Microsoft Word Keeps Not Responding For Mac

Posted on by

Summary

Nov 11, 2017 Generally, MS word shows the Microsoft Word not responding error glitch because of a third party app or a software. Causes of Microsoft Word not responding Windows 10 error Yes, the error mostly occurs in the Microsoft Program in Windows 10 operating system. There are some common reasons that go hand in hand with the MS word not responding error. Apr 16, 2018 To do this, follow these steps: On the Go menu, click Home. Open Documents. Open Microsoft User Data. Open the Office Autorecovery folder. Note You do not have to delete files in this folder. You can copy or move these files to the desktop. Test the application. While it might seem complicated at first, you can easily fix the Microsoft Word not responding Mac issue by following the right approach. In this extensive guide, we will teach you how to force quit Word on Mac and fix the Word not responding on Mac problem like a pro. Re: Microsoft Word keeps 'not responding' after launching or closing due to Endnote on Mac. Jun 16, 2017 When the MS Word stops responding all of a sudden, the work that’s done on the file is lost when it’s not saved. The Microsoft help desk is to support users with troubleshooting techniques.

If you meet Microsoft Word not responding problem when saving and don't what do to, calm down, try the solutions provided here. Not only can you learn how to solve the problem, but also you can recover the unsaved Word document without data loss. What's more, a professional data recovery tool is highly recommended to help you restore the deleted Word document with a high success rate.

Word 2016 Doesn't Respond When Saving

'I was working on a paper for school last night. But Word suddenly stopped responding when I tried to save the document. Is it possible to save my work before I force Word to close? I'm using Word 2016 on a Windows 10 computer.'

Usually, when Microsoft Word crashes or freezes, it throws a frustrating error message 'Microsoft word not responding' or ' Microsoft Word has stopped working'. When facing this issue, one has no other option but to force quit the program. It's a disaster if you haven't saved your Word file!

To help you out, this page shows you how to fix Microsoft Word when it doesn't respond and recover unsaved Word document on Mac and Windows.

Workable SolutionsStep-by-step Troubleshooting
Fix 1. Disable the Add-insClick File > Choose Word Options > Click Add-ins > Click Manage: Com-in Add and Go..Full steps
Fix 2. MS Office Application RecoveryGo to Start > Choose All Programs > Choose Microsoft Office Tools > Click MS Office Application Recovery..Full steps

What to Do When Microsoft Word Is Not Responding

You can disable the Add-ins to avoid Word not responding problem. Then, use the Microsoft Word Recovery feature to recover the unsaved Word document on Windows 10/8/7.

Fix 1: Disable the Add-ins

One of the main factors that might be responsible for Word not responding issue is usually due to an incompatibility with the third party Add-ins. Therefore, we advise you to disable the Add-ins to check if this is the cause of the issue.

1) Go to File > Word Options > Add-ins Tab.
2) Click the 'Go' button near the drop-down box named 'Manage: Com-in Add'.
3) Click the checkbox to disable any add-ins listed there and click 'OK'.

Fix 2: Try MS Office Application Recovery

Another handy solution you can try to fix Microsoft word not responding error and recover unsaved document is using MS Office Application Recovery feature.

1) Go to Start > All Programs > Microsoft Office Tools > MS Office Application Recovery.
2) Choose the document that's not responding when you see a list of currently running office applications.
3) Click the option 'Recover Application' and recover the document you were working on.

Applying MS Application Recovery utility is one of the many methods to recover unsaved Word document on Windows 10. You can follow the link and check all-sided resolutions to restore unsaved Word file because of Word crash, freezing, error code, or accidental closure.

Bonus Tip: Use EaseUS Recovery Software to Recover Lost Word Document

If your Word document is saved but lost due to accidental deletion, storage device formatting, virus attack, or system crash, you can't get it back using the ways for restoring unsaved files. But the loss of Word file frequently happens for most users; then how to recover deleted Word document? Using EaseUS hard drive recovery software Now. This file recovery program allows you to recover lost DOC/DOCX, XLS/XLSX, PPT/PPTX, PDF, HTML/HTM, CWK, as well as photos, audios, videos, emails, and other 200 + types of files.

