File Sharing Problems

Fix Share Button Stuck on Loading in Word and Excel Desktop Apps

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to share documents from Microsoft 365 desktop applications because the Share button remains continuously stuck on a loading screen.

How to Fix Share Button Stuck on Loading in Word and Excel

Product: Microsoft Word and Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to share a document directly from the Microsoft 365 desktop application when the file is opened from OneDrive or SharePoint.
Observed behavior: The Share button gets stuck in a continuous 'Loading' state, preventing users from sharing the file. This issue is affecting all users across the entire organization.

Before you start

Verify that your internet connection is stable and try sharing the file directly through the OneDrive or SharePoint web interface as a temporary workaround.

Solution 1Recommended

Submit a Microsoft 365 Service Request

Since this issue affects all users in the organization, an IT administrator must escalate it to Microsoft support to investigate potential backend server or tenant-wide glitches.

When a loading issue impacts an entire organization simultaneously, it typically indicates a problem with the Microsoft 365 tenant, server-side communication, or a flawed global update.

Your Microsoft 365 administrator will need to open an official support request so that the Microsoft technical team can collect application logs and resolve the backend issue.

Access the Admin Center

Have your IT administrator log into the Microsoft 365 Admin Center using their admin credentials.

Navigate to Support

On the left-hand navigation menu, click on 'Support' and then select 'Help & support'.

Create a New Service Request

Click on 'New service request', briefly describe the 'Share button stuck on loading' issue, and follow the prompts to connect with a Microsoft support agent.

Log Collection: The Microsoft support team may ask your administrator to provide desktop application logs to help pinpoint the exact cause of the sharing failure.

Solution 2

Check Microsoft 365 Service Health

Check if there is a known ongoing outage or degradation affecting Microsoft 365 desktop apps, SharePoint, or OneDrive services.

Solution 3

Sign Out and Sign Back into Office

Refresh the authentication token between the desktop applications and Microsoft's cloud services to clear isolated syncing bugs.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Sharing

If Microsoft 365 desktop apps are experiencing sharing glitches, WPS Office provides an excellent free alternative. It features highly compatible Word and Excel applications with robust, built-in cloud sharing features that bypass complex server loading issues.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite from the official website.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word (.docx) or Excel (.xlsx) files.
3. Share with Ease: Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner to instantly generate a secure link or send the file via email.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including .docx and .xlsxLightweight desktop applications for faster loading and stable performanceBuilt-in seamless cloud sharing and collaboration toolsFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate user interfaceNo complex tenant-wide administrative blocks to interrupt sharing

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Share button continuously loading in Word and Excel?

This is typically caused by a breakdown in communication between the Microsoft 365 desktop app and cloud services (OneDrive/SharePoint). When affecting an entire organization, it usually indicates a tenant-wide bug, a Microsoft server outage, or expired authentication tokens.

Can I still share my document if the desktop app Share button is broken?

Yes. As a workaround, you can open OneDrive or SharePoint in your web browser, locate the file, and use the Share button on the web interface. The web versions often remain functional even when desktop apps experience loading issues.

Will reinstalling Microsoft 365 fix the loading share button?

If the issue is organization-wide, reinstalling the software locally will likely not resolve it, as the problem stems from server-side services or admin configurations. It is better to have an IT admin submit a Microsoft service request.

Document & File Issues