Resolving Word Work File Error

Issue/Question

Receiving error when opening Word documents

Error: Word could not create the work file. Check the temp environment variable

Environment

  • Word

Cause

 

Resolution

  1. Close all Office apps
  2. Press Windows + R
  3. Type %temp%
  4. Click OK
  5. Select all files/folders in the temp folder
  6. Hold the SHIFT key and click DELETE key
  7. Click Yes to a warning to permanently delete these files
  8. Reopen Word