Except for recovering files from the internal hard drive of the computer, this capable data recovery software is still good at recovering data from SD card, CF card, external hard drive, USB flash drive, Pen drive, and so on.

Now, download and use EaseUS file recovery tool to retrieve lost Word document within three steps.

Step 1. Choose the Word file location.

Do you know where you lost Word files? Choose the hard disk drive or a specific folder and click the San button. If it's on a USB flash drive or SD card, take one more step to connect it to your computer.

Step 2. Scan all lost data.

The software will start immediately scanning all lost data on the selected drive, and you'll see more and more data showing up in the scan results. After the scan, use the quickest way to the wanted Word documents by choosing 'Documents' from the drop-down list in 'Filter'.

Step 3. Select Word files and recover.

You're allowed to preview a Word file if you have Microsoft Word application installed on your computer. Finally, select the desired documents and click 'Recover'.

Useful Tips to Avoid Microsoft Word Not Responding Error

  • Protect your PC from Virus and Malware
  • Protect your PC from an unexpected power surge
  • Never close the Word document suddenly
  • Don't use the Microsoft Office program on a mapped network drive

Microsoft word not responding error might cause an unrecoverable data loss disaster, which is the last thing that you want to happen in this world. Remember all these tips will help you stay far away from such a problem.

-->

Note

Office 365 ProPlus is being renamed to Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise. For more information about this change, read this blog post.

Note

If you experience specific issues when you use Word, visit the Word help center to search for information about your issue.

Summary

This article describes how to troubleshoot problems that may occur when you start or use Microsoft Word. Use the following methods in the order in which they are presented. If you try one of these methods and it does not help, go to the next method.

Resolution

Verify or install the latest updates

You might have to set Windows Update to automatically download and install recommended updates. Installing any important, recommended, and optional updates can frequently correct problems by replacing out-of-date files and fixing vulnerabilities. To install the latest Microsoft Office updates, see Update Office and your computer with Microsoft Update.

For list of the latest Office updates, see Office Updates. If your issue is not resolved after you install the latest Windows and Office updates, go to method 2.

It's a good idea to make sure that your computer has the latest updates installed for Windows. Updates often fix software problems. Before you use any of the following methods, try first to install updates. After you install the updates, restart your computer, and then start Word.

Troubleshoot problems that occur when you start Word

Important

Follow the steps in this section carefully. Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Before you modify it, back up the registry for restoration in case problems occur.

Method 1: Insert your document into another file

The final paragraph mark in a Word document contains information about the document. If the document is damaged, you may be able to retrieve the text of the document if you can omit this final paragraph mark.

To access a document but leave its final paragraph mark behind, follow these steps:

  1. On the File menu, click New and then click Blank Document.
  2. On the Insert tab, click Object in the Text group, and then click Text from File.
  3. Select the file that you want to open and insert, and then click Insert.

Method 2: Start Word by using the /a switch

The /a switch is a troubleshooting tool that is used to determine where a problem may exist in Word. The /a switch prevents add-ins and global templates from being loaded automatically. The /a switch also locks the settings files to prevent it from being read or modified. To start Word by using the /a switch, follow these steps:

  1. Type Run in the Search box (in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8) or in the Start Search box on the Start menu (in earlier versions of Windows), and then press Enter.
  2. In the **Run **dialog box, type winword /a, and then press Enter.

For more information about the /a switch, go to the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Microsoft Word Keeps Not Responding On Mac

826857 Description of the '/a' startup switch in Word

If the problem does not occur when you start Word by using the /a switch, try the next method to determine the source of the problem.

Method 3: Delete the Word Data registry subkey

Most of the frequently used options in Word are stored in the Word Data registry subkey. A common troubleshooting step is to delete the Word Data registry subkey. When you restart Word, the program rebuilds the Word Data registry key by using the default settings.

Note When you delete the Word Data registry subkey, Word resets several options to their default settings. For example, Word resets the 'most recently used file' list on the File menu. Also, Word resets many settings that you customize in the Options dialog box.

