided by your organization. Once you sign in, select the Teams icon to get started.

2. To start a new team, select Join or Create a Team link in the bottom-left corner.

3. Select the Create a team option.

4. Next, select From scratch.

5. In the What kind of team will this be popup, select Public, Private, or Org-wide:

• Public: Anyone in your organization can access the team, shared files, previous chats, and other channels in the team.
• Private: The team owner can send invites to members in the organization, and only team members can see the team’s activity.
• Org-wide: Everyone in the organization can join automatically. 

6. Give the team a name and then add a description if you want.

7. Select Create.

8. Add members to your team.

Create a Team from a Template

Microsoft Teams provides premade templates you can use to quickly create a team in Microsoft Teams.

1. Go back to the Create a team options menu and pick a template under the Select a template section.

2. The team templates come with different channels and built-in apps. If you want to change the template and get one that’s suited to your needs, go back to the previous screen and select a different template.

3. Select Next.

4. Select Private or Public in the What kind of team will this be window.

5. Give your team a name and description and then select Create.

6. Next, select the channel. If they’re hidden, select the hidden channel link to see the available channels.

Create a Team from an Existing Group/Team

You can also build a team from an existing group or team. If a single group is handed two different tasks, or if a team has the same template you are planning to use, this is the best way to save time when building a team.

Note: Admins can create templates from existing teams.

1. Select From a group or team in the Create a team menu.

2. Next, select Team.

3. Choose the team you want to use to create the new team.

4. By default, the team name will be the current one for the existing team and will appear as Team Name (copy). You can give the team a new name and then add a description.

5. Choose what to import to the team like members, apps, team settings, tabs, and channels from the existing team.

6. Select the privacy setting for the team: Private or Public.

• Private: Only team owners can add members.
• Public: Anyone in your organization can join.

7. Finally, select Create to create the team in Microsoft Teams.

Note: You’re not limited to the setting from the original team or the members. So, you can add any number of channels, teams, reselect your members, and more. 

You can also create a team in Microsoft Teams from an existing Office 365 group if you own such a group with fewer than 5,000 people. The steps to do this are similar to creating a team from an existing team, except you’ll select create from a Microsoft 365 group in the Create a new team from something you already own section.

Once your team is ready, it will be named from the 365 group name, and all members will automatically be added to it.

How to Create an Organization-wide Team in Microsoft Teams

If you’re an administrator, you can create an organization-wide team for your company, provided it has less than 10,000 members. 

Note: You can’t add guest users to an organization-wide team, and you can create only five organization-wide teams in one organization. 

1. Select Join or Create a team > Create a Team.

2. Next select From scratch.

3. In the What kind of team will this be section, select Org-wide.

4. Give the team a name, add a description and then select Create.

Your team is ready to use, and everyone in the organization has full access to it.

How to Create a Team in Microsoft Teams on a Mobile Device

You can also create a team in Microsoft Teams via the mobile app on your smartphone or tablet.

1. Download Microsoft Teams app on your device and sign in using your Microsoft 365 Business login credentials.
2. Open Teams app and tap Teams icon.

3. Tap the Menu (three dots).

4. Next, tap Create new team.

5. Give the team a name and description and then select the Privacy setting for your team (Private or Public).

6. Tap the check mark at the top right corner to create the team.

7. Add members to your team by entering their name or email addresses and then tap the check mark at the top right corner of the screen.

How to Add Members to Your Team

Now that you have a team in Microsoft Teams, you can add members to it depending on the team’s confidentiality. If it’s a public team, everyone can join and have full access to it. 

For a private team, you can add members in two ways: manually or using an invite link.

Add Members to a Private Team in Microsoft Teams Manually

1. Select Options in the team page next to the team name.

2. Next, select Add Member.

3. Type the member’s name or names and select Add.

4. Select Close.

Add Members to a Private Team Using an Invite Link

If you have a team link, you can share it with the member/members you want to join the team. 

1. Select Options (three dots) next to the team name.

2. Next, select Get a link to team.

3. Copy the invite link and paste it into the direct chat box in Teams or send the link via email or any other messaging app. 

