Microsoft Word – How to fix Word Error 24

Word Error 24 message is associated with trying to open a file from Windows Explorer when the Preview pane is displayed. This error may also occur if the Office installation is corrupted. 

Sorry, something went wrong and Word was unable to start. (24)

Possible Solutions for Word Error 24

Step 1: Turn Auto Preview off in Windows Explorer/ Repair Preview pane

This issue can be caused by the Windows Preview Pane. Follow the steps below to either turn of the Preview pane if it has been turned on or repair the Preview pane in Windows explorer.

Turn auto preview off in explorer.

In Windows 10, open an explorer window, click on the view tab and deselect the “preview pane” button. Both issues have gone away. 

Repair the preview pane

Run Regedit as administrator and delete these registry keys:

Microsoft Excel previewer:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{00020827-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}

Microsoft PowerPoint previewer:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{65235197-874B-4A07-BDC5-E65EA825B718}

Microsoft Word previewer:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{84F66100-FF7C-4fb4-B0C0-02CD7FB668FE}

Microsoft Visio previewer:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{21E17C2F-AD3A-4b89-841F-09CFE02D16B7}

Step 2: Uninstall and Reinstall Office

If the first step does not resolve your issue, try uninstalling and re-installing your Microsoft Office Application.

Open the Control Panel.

How you open the Control Panel depends on your version of Windows.

Windows 10

1. In the search box on the task bar, type control panel, then select Control Panel.
2. Select Programs > Programs and Features, then right-click your Microsoft Office product, and choose Uninstall.
3. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstall.Note: 
4. Once complete you can begin the re-installation process.