How to Fix Microsoft Word Not Responding: Complete Guide

When I am making corrections to a previous document and leaving comments, after doing a few comments or corrections, Word just freezes up in “not responding.” These are short exams sent to me by students that I am scoring. They are sent through email and then I download them. Have never had a problem with “not responding” before. I tried using the online 365 rather than the copy on my PC. Did not work. Tried downloading Office again to my computer directly from the online account. Tried restarting my computer. Have run a virus scan, showing no problems. What else can I do?—from Microsoft Store

Understanding Microsoft Word Application Issues

Why Word Sometimes Fails to Open

Users may encounter errors such as the application Microsoft Word can’t be opened, or messages like can’t open Microsoft Word because it is being updated. These issues often prevent access to important documents, causing productivity loss and frustration.

Such problems typically arise from software conflicts, corrupt files, pending updates, or system errors. Understanding why Word fails to launch is essential before attempting any fix.

Common Symptoms of Word Not Responding

• Word freezes immediately after launching.
• Pop-up messages like file may be in use can’t open Microsoft Word appear.
• On Mac, users may see the application Microsoft Word.app can’t be opened or can’t open Microsoft Word because it is being updated Mac.
• Documents fail to load, or templates do not appear correctly.

Recognizing these symptoms helps determine the root cause and select the most effective method to restore normal operation.

Causes of Microsoft Word Not Responding

Software Conflicts and Add-ins

Many Word issues occur due to third-party add-ins or conflicting applications. These add-ins may load at startup, causing Word to freeze or crash. Disabling or removing problematic add-ins can help fix errors like the application Microsoft Word can’t be opened.

Pending Updates or Installation Errors

A common reason for errors such as can’t open Microsoft Word because it is being updated is an incomplete or pending Office update. Updates may lock certain files, preventing Word from launching correctly.

On Mac, the message can’t open Microsoft Word because it is being updated Mac appears when updates are in progress or interrupted. Ensuring updates complete successfully often resolves these issues.

Corrupted Templates and Documents

Corrupt Normal.dotm templates or specific Word documents can also trigger startup failures. Users attempting to open Word may receive file may be in use can’t open Microsoft Word warnings. Replacing or repairing templates often restores functionality.

System Resource or Permissions Issues

Insufficient memory, restricted permissions, or conflicts with antivirus software may prevent Word from opening. Addressing these factors is necessary for a complete fix.

Effective Methods to Fix Microsoft Word Not Responding

Method 1: Start Word in Safe Mode

Test Environment: Windows 10, Office 2019, standard user profile.

Safe Mode launches Word without add-ins or custom settings, reducing potential conflicts. To start Word in Safe Mode:

1. Press Win + R and type winword /safe.
2. Press Enter to launch Word.
3. Check if the application opens without errors.

This method is effective for resolving issues caused by add-ins, templates, or startup conflicts. Users can then selectively disable problematic add-ins to prevent future crashes.

Method 2: Disable or Remove Add-ins

Test Environment: Windows 11, Office 365, Word freezing on launch.

Add-ins are often responsible for the application Microsoft Word can’t be opened errors. To fix:

1. Open Word in Safe Mode.
2. Go to File → Options → Add-ins.
3. Manage COM Add-ins → Uncheck unnecessary add-ins.
4. Restart Word normally.

Disabling or removing add-ins can eliminate conflicts causing Word to hang or freeze.

Method 3: Repair Office Installation

Test Environment: Windows 10, Office 2016, Word not opening after update.

Corrupt installation files may prevent Word from starting. Repairing Office can resolve errors like can’t open Microsoft Word because it is being updated:

1. Open Control Panel → Programs and Features.
2. Select Microsoft Office → Change → Quick Repair or Online Repair.
3. Follow prompts to complete the repair.

This method fixes corrupted program files and ensures Word can launch properly.

Method 4: Check for Pending Updates

Test Environment: Windows 11, Office 2019, incomplete updates causing startup issues.

Pending or failed updates may lock Word files, producing errors such as can’t open Microsoft Word because it is being updated Mac.

Steps:

1. Open Microsoft Office Account → Update Options → Update Now.
2. Ensure updates complete fully.
3. Restart Word after updates.

Keeping Office up to date prevents conflicts and ensures smooth operation.

Method 5: Rename or Replace the Normal Template

Test Environment: Windows 10, Word freezing when opening blank documents.

The default template, Normal.dotm, may become corrupted and block Word from launching. To fix:

1. Navigate to C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates.
2. Rename Normal.dotm to Normal.old.
3. Restart Word; a new template will be created automatically.

This method resolves issues where templates cause file may be in use can’t open Microsoft Word errors.

Method 6: Recover Corrupted Word Files Using Pandaoffice Drecov

Test Environment: Windows 11, Office documents failing to open, files corrupted during crash or update.

If Word documents themselves are corrupted and cause errors like the application Microsoft Word can’t be opened, Pandaoffice Drecov can safely recover lost content.

Steps:

1. Install Pandaoffice Drecov on a separate drive.
2. Scan the folder or storage device containing corrupted Word files.
3. Preview and selectively restore documents.
4. Open restored files in Word.

This method ensures users can recover inaccessible Word files without risking further damage to existing documents.

Why Choose PandaOffice Drecov?

When it comes to reliable file data recovery, PandaOffice Drecov offers a balanced combination of performance, ease of use, and broad compatibility. Whether you’ve lost important business files or personal memories, it provides an efficient way to restore data from various loss scenarios, including system crashes, accidental deletion, and formatted drives.

For users looking for advanced Photo Data Recovery Software, PandaOffice Drecov supports a wide range of image formats and storage devices. It can recover high-quality photos from SD cards, cameras, and internal drives while preserving original resolution and file structure. This makes it especially useful for photographers and everyday users alike.