Note: To add members who aren’t part of your organization to the team you just created, select Add a Member in the team options, and enter their email addresses. Doing this will add them as guests, meaning they’ll be restricted to that team — not the organization-wide team.

How to Delete a Team in Microsoft Teams

If the team has run its course and you don’t need it anymore, you can discard it to have a leaner number of teams in your organization. 

Computer

1. Go to team Options.

2. Select Delete the team.

3. Next, check the I understand that everything will be deleted box. All your channels, conversations, files, and the Microsoft 365 group for this team will be deleted. Select Delete team to confirm the cancellation.

Phone/Tablet

If the team has served its purpose, you can delete it in a few quick taps.

1. To delete the team, tap Options (three dots) next to the team name.

2. Tap Delete team.

3. Next, tap Delete to confirm the cancellation.

Collaborate and Get Tasks Done

Working as a team in an organization is a great way to delegate or share tasks and get them done. 

If you have a remote team and need more tools to work together than just Microsoft Teams, turn to our guide on the best collaboration tools for remote teams.

Leave a comment and let us know if this guide helped you create your team in Microsoft Teams.

However, not everybody uses Publisher these days. For example, you may want to send a PUB file for review or printing, but the recipient can’t open it because they don’t have Publisher installed on their device. 

One of the best ways to share the file and ensure that others can open your publication is to convert the Publisher file to a PDF file.

Whether you’re working on an eBook, greeting card, or other publication, we’ll show you how to convert Publisher files to PDF format and make it shareable. 

How To Convert a Publisher File to PDF

There are three main methods of converting your file from Publisher to PDF:

• Use Save as PDF in Publisher
• Print the PUB file to PDF 
• Use an online tool

1. Use Save as PDF in Publisher

By default, Publisher creates .pub files, which you can only open in Publisher.

Fortunately, you can easily resolve this by saving the PUB file as a PDF so others who don’t have Publisher can open it. 

Newer Versions of Publisher

1. Select File > Export. 

2. Next, select Create PDF/XPS Document. 

3. Select Create PDF/XPS.

4. Enter a name for your PUB file in the File name field. 

5. Select PDF in the Save as type field.

6. Next, select Options.

7. Select a Publish option for online or print viewing:

• Minimum size: To view online as a single page.
• Standard: For online distribution when you want to print on a desktop printer.
• High-quality printing: For copy shop or desktop printing.
• Commercial press: to create large and high-quality files for commercial printing. 

8. Select OK.

9.  Select Publish

Publisher 2010 Version 

If you’re using the 2010 version of the Publisher application, the steps are slightly different.

1. Select File > Save & Send.

Image: 10-how-to-convert-microsoft-publisher-files-to-pdf-save-send

2. Next, select Create PDF/XPS Document.

3. Select Create PDF/XPS.

4. Enter a name for your PUB file in the File name field.

5. Select PDF in the Save as type field. 

6. Next, select Options and then choose a publishing option for online or print viewing. Minimum size, standard, high-quality printing, or commercial press.

7. Select OK and then select Publish.

Publisher 2007 Version

In the Publisher 2007 version, you can convert a PUB file to PDF format in a few quick steps. 

1. Select File > Publish as PDF or XPS. 

2. Next, select PDF in the Save as type section. By default, the publication will be saved with the .pdf extension and optimized for high-quality printing. 

3. You can select Change to change the default setting in the Publish Options dialog box. 

4. Select Publish.

2. Print Publisher File to PDF

You can also convert PUB files to PDF using the print to PDF function.

1. Select File > Open to open your publication in Microsoft Publisher. 

2. Select File > Print. 

3. Next, select Microsoft Print to PDF or Adobe PDF under the Printer section.

4. Select Print. 

5.  In the Save Print Output as dialog box, enter the file name and select PDF in the Save as type field. The file will be stored on your computer. 

3. Use a Third-Party Tool to Convert PUB to PDF

If you want a quicker way to convert Publisher files to PDF, you can do that using an online tool or third-party application. 

Some of the popular tools include Zamzar, PublishertoPDF, or NovaPDF.

Many of these all-in-one PDF online tools are convenient to use and don’t have complicated steps. Plus, some are free to use regardless of the number of files you’re converting to PDF. 

