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Common Microsoft Word problems and how to fix them
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Published onJuly 28, 2020
published onJuly 28, 2020
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Microsoft Word is one of the most commonly used Microsoft 365 programs. It not only has some cool templates, but it’s also used to type up important documents, letters, and a whole lot more. Sometimes, though, Word might not work as expected, and you might end up getting an error code or an error message. Here’s a look at some of the most common Word problems, and how you can fix them.
My file won’t open
Trying to open a file but Word isn’t getting along? In this case, Microsoft Word might give you a message saying that it experienced an error while trying to open the file. This usually occurs when you don’t have the permission to open the file, or if the file has moved from its original location or has been deleted.
To fix this, check in the File Explorer or run a search in Windows 10 to see where the file has gone. To unlock the file and get the permission to open it, meanwhile, go to the location where it is saved, right-click the file, and then chooseproperties. From there, you’ll want to click theunblockoption.
Microsoft Word crashes or freezes
Another common issue with Microsoft Word is that it might crash or freeze when opening a document. This might occur when Word is having some trouble reading the contents of a document, or if the document has a lot of images and text.
In most cases, it’s best to wait and let Word try to resolve the problem on its own. At the risk of losing your document, you also can try to force quit word using the task manager by pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL, and clickingTask Manager, looking forMicrosoft Word, and then clickingEnd Task. This will give the program a fresh start. In most cases, Word will try to auto recover the document as you last had it and will open the Document Recovery task pane. Again, though, this is the last resort.
If Word continues to have a problem and still gives you error messages, you get a message saying that the document caused a serious error. In this case, you might need to reset Microsoft Word completely. To do this, head to the Windows 10 Start Menu and typeAdd or Remove Programs. Then, choose Office or Microsoft 365 from the list, followed byModify.You should get the option forQuick Repair. Choose, this, and Word Will be reset.
Microsoft Word is running slow
The final issue on our list has to do with Microsoft Word running slow. This could be it not picking up your keyboard input in time, or images or other menu items taking a while to load. In most situations, we recommend to use the Quick Repair option we described above.
However, as an alternate, you also might want to try to disable extra add-ins. These are meant to boost your experience, but can also slow things down. You can disable these by clicking theFilemenu, followed byOptions, and thenAdds Ins. Click an add-in, and then theGobutton. You’ll then be able to disable it by clickingRemove.
Contact Microsoft Support for help!
If all else fails, and you run into a problem with Word, Microsoft is here to help you. As covered under the Microsoft 365 subscription, you always can contact Microsoft for help. Simply visitthis support page, and start a chat.
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).
For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.
Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.
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Radu Tyrsina
