3 Ways to Fix Microsoft Word Not Responding on Windows 11/10

Quick Tips

• Diagnose if add-ins are causing the issue by launching Word in Safe Mode.
• Use the built-in repair tool within Windows to fix any corrupted Word installation files.
• Ensure you’re running the latest version of Word for optimal performance and bug fixes.
• Free up system resources by closing any memory-intensive applications slowing down Word.

Preliminary Fixes

• Relaunch Microsoft Word app: Relaunching the Microsoft Word app can clear temporary glitches or corrupted processes, effectively reset the session, potentially resolve minor software conflicts, and refresh the system’s memory allocation for Word.
• Reinstall Microsoft Office: If you still have issues with Office apps on Windows, you should take this extreme step: uninstall the Microsoft Office app and download it again.

Fix 1: Launch Word in Safe Mode

Launching MS Word in safe mode disables Grammarly and other add-ins, eliminating potential conflicts or performance bottlenecks caused by these extensions. 

Step 1: Press the Ctrl key and click on the Word icon on the desktop or Taskbar.

Step 2: A pop-up will ask you to open Microsoft Word in safe mode. Hit OK.

Step 3: Go to File from the menu bar > select Options.

Step 4: Now, select Add-ins > click COM Add-ins from the Manage menu > click on Go.

Step 5: Disable add-ins > click OK.

The Word app should work normally by now. If this didn’t help, check out the next fix.

Fix 2: Repair Corrupt Word Files

Step 1: Open the Microsoft Word app > click on File > select Open.

Step 2: Select Browse.

Step 3: Find corrupted Word files by selecting the file > choosing the Open and Repair option > clicking on it.

After a successful process, Microsoft Word is ready for normal use. If you still face the same issue, move on to the next fix.

Fix 3: Repair Microsoft Office

Step 1: Open the Settings app on Windows (use the Windows + I keys).

Step 2: Go to the Apps menu > select Apps & features.

Step 3: Scroll down to Microsoft Office > click on the three-dot menu > select Modify.

Step 4: Click on Repair from the Advanced options and let Microsoft fix the issue.