Sometimes, corrupted Word documents may trigger this problem
- A blank Word document when opened prevents you from seeing its contents.
- The issue may occur due to corrupted Word documents and corrupted Word add-ins.
- Running an SFC scan and repairing the concerned Word app or document can fix the problem.
XInstall by clicking Download File
Microsoft Word allows users to create documents that contain a lot of data. It allows you to save files on your computer for offline access. However, many users complain that Word documents are blank when they are opened even though they are not blank. Therefore, it does not allow accessing the content in the document.
We also have a detailed guide to fix Word experiencing an error when opening the file error in Windows 11.
Why is a Word document blank when opened?
Microsoft Word documents not displaying content when opened can occur for many reasons. Some factors that may be responsible for the problem are:
- Corrupt Word documents – The Word document you are trying to access may be corrupted, making it incomplete. This can affect its appearance and sometimes cause the document to not open.
- Text format or color – You may encounter a completely blank and white document due to text formatting errors. For example, setting the text color to white can make the texts appear blank because it matched the white background. Also, hidden text can make a Word document appear blank.
- Word application problems – Running an outdated Word application on your computer can cause it to crash and make the document appear blank. Also, damaged or missing installation files may impair the functionality of the application.
Other factors not highlighted above may also be responsible for a Word document being blank when opened. However, we will discuss how to solve the problem easily.
How can I fix a Word document if it is blank when I open it?
Before you try the advanced troubleshooting steps, do the following:
If you cannot fix the problem, continue with the troubleshooting steps below:
1. Turn off the add-ons
- Right click on start button, type Microsoft Word into the search box and click on it to activate it.
- Press on file and press on options.
- navigate to Extras tab and select the go button.
- Uncheck all add-ins in Word and see if the black document issue persists.
Disabling the Ads-ins in the Word app can resolve any interference they cause the app.
2. Run an SFC scan
- Right click on start button, type command Request, and click on Run as administrator option.
- knock Yes On user account control immediate
- Type the following and click to enter:
sfc /scannow
- Restart your computer and see if the blank Word document issue persists.
Some computer problems are difficult to deal with, especially when it comes to corrupt repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having trouble fixing an error, your system may be partially broken.
We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your device and identify what the problem is.
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Running an SFC scan will identify and repair damaged system files that are causing the Word document to not display content. Check out how to fix the run as administrator option if it’s not working on your computer.
You can also try special programs like Restoro that automatically replace your system’s damaged or missing files after a thorough scan of your device, which instantly ensures better computer performance.
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3. Repairing damaged Word files
- Right click on start button, type Microsoft Word into the search box and click on it to activate it.
- Press on file and choose open on the left side of the screen.
- Scroll down and select browse.
- Select the file you want to open and click the drop-down arrow next to the file open button.
- Choose the Open and fix option to enable Microsoft Word to fix the corrupted file that is affecting its performance.
Repairing the damaged Word file will resolve errors preventing the file. You can read about the best tool to repair damaged documents in Microsoft Word.
4. Update your Windows operating system
- Tap on Windows + I am to open the Windows settings.
- Click on the windows update and press on Check for updates. Wait for the Windows Update result and click Install Update if Windows Update is available.
Updating the Windows operating system will install the patches needed to fix bugs that are causing problems in the Word application.
5. Repair or reinstall Microsoft Office
- Right click on start button, type Control Paneland then select it from the result.
- Press on Plans and navigate to Plans and features tab.
- then found Microsoft Office from the list and click on change.
- choose Quick fix Of the options, then Correct.
- Press on Correct in the new approval request.
- Repeat steps 1-4, click three dots on the front of Microsoft Officeand choose Uninstall Of the options, then OK.
- Restart the computer and Install the latest version of Microsoft Office Available for Windows.
Uninstalling Microsoft Office will fix problems affecting the Word application. Also, it will help to update Microsoft Office to the latest version.
Alternatively, you can check how to fix most features have been disabled because this product needs an update error.
Let us know which solution worked in the comments area below.
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If the above tips didn’t solve your problem, your computer may be experiencing deeper Windows problems. We recommend downloading this computer repair tool (rated great on TrustPilot.com) to take care of them easily. After installation, just click on Start scanning button and then press Fix everything.
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