Important

Follow the steps in this section carefully. Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Before you modify it, back up the registry for restoration in case problems occur.

To delete the Word Data registry subkey, follow these steps:

  1. Exit all Office programs.

  2. Type regedit in the Search box (in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8) or in the Start Search box on the Start menu (in earlier versions of Windows), and then press Enter.

  3. Locate the following registry subkey, as appropriate for the version of Word that you are using:

    Word 2016HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice16.0WordData

    Word 2013HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice15.0WordData

    Word 2010HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice14.0WordData

    Word 2007HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice12.0WordData

    Word 2003HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice11.0WordData

  4. Click Data, and then click Export on the File menu.

  5. Name the file Wddata.reg, and then save the file to the desktop.

  6. On the Edit menu, click Delete, and then click Yes.

  7. Exit Registry Editor.

  8. Start Word.

    In fact, most online help content will be retired.Why is Microsoft doing this?Office for Mac 2011, like most Microsoft products, has a support lifecycle during which we provide new features, bug fixes, security fixes, and so on. What are my options?Although you'll still be able to use Office for Mac 2011, you might want to upgrade to a newer version of Office so you can stay up to date with all the latest features, patches, and security updates.Upgrade options include:., the subscription version of Office that comes with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other apps, depending on the plan you choose. Microsoft office 2011 update for mac catalina. This lifecycle typically lasts for 5 years from the date of the product’s initial release.

If Word starts and works correctly, you have resolved the problem (a damaged Word Data registry key). You may now have to change several settings to restore your favorite options in Word.

If the problem is not resolved, restore the original Word Data registry subkey, and then try the next method.

Restore the original Word Data registry key

To restore the original Word Data registry subkey, follow these steps:

  1. Exit all Office programs.
  2. Double-click the Wddata.reg icon on the desktop.
  3. Click Yes, and then click OK.
    If restoring the Word Data registry subkey doesn't work, go to the next procedure.

Method 4: Delete the Word Options registry key

The Word Options registry key stores options that you can set in Word. These settings are divided into default and optional groups. Default settings are created during the program setup. Optional settings are not created during setup. You can change both the default and optional settings in Word.

To delete the Word Options registry key, follow these steps:

  1. Exit all Office programs.

  2. Type regedit in the Search box (in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8) or in the Start Search box on the Start menu (in earlier versions of Windows), and then press Enter.

  3. Locate the following registry subkey, as appropriate for the version of Word that you are running:

    Word 2016HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice16.0WordOptions

    Word 2013HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice15.0WordOptions

    Word 2010HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice14.0WordOptions

    Word 2007HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice12.0WordOptions

    Word 2003HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice11.0WordOptions

  4. Click Options, and then click Export on the File menu.

  5. Name the file Wddata.reg, and then save the file to the desktop.

  6. On the Edit menu, click Delete, and then click Yes.

  7. Exit Registry Editor.

  8. Start Word.

If Word starts and works correctly, you have resolved the problem (a damaged Word Options registry key). You may now have to change several settings to restore your favorite options in Word.

If the problem is not resolved, restore the original Word Options registry key, and then try the next method.

To restore the original Word Options registry key

Word Not Responding

To restore the original Word Options registry key, follow these steps:

  1. Exit all Office programs.
  2. Double-click the Wdoptn.reg icon on the desktop.
  3. Click Yes, and then click OK.

Method 5: Replace the Normal.dot or Normal.dotm global template file

You can prevent formatting, AutoText, and macros that are stored in the global template file from affecting the behavior of Word and any documents that you open. To do this, replace the global template file.

Important

Microsoft project trial for mac

This method includes renaming the global template file so that Word does not find it as expected when it restarts. This forces Word to re-create the global template file. By doing this, you save the original file in case you have to restore it. Be aware that when you rename the global template file, several settings are reset to their defaults, including custom styles, custom toolbars, macros, and AutoText entries. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you save the global template file and do not delete it.