If you are dealing with storage device issues, its external hard drive recovery capability ensures that data can be retrieved from USB drives, HDDs, and SSDs with minimal effort. The software performs deep scans to locate hidden or lost files, even in complex situations like partition loss.

In addition, PandaOffice Drecov excels in Document Recovery, helping users restore essential files such as Word, Excel, and PDFs. It also supports powerpoint recovery, allowing you to retrieve unsaved or deleted presentation files quickly—ideal for professionals working under tight deadlines.

With an intuitive interface, preview functionality, and powerful scanning modes, PandaOffice Drecov simplifies the recovery process while maintaining high success rates.

Method 7: Run Word as Administrator

Test Environment: Windows 10, user account without full permissions.

Running Word with elevated privileges may bypass access restrictions causing file may be in use can’t open Microsoft Word issues.

1. Right-click Word icon → Run as Administrator.
2. Open documents normally.

This method resolves permission-related startup errors.

Method 8: Check for Background Processes Locking Word

Test Environment: Windows 11, multiple Office processes active.

Errors like file may be in use can’t open Microsoft Word may occur if another Word process is active.

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Task Manager.
2. Locate WINWORD.EXE or similar processes.
3. End task and retry opening Word.

This ensures no background process prevents Word from starting.

Method 9: Repair Word Documents Using Built-in Tools

Test Environment: Windows 10, Office 2016, document fails to open due to corruption.

If specific Word files trigger errors such as the application Microsoft Word can’t be opened, built-in repair features can help.

Steps:

1. Open Word → File → Open.
2. Select the corrupted document.
3. Click the dropdown next to “Open” → Open and Repair.
4. Word attempts to fix corruption and open the file.

This method is effective for file may be in use can’t open Microsoft Word scenarios when the issue is document-specific rather than application-wide.

Method 10: Check Disk for Errors

Test Environment: Windows 11, Office 365, storage drive suspected of errors.

Drive issues can prevent Word from opening properly. Running a disk check can resolve file access problems:

1. Open Command Prompt → type chkdsk /f.
2. Select the drive containing Word documents.
3. Allow the process to complete and restart your PC.

After fixing disk errors, Word is more likely to open without errors such as the application Microsoft Word.app can’t be opened.

Method 11: Delete Word Cache and Temporary Files

Test Environment: Windows 10, Word freezing when opening recent documents.

Temporary files or cache can block Word startup. Removing them often resolves can’t open Microsoft Word because it is being updated issues:

1. Close Word completely.
2. Navigate to C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\UnsavedFiles.
3. Delete unnecessary temporary files.
4. Restart Word.

This method is particularly useful for users encountering frequent crashes or frozen documents.

Method 12: Reinstall Microsoft Office

Test Environment: Windows 11, Office 2019, repeated startup failures.

If all other methods fail, reinstalling Microsoft Office ensures a fresh installation without corrupted files causing can’t open Microsoft Word because it is being updated Mac or Windows errors.

Steps:

1. Backup your Office settings and documents.
2. Uninstall Office completely via Control Panel → Programs and Features.
3. Reinstall Office from official sources.
4. Update Word to the latest version before opening files.

Reinstallation addresses underlying program corruption that other fixes cannot resolve.

Recover Unsaved or Crashed Word Files

Method 13: Recover Documents Using AutoRecover

Test Environment: Windows 10, Office 365, Word crashed unexpectedly.

Word includes an AutoRecover feature that saves temporary copies of documents:

1. Open Word → File → Info → Manage Document → Recover Unsaved Documents.
2. Browse and open relevant files.
3. Save recovered files to a safe location.

This method ensures users can retrieve work after unexpected crashes, even when Word fails to open initially.

Method 14: Use Backup Copies

Test Environment: Windows 11, documents saved in OneDrive or local backups.

If AutoRecover fails, check backup locations:

1. OneDrive: Log in and restore previous versions of Word files.
2. Local backups: Use File History or manually copied backups to restore content.

This is a safe and effective way to prevent data loss in cases of file may be in use can’t open Microsoft Word errors.

FAQ About Word Not Responding

Why Does Word Say “The Application Microsoft Word Can’t Be Opened”?

This error often occurs due to add-in conflicts, corrupted templates, or system permission issues. Launching Word in Safe Mode or repairing installation usually resolves it.

What If Word Shows “Can’t Open Microsoft Word Because It Is Being Updated”?

This occurs when Office updates are pending or interrupted. Ensure updates complete fully or restart your system to release file locks.

How Do I Fix Word on Mac Showing “The Application Microsoft Word.app Can’t Be Opened”?

Check for updates in Microsoft AutoUpdate, remove corrupted preferences, or reinstall Office. Safe Mode and cache clearing may also help.

Can I Recover Unsaved Documents After a Crash?

Yes, use Word’s AutoRecover feature or backup copies stored on OneDrive or external drives. Pandaoffice Drecov can also help restore inaccessible or corrupted Word files safely.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Fixing Word Not Responding

Microsoft Word errors such as the application Microsoft Word can’t be opened, can’t open Microsoft Word because it is being updated, and file may be in use can’t open Microsoft Word can interrupt your workflow. Following structured troubleshooting ensures minimal data loss:

• Start with Safe Mode and disable problematic add-ins.
• Repair Office installation and check for updates.
• Recover corrupted documents using AutoRecover or Pandaoffice Drecov.
• Clear cache, temporary files, and run disk checks if needed.
• As a last resort, reinstall Office to fix persistent application issues.

By following these steps, users can restore access to Word documents and prevent future startup errors effectively.