The process is as simple as uploading or dragging and dropping your PUB file to the software and selecting the PDF format as the output.  Once the conversion is completed, you can download your PDF file to your device, email it to yourself, or save the file in the cloud.  

Most of these tools delete the files after several hours so you don’t need to worry about privacy issues.

Document Sharing Is Easier Using PDF

Converting your PUB file to PDF comes with several benefits. Not only does it save the color formats preferred by commercial printers, but it also provides high-quality documents, preserves metadata associated with the file, and is easy to secure your PDF using passwords. 

If you want to modify it to correct any errors, you can edit the PDF using a variety of PDF editors, or add a signature to the PDF file before sending it out. 

Was this guide helpful? Let us know in the comments section.

If you’re using a PC that runs Windows 11/10 and Bluetooth is missing, there are several reasons for that:

• Your PC doesn’t support Bluetooth.
• You haven’t enabled Bluetooth on your PC.
• Airplane mode is enabled on your PC. 
• Bluetooth drivers are missing or are corrupted.
• Issues in the integration of Bluetooth frameworks or software.
• Conflicts between applications. 

This guide covers some troubleshooting steps you can try to restore the Bluetooth icon back on your PC. 

How to Fix the Windows 11/10 Bluetooth Toggle Missing Issue

If you run into problems trying to connect to a Bluetooth device because you can’t find the Bluetooth icon or toggle, try the quick fixes below before moving to other solutions.

Check if Your PC supports Bluetooth

If the Windows Bluetooth toggle is missing, your PC may lack Bluetooth capability. You need to check for the Bluetooth feature before trying the other troubleshooting steps below. 

1. Right-click Start > Device Manager. 

2. Check if there’s a Bluetooth section in Device Manager. If you see one, select it to expand the section and check if there’s a Bluetooth adapter(s) listed under it.

3. If there’s no Bluetooth adapter listed there, check under the Network Adapters section. If it’s not there either, it means your PC doesn’t support Bluetooth. You can try a different PC and see if it works.

You can also check your PC for the Bluetooth hardware switch. If it has one, you can press it to enable the Bluetooth radio. If it doesn’t have the switch, press the Fn + F5 or F8 key to enable the wireless adapter.

If your PC lacks Bluetooth capability, you can get an external Bluetooth adapter or dongle, plug into a free USB port on your PC, and start using Bluetooth.

Disable Airplane Mode

Airplane mode allows you to quickly disable or turn off all wireless communications like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, GPS, or NFC on your computer. 

1. Select the Network icon on the taskbar. 

2. Next, select Airplane mode and disable it.

Check the Action Center Menu

The Action Center menu contains notifications and shortcuts to key settings. If you can’t find the Bluetooth icon, it could be that the Quick Actions menu has been collapsed to accommodate the multiple notifications Windows 10 needs to display.

Select Expand in the Action Center menu and check if the Bluetooth icon appears. 

Sometimes you may not see the Bluetooth icon in the Action Center because the shortcut hasn’t been enabled. 

1. Open the Action Center by pressing Windows Key + A on your keyboard.

2. Next, select Manage notifications.

3. Select Edit your quick actions to open the Action Center menu.

4. Next, select Add > Bluetooth > Done. 

Check Bluetooth Settings

You may have set the Notifications & Actions section correctly, but you still need to check your Bluetooth settings to ensure it’s enabled. 

1. Select Start > Settings. 

2. Next, select Devices.

3. Select Bluetooth & other devices.

4. Next, select More Bluetooth Options under the Related settings section.

5. Check Show the Bluetooth icon in the notification area box under the Options tab.

6. Select Apply > OK.

Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

The Bluetooth Troubleshooter in Windows 11/10 is a built-in feature that scans and fixes specific Bluetooth issues in your PC. 

1. Select Start > Settings.

2. Next, select Update & Security. 

3. Select Troubleshoot and then select Additional Troubleshooters > Bluetooth under the Find and fix other problems section.

4. Next, select Run the troubleshooter and follow the prompts. Once the scan completes, check whether Bluetooth is restored. 

