'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Fix Excel and Word Files Freezing When Opened from Teams
Question details
Users are unable to open Excel or Word files received from others via Microsoft Teams or SharePoint because the applications freeze indefinitely at the "Opening file" stage.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Teams
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to open shared Excel or Word documents directly from Microsoft Teams or SharePoint into the local desktop application.
- Observed behavior
- The Office application freezes at the "Opening file" stage. In some cases, it displays a "Recovered Document" prompt and enters a continuous freeze loop, whereas previously downloaded files open without issue.
Ensure your internet connection is stable and that your Microsoft Teams and desktop Office applications are updated to their latest versions to rule out outdated software bugs.
Open the Shared File Through the SharePoint Web Interface
Bypassing the direct Teams interface and using SharePoint's "Open in app" feature is the most effective way to circumvent the freezing issue.
When Microsoft Teams triggers the local Office application to open a cloud file, sync glitches can cause the software to hang. Forcing the file to open via the SharePoint gateway establishes a fresh connection, allowing Excel or Word to process the file correctly.
Open the relevant Microsoft Teams channel where the file was shared and click on the 'Files' tab at the top of the interface.
Click the 'Open in SharePoint' button located in the top menu toolbar. This will launch your default web browser and open the file directory in SharePoint.
In the SharePoint web interface, select the problematic Excel or Word file. Click on 'Open' in the top menu, and then select 'Open in app'.
Download the File Locally Before Opening
If cloud integration continues to cause freezing, downloading the file directly to your local drive separates it from the syncing process, allowing it to open normally.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Handling
If you are frustrated by Microsoft Word and Excel constantly freezing or crashing when opening shared cloud files, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that lets you open, edit, and share files without the hassle of sync loops.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free application and install it on your device.
- 2. Set as Default Application: During or after installation, choose to set WPS Office as your default application for opening .docx and .xlsx files.
- 3. Open Your Shared Files: Simply double-click your downloaded files to experience fast, freeze-free document viewing and editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Word and Excel freeze at the 'Opening file' stage in Teams?
This freeze typically occurs due to synchronization glitches or communication errors between Microsoft Teams, SharePoint cloud services, and the local desktop Office applications attempting to establish a connection.
Can I fix the 'Recovered Document' loop in Microsoft Word?
Yes, this loop is often related to the same Teams opening glitch. Bypassing Teams by opening the file via SharePoint, or downloading the file to your local drive first, usually breaks the loop and allows the document to open.
Does this freezing issue affect older downloaded files?
Generally, no. As noted by users, previously downloaded files stored locally on your hard drive usually continue to open and work normally. The issue is specific to initiating the 'Open in app' command directly from Teams for newly shared cloud files.
