[Updated] Microsoft office apps (Excel and Word) crashing on Samsung Galaxy Note 8

Update (January 17): Microsoft has released a new update for the Excel app (v16.0.9001.2051) that at-least one user says has fixed the problem for them. Here’s what the exactly the user said on the official Microsoft forums:

today Microsoft released an UPDATE for Excel (v16.0.9001.2051) in the Samsung App-Store and with this version Excel WORKS also in FHD/middle resolution incl. freezed panes absolutely fine without any crash on my Note 8!!!! I just tested my problematical XLSX files and the app is stable!

Let us know in comments if the update fixes the issue for you as well.

Update: We just found a thread on the official Microsoft forums where users are discussing the exact same issue. Microsoft says it’s investigating the matter, and a couple of users have meanwhile offered workarounds that are working for them. You can take a look at the discussion here.

Original story:

While most big house smartphone companies arguably have more and less similar issues plaguing their flagship phones, Samsung has an interesting variety to offer here as well. From units freezing to devices bricking, the tech giant’s high end devices from this year have delivered it all.

After such major issues, problems like apps crashing/shutting may not seem deal breakers, but cannot be considered minor nonetheless. Case in point: Microsoft apps like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint are crashing on Galaxy Note8.

Before bidding adieu, year 2017 left its footprints in the form of a new glitch for users of the phone. Those affected complain that the aforementioned Microsoft apps crash/freeze either on opening or while in use on their Note8 units.

These app crashes result in a notification (following are a couple shared by users):

In some cases this disruption freezes the phone as well, and requires a reboot to get things back to normal.

Not only on the official Samsung Community, Reddit, and other help forums, complaints about Microsoft apps crashing/freezing are also flooding in the review section of these apps’ Google Play Store listings.

Some affected users have also been complaining about the same on Twitter.

Going by the complaints, it looks like the problem was triggered after a recent update.

It’s also worth mentioning that apart from Note8, some users operating older Samsung devices like Note4 are also encountering the same crashing/freezing behavior, but those reports are very few.

While the company hasn’t addressed the matter officially yet, users continue to complain. Given the escalating number of reports, we hope Samsung or Microsoft – who so ever is at fault – at least offers a statement to calm down the matter before it heats up. Meanwhile, we are keeping an eye on all related developments. So, keep a tab here.

Stay connected with us on Twitter (@PiunikaWeb) to hear about all related developments as and when they occur