Use the Hardware and Device Troubleshooter

The Hardware and Device troubleshooter scans for and fixes issues with Bluetooth devices. While the setting is hidden in Windows 11/10, you can use Command Prompt to access it. 

1. Type CMD in the search box and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.

2. Next, enter msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic to open the Hardware and Device troubleshooter. 

3. Select Next to start the scan.

If the troubleshooter couldn’t identify the problem, try the next solution.

Update Bluetooth Drivers

When the Bluetooth drivers are missing, outdated, or corrupted, you may not find or be able to use Bluetooth on your PC. You can resolve the problem by making sure you have the latest Bluetooth drivers. 

1. Right-click Start > Device Manager > Bluetooth > your Bluetooth adapter name (some adapters include the word radio).

2. Right-click the Bluetooth adapter > Update driver. 

3. Select Search automatically for updated driver software and then select Close once the search is complete.

4. Once you install the updated drivers, restart your PC and then check if you can see and use Bluetooth again.

Note: If Windows doesn’t find the latest Bluetooth driver, check your PC manufacturer’s official website and get the drivers from there. If you get an executable file (.exe), run and install the drivers from this file.

Uninstall Bluetooth Adapter

If Bluetooth is still missing, try uninstalling the Bluetooth adapter. 

1. Right-click Start > Device Manager > Bluetooth. 

2. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter’s name and select Uninstall device. 

3. Shut down your PC, wait for 30 seconds or so and then power it back on. This way, Windows will try to reinstall your Bluetooth adapter’s driver. 

Note: If Windows doesn’t automatically install the driver, go back to the Device Manager window and select Action > Scan for hardware changes. 

Turn Off Fast Startup

Fast startup ensures that Windows 10 boots up quickly. Sometimes this setting can interfere with the programs you’ve set to run when your PC boots up, so it may be better to disable it.

1. Select Start > Settings > System.

2. Next, select Power & sleep.

3. Select Additional power settings.

4. Next, select  Choose what the power button does > Change settings that are currently unavailable.

5. Deselect the Turn on fast startup (recommended) option and then select Save changes.

6. Go back to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters > Bluetooth > Run the troubleshooter from the Find and fix other problems menu.

Check Bluetooth Support Service

Bluetooth Support Service supports the discovery and association of remote Bluetooth devices so they can work correctly on your PC. Sometimes this feature may be disabled by a third-party app or manual user action, but you can check and enable it again. 

1. Type services in the search bar and select the Services option.

2. Double-click the Bluetooth Support Service.

3. In the Properties window, check if the Service status is set to Running.

4. Select Stop and Start to restart the setting quickly. If the status isn’t Running, select Automatic in the Startup type drop-down menu.

5. Next select Apply to save the changes. 

Use Startup Repair 

If the Windows 11/10 Bluetooth icon is still missing on your PC, use the Startup Repair feature to resolve any system corruption or other issues that may cause the problem. 

1. Press and hold the Shift key at the Windows sign-in screen and then select Power > Restart. 

2. In the boot screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. 

3. Select an admin account, enter your login credentials if needed, and select Continue. Once the Startup Repair tool has run, reboot your PC. 

Get Back Your Bluetooth Icon 

You probably make heavy use of your desktop to keep important shortcuts to files or apps you use often. When those icons disappear, it can impact your productivity. 

The solutions in this guide will help you resolve the Windows 11/10 Bluetooth icon missing problem and ensure your Bluetooth starts working properly again. 

Leave a comment and let us know which solution worked for you. 

Many times, it’s not easy to narrow down the source of the problem. For instance, Word loads elements like the Normal.dot template, registry data key, and other templates or add-ins in the Office startup folder. 

You can start Word or Excel in safe mode without such elements so you can narrow down what’s causing the problem.  Safe mode is helpful when Word or Excel keeps crashing, or the files are corrupted and won’t open in normal mode.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to open Word and Excel in safe mode so you can recover your files and continue with your work.

What Happens When You Start Word or Excel in Safe Mode

Opening Word or Excel in safe mode is different from Windows safe mode. In the latter, the whole operating system restarts without some startup software and third-party drivers that can cause issues. See our guides on how to boot into safe mode in all versions of Windows and how to boot up and use a Mac in safe mode.

