Even though the market is full of Microsoft Word competitors, Word remains the top choice among consumers and businesses. This also acts against him from time to time. For example, a Word document may become completely unresponsive. Here are the seven best ways to fix Microsoft Word not responding on Windows.
1. Restart Microsoft Word Application
You will still see mouse indicators loaded in Windows when Microsoft Word is not responding. In Windows 10 and Windows 11, you need to use the Task Manager to close the Word application completely.
Stage 1: Press the Windows key and search for Task Manager.
Step 2: Press enter and open the application.
Stage 3: Find Microsoft Word under Processes tab and End Task.
Restart Microsoft Word and try to access the document.
2. Start Word in Safe Mode
Opening Microsoft Word in safe mode allows you to access essential files and fix problems caused by Word add-ins. Here’s how you can use it.
Stage 1: Press the Ctrl key and click the Word icon on the desktop or Taskbar. You will see a popup asking you to open Microsoft Word in safe mode. Hit OK and open the app.
Step 2: Go to File from the menu bar and select Options. Select Add-ins and click COM Add-ins from the Manage menu. Press Go.
Stage 3: Disable add-ons and click OK. The Word app should work normally by now.
3. Repair Corrupted Word Files
If Word files on your computer are corrupted, you must fix them before you can access them with the application. When you try to access corrupted files in the Word application, the application functions may become corrupted. Therefore, you should try to repair these corrupt files first.
Follow the steps below to repair Word files on Windows.
Stage 1: Open the Microsoft Word application.
Step 2: Click File and select Open.
Stage 3: Select Browse.
Step 4: Find corrupt Word files on PC.
Step 5: Click the file and select the down arrow next to the Open button.
Step 6: Select Open and Repair and let Microsoft Word fix the corrupted file.
After successful processing, Microsoft Word is ready for normal use.
4. Repair Microsoft Office
Microsoft Word is part of the Office application on Windows. If Microsoft Word is not responding on Windows, you need to repair the Office application. Here’s how.
Stage 1: In Windows, open the Settings app (use Windows + I keys).
Step 2: Go to the Applications menu.
Stage 3: Select Apps and Features.
Step 4: Scroll down to Microsoft Office. Click on the three-dot menu and select Change.
Step 5: Click on Repair from the advanced options and let Microsoft fix the problem.
5. Change Default Printer
Microsoft Word on Windows is tightly integrated with your home or office printer. By default, Windows will choose the default printer for you, but if the system makes an error, you have to change the printer in Settings. Incorrect printer selection can affect Word application operations.
Stage 1: Open the Windows Settings app.
Step 2: Go to the Bluetooth and Devices menu.
Stage 3: Go to Printers and scanners.
Step 4: In the printer preferences, disable the Allow Windows to manage my default migration option.
Step 5: Select the relevant printer from the list and set it as default.
6. Update Printer Drivers
Corrupted printer drivers lead to unsuccessful printing with Microsoft Word. This can cause Microsoft Word to become unresponsive on Windows. Update the printer drivers and fix the problem.
Stage 1: Press the Windows key and search for Device Manager.
Step 2: Find Print queues from the list and expand the menu.
Stage 3: Right click on the connected printer and update the drivers.
Windows will find the relevant Printer drivers and install them on your computer.
7. Reinstall Microsoft Office
If you’re still having trouble with Office apps on Windows, it’s time for this extreme step. Uninstall the Microsoft Office application and redownload it from the web.
Stage 1: Go to the Windows Settings app and open the Apps menu.
Step 2: Select Apps & features.
Stage 3: Find Microsoft Office from the list of applications and uninstall it.
Download the application from the Microsoft Office website.
Launch Documents in Word
Microsoft has recently redesigned all of its Office applications on Windows. However, it seems that the company did not work on the durability part. Microsoft Word not responding can interrupt your workflow. Fix the problem using the steps above and get back to work.
