Easily Resolve If Issue Persists Perform Online in Office 365

This guide walks you through office apps freezing using Microsoft-supported steps first, with WPS only where it genuinely helps.

Problem Description: Responding

Excel not responding. I can open an excel file but when I try to use any of the options from the dropdown menus, eg page layout, view, etc, whatever I choose to do freezes and I then receive a message "Excel not responding" and I have to close the program. I have tried to uninstall and reinstall office 365 but this has not helped. I have have checked add on but can't see that there are any. I would really appreciate your help.

Quick Answer for Office Apps Freezing Quick Fix

Disable hardware acceleration by going to File > Options > Advanced and checking 'Disable hardware graphics acceleration'.

Likely Causes Behind Excel Failure Patterns

• The Microsoft account or license context may not match the purchase or device.

• Cached credentials, outdated builds, or damaged local components can trigger office apps freezing.

• A file-specific corruption or add-in conflict can mimic a broader application failure.

Recommended Solution: Restoring Excel After Errors

When to use this: Apply these steps when the symptoms match and you can access the relevant Microsoft account or administrator.

1. If the issue persists, perform an online repair of Office: close all Office apps, go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Microsoft 365 (or Office), click the three dots, select Modify, and choose Online Repair (takes 15-30 minutes).

2. Also, recheck and disable any add-ins that might be causing the problem.

Alternative Solutions for Fallback Options for Office Apps Freezing

1. Retry the Microsoft-side steps after restarting the app and device.

2. Test the same action in a private browser session or a new blank file to isolate account vs file issues.

3. Run Quick Repair, then Online Repair from Programs and Features if the app still fails.

4. Capture exact error text and screenshots before contacting Microsoft Support or your administrator.

Working with WPS Office: Editing Files in WPS During Office Apps Freezing

WPS Office cannot replace Microsoft account, activation, or cloud fixes for this scenario. It remains one of the best free Microsoft Office-compatible alternatives for opening and editing local files.

1. Download and install WPS Office from the official website.

2. Open local Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files in the matching WPS app.

3. Save a working copy locally while Microsoft-side issues are resolved.

4. Return to Microsoft Office after the primary fix succeeds.

If you need a practical local workspace in the meantime, try WPS Office.

Prevention Tips for Smooth Excel Device Transfers

• Keep one primary Microsoft account for subscriptions and Office sign-in.

• Install updates for Office and Windows before retrying failed workflows.

• Back up important files before repair, reset, or reinstall actions.

• Document exact error messages before the next troubleshooting attempt.

FAQs About Office Apps Freezing Help Topics

Can WPS Office fix this office apps freezing issue directly? Only when the WPS steps match the formatting or file task. Account, activation, and cloud issues stay on the Microsoft side.

Should I reinstall Excel before trying these steps? Not first. Confirm account, license, and the exact error before reinstalling.

What should I send to Microsoft Support? The affected account email, device type, Office version, exact error text, and screenshots with personal data hidden.