If you open Word or Excel in safe mode, the following restrictions apply, though not to all Office apps:

• You can’t save any templates.
• Recovered documents won’t open automatically.
• All command-line options except /a and /n will be ignored.
• You can’t save preferences.
• Additional programs and features won’t load automatically.
• You can’t create or open documents with restricted permission.
• You can’t save files to the Alternate Startup Directory.
• In Microsoft SharePoint Workspace, features like task scheduler, messaging, notification, awareness, and synchronization will be disabled.
• The autocorrect list won’t load and won’t save changes.
• Command bar or toolbar customizations won’t load and can’t be saved.
• The last used Web site won’t open in Microsoft Office SharePoint Designer.

How to Open Word or Excel in Safe Mode

You can open Word or Excel in Safe Mode using:

• Keyboard shortcut
• Command argument
• Cortana or Windows search box
• Desktop shortcut

Open Word/Excel in Safe Mode Using a Keyboard Shortcut

You can quickly open Word or Excel in safe mode using a keyboard shortcut. 

1. If Word or Excel is running, close it and then press and hold down the Ctrl key on your computer’s keyboard while opening the Word application’s shortcut. The shortcut can be in the Start menu, taskbar, or on your desktop. 

2. You’ll get the following message prompt: You’re holding down the Ctrl key. Do you want to start Word in Safe Mode? If using Excel, it’ll be the same message.

3. Release the Ctrl key and select Yes to open Word in safe mode. 

Open Safe Mode Using a Command Argument

You can also open Word or Exvel in safe mode using a command argument. 

1. Right-click Start > Run or press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. 

2. Type winword.exe /safe or excel.exe /safe in the Run dialog box and press Enter to execute the command. 

Open Word or Excel in Safe Mode Using Cortana or Windows Search Box

Instead of using the Run prompt, you can use Cortana or Windows search box to open either program in safe mode. 

1. Type winword.exe /safe or excel.exe /safe in the Windows search box or Cortana.

2. This will open Word using the same Run command argument and start the application in safe mode. 

Open Word or Excel in Safe Mode Using a Desktop Shortcut

If you want a quicker way to open either program in safe mode without using commands or the keyboard shortcut, you can create a desktop shortcut for that. 

1. Right-click on the application file in the Start menu or taskbar and select Open file location > Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

2. Next, right-click the shortcut you’ve just created on the desktop and select Properties. You can also highlight the icon and press Alt + Enter to open the Properties window.

3. Select Shortcut tab and then select the Target box.

4. Add /safe at the end of the file path in the Target text box. 

5. Select Apply > OK to save your changes. 

6. Double-click the Word or Excel desktop shortcut to open the app in safe mode.

Note: If Word or Excel starts properly in safe mode, the issue could be with the Office startup folder or the registry data key. You can resolve these issues by editing the registry, reinstalling Word or Excel, or using Office Repair Utility. 

If the issue isn’t resolved while in safe mode, you may have a problem with Windows, hardware issue, malware, or other meddlesome problem.

To leave safe mode, close Word or Excel and launch each of the applications normally. 

How About Automated Safe Mode?

Files start in automated safe mode when an Office application doesn’t start due to specific issues like a buggy extension or add-in, corrupted template, file, registry, or corrupted resource. 

A message will appear to identify the problem and ask you if you want to disable the problematic part of the application. 

If you still have issues with the application, automated safe mode may have prompted you to disable more functionality that could prevent the app from opening normally. 

To view the list of Disabled Items:

1. Open Word or Excel and select File > Options. 

2. Next, select Add-Ins. 

3. Select Disabled Items on the Manage menu and then select Go.

4. You can select an item and then select Enable to turn it on again. You may have to reopen a file or reload/reinstall an add-in program.

To stop safe mode, exit Word or Excel and launch them again normally.

Find the Problem

If you can’t open Word or Excel in safe mode or have recurring issues opening them in normal mode, you can troubleshoot or fix Office problems with Repair.

Alternatively, check out our guide on the best alternatives to Microsoft Office. Leave a comment and let us know if you found this guide helpful.