Frequent app crashes in specific programs (games, Office)

Why Does Only One Program Keep Crashing?

When a specific program crashes repeatedly but the rest of your computer works fine, the problem is usually with that program itself, not Windows. This could be due to corrupted program files, outdated software, conflicts with other programs, or compatibility issues with your version of Windows.

Games are especially prone to crashes because they push your hardware hard and often have strict requirements for graphics drivers. Microsoft Office can crash due to problematic add-ins or corrupted preferences. Whatever program you're struggling with, these fixes will help.

Quick Fix: Update the Program

The fastest fix is making sure you're running the latest version. Most programs have a Help menu with a "Check for Updates" option. Click that and install any available updates. For games, open your game launcher (Steam, Epic, Xbox app, etc.) and verify the game is fully updated.

While you're at it, update your graphics drivers too - right-click the Start button, select Device Manager, expand Display Adapters, right-click your graphics card, and select Update Driver. Graphics driver updates fix more game crashes than you'd think.

Detailed Fix Steps

Method 1: Repair the Program

Windows can repair corrupted program files without requiring a full reinstall.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Go to Apps > Installed Apps (or Apps & Features on older Windows)
3. Find the crashing program in the list
4. Click the three dots next to it and select Modify or Advanced Options
5. Look for a Repair button and click it
6. Wait for the repair to complete, then try running the program again

For Office specifically, open any Office app, go to File > Account > Update Options > Update Now, then if crashes continue, use File > Account > Office Account > Office > Modify > Quick Repair.

Method 2: Run in Compatibility Mode

Older programs sometimes don't work well with newer versions of Windows. Compatibility mode can fix this.

1. Right-click the program's shortcut or .exe file and select Properties
2. Click the Compatibility tab
3. Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for:"
4. Select Windows 7 or Windows 8 from the dropdown
5. Also check "Run this program as an administrator"
6. Click Apply, then OK
7. Try running the program

Method 3: Disable Conflicting Programs

Other programs running in the background can interfere. Common culprits include:

• Antivirus software (especially Avast, AVG, Norton during scans)
• Discord or other overlay software
• RGB lighting control software (Razer Synapse, iCUE, etc.)
• Screen recording or streaming software

Temporarily disable these programs and see if your app still crashes. If the crashes stop, you've found the conflict. You may need to add an exception for your program in your antivirus settings, or disable overlays in Discord (User Settings > Game Overlay > Enable in-game overlay - turn this off).

Method 4: Check for Corrupted User Profile (Office Crashes)

If Microsoft Office apps keep crashing, your Office profile might be corrupted.

1. Close all Office applications
2. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter
3. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0 (the number might be different for your Office version)
4. Right-click the Office folder and select Export to back it up
5. Right-click the Office folder and select Delete
6. Restart your computer and open an Office app - it will recreate clean settings

Method 5: Reinstall the Program

If nothing else works, completely uninstall and reinstall the program.

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
2. Find the program, click the three dots, and select Uninstall
3. After uninstalling, press Windows + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter
4. Look for a folder with the program's name and delete it (this removes leftover settings)
5. Press Windows + R again, type %localappdata%, and repeat
6. Restart your computer
7. Download a fresh copy from the official website and install it

Method 6: Check Event Viewer for Details

Windows logs detailed crash information that can help identify the problem.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Event Viewer
2. Expand Windows Logs and click Application
3. Look for red Error entries that match when your crashes happen
4. Double-click the error to see details
5. Look for the "Faulting module" - this tells you what file caused the crash
6. Search online for that module name plus "crash" to find specific fixes

If That Didn't Work

For games specifically, try these additional steps:

• Verify game files through your launcher (Steam: right-click game > Properties > Local Files > Verify integrity)
• Lower graphics settings - unstable overclocks or overheating can cause crashes at high settings
• Update DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables from Microsoft's website
• Disable in-game overlays from Steam, GeForce Experience, and AMD Software

For any program, check the developer's support forums or knowledge base - your specific crash might be a known issue with an official fix.