Fix Word for Mac Sharing Link Loading Errors
Question details
The user needs to share a Word document from the Word for Mac application.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- A document is stored in OneDrive, and the user selects Copy link or Send link in Word.
- Observed behavior
- Word displays “Failed to load. Try again” or stays on a loading screen, although sharing works in Word Online.
Confirm that the document is saved to OneDrive and that you can sign in to the same Microsoft account in Word and Word Online. Check whether the sharing problem occurs in other Office apps as well as Word.
Update Office and test sharing in Safe Mode
Use these checks first to rule out an outdated Office installation or software that interferes with Word.
In Word, select Help > Check for Updates and install available updates. If you installed Word from the Mac App Store, check the App Store's Updates section instead.
Open the document from OneDrive in a browser, then select Share and try copying a link. Use this method to share the document while troubleshooting the desktop app.
On an Apple silicon Mac, shut down, hold the power button until startup options appear, select your disk, then hold Shift and choose Continue in Safe Mode. On an Intel Mac, restart and hold Shift until the login screen appears.
Open Word in Safe Mode and select File > Share > Copy link or Send link. Restart the Mac normally after the test.
Reset the Word container if only Word is affected
Use this reset when sharing fails in Word but works in other Office apps.
Clear Office identity entries if all Office apps are affected
Use this sign-in reset when sharing fails across multiple Office apps, not just Word.
Work with Word documents in WPS Office for Mac
WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative with a familiar interface for opening and editing Word documents. Its format compatibility makes it easier to move existing files, although it does not repair Microsoft Word's sharing error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share the document while Word for Mac is stuck loading?
Yes. Open the document from OneDrive in a browser and use Share in Word Online to create or send a link.
Why should I test a new document?
Create a blank document in Word, save it to OneDrive, and try File > Share. If the new file also fails, the problem may extend beyond the original document.
When should I reset the Word container?
Consider moving the com.microsoft.Word folder from ~/Library/Containers to the desktop if only Word is affected. Quit Word first and retain the moved folder while you test.
Will clearing Keychain entries sign me out of Office?
Removing Office identity entries clears stored sign-in information, so you may need to sign in again. Use Keychain Access to remove the specified Office entries and relevant ADAL entries only.