Additional note In certain situations, you may have more than one global template file. For example, this occurs if multiple versions of Word are running on the same computer, or if several workstation installations exist on the same computer. In these situations, make sure that you rename each global template file so that it clearly reflects the appropriate Word installation.

To rename the global template file, follow these steps:

  1. Exit all Office programs.

  2. Type cmd in the Search box (in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8) or in the Start Search box on the Start menu (in earlier versions of Windows), and then press Enter.

  3. At the command prompt, type the following command, as appropriate for the version of Word that you are running, and then press Enter:

    Word 2016, Word 2013, Word 2010, or Word 2007

    Word 2003

  4. At the command prompt, type exit, and then press Enter.

  5. Start Word.

If Word starts correctly, you have resolved the problem. In this case, the problem is a damaged global template file. Now, you may have to change several settings to restore your favorite options.

Note

The old global template file may contain customizations that can't be easily re-created. These customizations may include styles, macros, and AutoText entries. In this case, you may be able to copy the customizations from the old global template file to the new global template file by using the Organizer. For more information about how to use the Organizer to copy macros and styles, press F1 in Word to open Microsoft Word Help, type rename macros in the Search box, and then click Search to view the topic.

If the problem is not resolved, restore the original global template file, and then go to the next section.

Restore the original global template file

To restore the original global template file, follow these steps:

  1. Exit all Office programs.

  2. Type cmd in the Search box (in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8) or in the Start Search box on the Start menu (in earlier versions of Windows), and then press Enter.

  3. At the command prompt, type the following command, as appropriate for the version of Word that you are running, and then press Enter:

    Word 2016, Word 2013, Word 2010 and Word 2007

    Word 2003

  4. Type exit, and then press Enter.

  5. Start Word.

Method 6: Disable the Startup folder add-ins

When you start Word, Word automatically loads templates and add-ins that are located in the Startup folders. Conflicts or problems that affect an add-in can cause problems in Word. To determine whether an item in a Startup folder is causing the problem, temporarily disable the registry setting that points to these add-ins.

To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Exit all Office programs.

  2. Start Windows Explorer. Type windows ex in the Search box (in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8) or in the Start Search box on the Start menu (in earlier versions of Windows), and then press Enter.

  3. Type the following command in the address bar, as appropriate for the version of Word that you're running and its installation type, and then press Enter: Word 2016

    64-bit C2R installation:%programfiles%Microsoft Officerootoffice16Startup

    32-bit C2R installation:%programfiles% (x86)Microsoft Officerootoffice16Startup

    64-bit MSI installation:%programfiles%Microsoft Officeoffice16Startup

    32-bit MSI installation:%programfiles% (x86)Microsoft Officeoffice16Startup

    Word 2013

    64-bit C2R installation:%programfiles%Microsoft Officerootoffice15Startup

    32-bit C2R installation:%programfiles% (x86)Microsoft Officerootoffice15Startup

    64-bit MSI installation:%programfiles%Microsoft Officeoffice15Startup

    32-bit MSI installation:%programfiles% (x86)Microsoft Officeoffice15Startup

    Word 2010

    %programfiles%Microsoft OfficeOffice14Startup

    Word 2007

    %programfiles%Microsoft OfficeOffice12Startup

    Word 2003

    %programfiles%MicrosoftOfficeOffice11Startup

  4. Right-click one of the files that is contained in the folder, and then click Rename.

  5. After the file name, type .old, and then press Enter.

    Important

    Make a note of the original file name so that you can restore the file, if it is necessary.

  6. Start Word.

  7. If you can no longer reproduce the problem, you have found the specific add-in that causes the problem. If you must have the features that the add-in provides, contact the vendor of the add-in for an update.

    If the problem is not resolved, rename the add-in by using its original name, and then repeat steps 3 through 6 for each file in the Startup folder.

  8. If you can still reproduce the problem, type the following path in the address bar of Windows Explorer, and then click OK. For Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista

    %userprofile%AppDataRoamingMicrosoftWordStartup

    For Windows XP

    %userprofile%Application DataMicrosoftWordStartup

  9. Repeat steps 3 through 6 for each file in this Startup folder.

If the problem is not resolved after you disable the Startup folder add-ins, go to the next method.

