Excel Performance Problems

Fix Excel 'Trying to Connect' Delay When Saving to a Network Folder

Amos Gikunda Oct 23, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users experience a delay in Excel when saving files to network or redirected folders, accompanied by a 'Trying to connect' message.

How to Fix Excel 'Trying to Connect' Delay When Saving to a Network Folder

Product: Microsoft Excel 2016
Device & OS: Windows Server / Windows
Scenario: Saving Excel files to network-shared or redirected folders using UNC paths on a local server.
Observed behavior: Excel displays a 'Trying to connect' message causing a delay before the save dialog appears, while Word and Notepad save normally without delay.

Before you start

Ensure you have administrative privileges on your computer or domain, as modifying the WebClient service via Group Policy is required to resolve this issue permanently.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable the WebClient Service via Group Policy

This is the most effective fix because simply stopping the service temporarily won't prevent it from restarting upon reboot.

The WebClient service allows Windows programs to create, access, and modify Internet-based files. However, it can cause timeout delays when Excel attempts to resolve UNC paths for on-premises servers. Disabling it permanently through Group Policy prevents these connection attempts.

Open Group Policy Editor

Press the Windows Key + R, type 'gpedit.msc', and press Enter to launch the Local Group Policy Editor.

Navigate to System Services

In the left pane, go to Computer Configuration > Policies > Windows Settings > Security Settings > System Services.

Locate the WebClient Policy

Scroll through the list of services on the right side to find 'WebClient' and double-click it to open its properties.

Disable the Service Startup

Check the box for 'Define this policy setting' and select 'Disabled' as the service startup mode.

Apply and Restart

Click 'Apply', then 'OK'. Restart your computer for the Group Policy changes to take effect and eliminate the Excel saving delay.

Disable the WebClient Service via Group Policy

Administrative Rights Required: If your network folders are managed by network-wide Domain Group Policies, you may need a system administrator to perform this action on the Domain Controller.

Solution 2

Use a Mapped Network Drive

If you cannot modify group policies, mapping the UNC path to a local drive letter acts as a reliable workaround to bypass the delay.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office to Avoid Network Save Delays

If you frequently encounter frustrating save delays and network connection errors in Microsoft Excel, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible spreadsheet editor that interacts smoothly with local servers and network drives without triggering unnecessary WebClient timeouts.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your Windows PC.
2. Open Your Network Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and directly open your existing .xlsx files from your network or redirected folders.
3. Save Without Delays: Edit your document and click save. Enjoy immediate saving to your local on-premises server without the 'Trying to connect' interruption.

Free and lightweight alternative to Microsoft OfficeHighly compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv)Smoothly saves to UNC network paths without WebClient connection delaysFamiliar user interface ensuring seamless migration and zero learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does only Excel show the 'Trying to connect' message, while Word and Notepad save normally?

Excel has specific background behaviors when resolving file paths and attempts to verify network locations differently than Word or Notepad. This interaction with the Windows WebClient service causes Excel to wait for a timeout when dealing with UNC network paths.

Is it safe to disable the WebClient service on my computer?

Yes, for most local network environments. The WebClient service is primarily used for WebDAV, which allows you to access and modify internet-based files. If you only save documents to an on-premises local server, disabling it will not negatively impact your workflow.

What is the difference between a UNC path and a mapped drive in this context?

A UNC path uses the server name directly (e.g., \\ServerName\Folder), which can sometimes trigger Excel's connection delays. A mapped drive assigns a local drive letter (like Z:) to that specific path, which Windows and Excel treat more like a standard local hard drive, thereby bypassing the delay.

Excel & Data Problems