Troubleshooting "Word Not Responding" Error Message
Having come across the error message “Word Not Responding”, we all know how inconvenient this can be. This is even truer when one is deep in the task at hand. The failure to complete one everyday task such as using Microsoft word is annoying, however, the good news is that this is correctable by overcoming few simple barriers. This article highlights some of the common ‘Word Not Responding’ in Office problems as well as how to fix them so that you can continue working.
What Causes “Not Responding” in Word?
However, let us first examine the problem before seeking what are the most effective ways of resolving it. There are certainly several explanations in this regard, namely:
File Corruption: An attempt to open a Word document that has a corrupt file can often lead to Word hanging or becoming unresponsive altogether.
External Add-ins: Certain external add-ons or office plug-ins can interfere with the functions of Word and cause performance problems.
Size of the Document: Considering several factors, for example, if the document is too big or has too many pictures, tables or elements, Word might take time to open or even process the document.
Older Versions of Software: In the event that either Word or the computer system is not updated, this may result in issues whereby Word would hang due to Bugs or incapacity to work together.
Lack of Sufficient System Resources: If the computer has less RAM, the majority of the programs being run are excessive, and within such circumstances, Word may be insufficiently resourced for proper operation.
Other Processes Running: Other software running in the system may affect the operation of Word.
How to Fix Word Not Responding Problem
And the following is a way that you can troubleshoot and fix the “word not responding” issue:
Here are some methods you could use to address and fix the “Word Not Responding” issue:
1. Just Give It a Minute
There are times wherein Word would seem not to respond because it is simply waiting to finish a long task (such as autosaving or opening a document with a big size). If that is the case, then just give it a couple of minutes and see if the Word program starts working.
Tip: At times it bears to be patient when dealing with a lot of text or a picture- Active documents take their time to process hence refusing to work is not unusual.
2. Use Task Manager to End Word Processes
If it is taking forever for Word to respond, if possible exit the program altogether:
Windows: Cick Ctrl then press shift and escape together (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to open Task Manager. Under the Processes tab, look for “Microsoft Word,” highlight it, and press End Task.
Mac: Holding the Command and the Option key press Esc, choose Word on the Applications list and press Force Quit.
After Word is closed, open Word again. If the program is still not opening, proceed to the subsequent steps.
3. Add-in Deactivation
Sometimes, plugins or third-party applications integrated within the Word program may create problems. To turn off these applications:
Windows: Load word in Safe Mode (Open Word while holding the Ctrl key).
This will open Word without any add-ons. In the case you can open Word in Safe Mode, you may turn off the add-ons:
Click the File tab, click Options, and then click Add-ins in the Word window.
Manage COM Add-ins at the very bottom, then press Go.
Deselect all the check boxes for the add-ons and press “OK.”
Mac: Click on Tools, then Templates and Add-ins, and this time tick off the add-ins after which Word will be restarted.
In the case disabling the add ons lets you accomplish what you want to do, then you may find the safe add ons and enable them one by one.
4. Overview of Microsoft Word Repair Initiate
It is possible that installation of the Word application has become corrupted which may result to freezing or crashing issues. Unless you have further complications to deal with, this is usually a straightforward process.
Windows: Click the Word icon on the Start Menu, wait for it to load, then go to Control Panel, select Programs and Features.
Highlight on Microsoft Office or Word and wait for the options to appear, select Change.
Choose Quick Repair then Repair to address the issues with the application.
Mac: At this point, you should be able launch Microsoft Word. Access the Help menu
Select Check for Updates in case the issue still persists consider uninstalling and reinstalling Microsoft Office.
5. Upgrade Word and The OS
Confirm that you have the most recent versions of both Word and the operating system installed. Microsoft routinely publishes upgrades which rectify issues and enhance functionality.
Windows: Open Word application and then click File > Account > Update Options > Update Now to search for Word updates.
Mac: Click System Preferences and then select Software Update to check for updates and download any pending updates.
6. Look for Check Large Documents
If at all you are trying to edit a big document, this could be the cause of the freezing on Word. The following can be done:
Subdivide the document into several smaller files.
Eliminate the number of pictures, images or charts within the document.
Eliminate any other processes such as spell check or auto correction when doing the document.
7. Remove Temp MMC Files
Temporary corrupted files that are outdated can cause a freeze in word processing software. Eliminate unnecessary temp files:
Windows: Windows +R click, type in %temp% and hit enter. Ensure you clear all files from windows temp folder.
Mac: On top of the screen, select Finder, press Go on the menu bar, and select Go to Folder. Input ~/Library/Caches and erase the caches of any cache data of Word.
8. Check the Resources of the Computer
Ensure that the operating system has sufficient RAM and processor for optimal performance of MS Word. Very low available RAM and low CPU usage thresholds may cause Word application hang. Open Task Manager using lick of mouse window or Activity Monitor (Mac) to check resource usage.
If your system is running low on memory, try closing unnecessary programs, upgrading your RAM, or freeing up disk space.
Conclusion,
If you need assistance, feel free to reach us on chat to discuss further regarding outlook unlicensed messages. Finally, If you are still not able to resolve this error, we suggest you to chat with our assured experts. I am sure they will give you the best solutions to resolve this error completely. You can also visit our website for more information.
