Microsoft Word Opens to a Blank Grey Screen After Closing Word Options

Overview

Some Microsoft Word users encounter an unusual behaviour: after opening Word, navigating to File > Options, and then closing the Options window, Word does not return to the expected Start screen (also known as the landing page). Instead, the application displays a blank grey workspace with no document open and no clear way to proceed. This can be confusing, especially if you expect Word to return to the familiar template selection screen.

This article explains why this happens and outlines steps to resolve or work around the issue.

Symptoms

You may experience the following:

• Opening Microsoft Word normally shows the Start screen.

• You select File > Options to adjust settings.

• After closing the Options window, Word displays a grey background with no document open.

• Word does not return to the Start screen automatically.

• You must manually open a new or existing document to continue working.

Cause

This behaviour typically occurs because Word treats the Options window as a modal dialog opened from within the main application—not from the Start screen. When the Options window closes, Word returns to the main application window, which currently has no active document loaded. As a result, the workspace appears blank.

Workarounds and Solutions

1. Manually return to the Start screen

You can reopen the landing page by selecting:

• File > Home, or

• File > New to access templates.

This restores the familiar Start screen layout.

2. Enable the Start screen on launch

If the Start screen is disabled, Word may behave inconsistently. Ensure it is enabled:

1. Go to File > Options.

2. Select General.

3. Under Start up options, check Show the Start screen when this application starts.

4. Click OK.

3. Open a new document directly

If you prefer to continue working immediately:

• Press Ctrl + N to create a new blank document.

• Or select File > New > Blank document.
  
  
  

Article last updated 16/01/2026