Method 7: Delete the COM add-ins registry keys

You can install COM add-ins in any location. Programs that interact with Word install COM add-ins. To determine whether a COM add-in is causing the problem, temporarily disable the COM add-ins by deleting the registry keys for the COM add-ins.

To delete the COM add-ins registry keys, follow these steps:

  1. Exit all Office programs.
  2. Type regedit in the Search box (in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8) or in the Start Search box on the Start menu (in earlier versions of Windows), and then press Enter.
  3. Locate the following registry subkey: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOfficeWordAddins
  4. Click Addins, and then click Export on the File menu.
  5. Name the file WdaddinHKCU.reg, and then save the file to the desktop.
  6. On the Edit menu, click Delete, and then click Yes.
  7. Locate the following registry subkey: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftOfficeWordAddins
  8. Click Addins, and then on the File menu, click Export.
  9. Name the file WdaddinHKLM.reg, and then save the file to the desktop.
  10. On the Edit menu, click Delete, and then click Yes.
  11. Exit Registry Editor.
  12. Start Word.
    If the problem is resolved, you have determined that a COM add-in program is causing the problem. Next, you must determine which COM add-in program is causing the problem.
Determine which COM add-in program is causing the problem

To determine which COM add-in program is causing the problem, follow these steps:

  1. Exit all Office programs.

  2. Double-click the Wdaddin.reg icon on your desktop.

  3. Click Yes, and then click OK.

  4. Use one of the following procedures, as appropriate for the version of Word that you are running:

    Word 2016, Word 2013, or Word 2010

    1. On the File menu, click Options.
    2. Click Add-Ins.
    3. In the Manage list, click COM Add-Ins, and then click Go.

    Note If an add-in is listed in the COM Add-Ins dialog box, clear the add-in check box. If more than one add-in is listed, clear only one add-in check box at a time. This procedure helps determine which add-in is causing the problem.
    4. Click OK to close the COM Add-Ins dialog box.
    5. On the File menu, click Exit.

    Word 2007

    1. Click the Microsoft Office Button, and then click Word options.

    2. Click Add-ins.

    3. In the Manage list, click COM Add-ins, and then click Go.

      If an add-in is listed in the COM Add-Ins dialog box, click to clear the add-in check box. If more than one add-in is listed, click to clear only one add-in check box at a time. This procedure helps determine which add-in is causing the problem.

    4. Click OK to close the COM Add-Ins dialog box.

    5. Click the Microsoft Office Button, and then click Exit Word.

    6. On the File menu, click Exit.

  5. Start Word.
    If the problem is resolved when you start Word, you have determined which COM add-in is causing the problem. If you must have the features that the add-in provides, you must determine which add-in includes those features so that you can contact the vendor for an update.

If the problem is not resolved when you start Word, repeat steps 4 and 5 for each COM add-in that's listed until you determine which add-in is causing the problem.

To restore the COM add-ins, repeat step 4, but select the check box for each COM add-in that you want to restore.

Microsoft word keeps not responding for mac free

Method 8: Change the default printer

Microsoft Word Keeps Not Responding For Mac Pro

To change the default printer, follow these steps:

  1. Exit all Office programs.
  2. Type regedit in the Search box (in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8) or in the Start Search box on the Start menu (in earlier versions of Windows), and then press Enter.
  3. Right-click Microsoft XPS Document Writer, and then click Set as default printer.
  4. Start Word.
    If the problem is resolved after you start Word, you have determined that the printer is causing the problem. If this is the case, contact the vendor to see whether there is an update for the printer driver.

Microsoft Support options

If you can't resolve this problem, you can use Microsoft Support to search the Microsoft Knowledge Base and other technical resources for answers. You can also customize the site to control your search. To start your search, go to the Microsoft Support website.

Additional resources

If you experience specific issues when you use Word, go to the following websites to search for specific information about your program version: