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Fix Microsoft 365 Word and PowerPoint Crashing After Windows 11 Update
Question details
Users experience unresponsiveness and high CPU usage in Word and PowerPoint after installing Windows 11 updates.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows 11 version 22H2
- Scenario
- Opening and attempting to work on documents in Word or presentations in PowerPoint after system updates such as KB5027231 or KB5027119.
- Observed behavior
- The applications consume excessive CPU resources, freeze, and eventually crash. Standard Microsoft 365 repair and reinstallation processes fail to resolve the problem.
Check your Windows Update history to verify exactly which system updates or optional drivers were installed immediately before the crashing began.
Uninstall Recent Problematic Windows Updates
Removing recent cumulative updates that introduced conflicts can restore stability to your Office applications.
In some cases, specific Windows 11 updates (like the June 2023 cumulative update or .NET framework updates) can conflict with Microsoft 365 background services. Rolling back these updates can serve as a temporary workaround until Microsoft releases a permanent patch.
Click the Start button, go to Settings, select Windows Update from the left pane, and click on Update history.
Scroll down to the 'Related settings' section and click on 'Uninstall updates'. Locate recent updates such as KB5027231.
Click 'Uninstall' next to the suspected update, confirm your choice, and restart your computer when prompted.
Roll Back or Update Incompatible Hardware Drivers
Replace generic optional drivers downloaded from Windows Update with verified drivers from your device manufacturer.
Change App Installation Settings to Allow Reinstallation
Adjust Windows 11 settings to allow Microsoft 365 to reinstall successfully from the official website instead of the Microsoft Store.
Switch to WPS Office for a Stable and Lightweight Experience
If Microsoft 365 continues to experience high CPU usage and crashes after Windows 11 updates, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly stable environment that avoids heavy system resource consumption while remaining fully compatible with your existing files.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website, download the free installer, and complete the quick installation process.
- 2. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and select your existing Microsoft Word or PowerPoint files to resume your work instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft 365 use high CPU and crash after a Windows 11 update?
System updates can sometimes introduce incompatibilities with Microsoft 365's hardware acceleration or background services. Additionally, optional driver updates (like graphics or peripheral drivers) installed via Windows Update can conflict with how Word and PowerPoint render documents.
Does repairing Microsoft 365 fix issues caused by Windows updates?
In this specific scenario, repairing or reinstalling Microsoft 365 often does not work because the root cause lies within the Windows 11 update (such as KB5027231) or an incompatible hardware driver, rather than corrupted Office installation files.
How do I stop Windows 11 from blocking my Office installer download?
If Windows 11 warns that the installer is not from the Microsoft Store, navigate to Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings. Change the 'Choose where to get apps' setting to 'Anywhere' to allow installations from your downloaded file.
Should I install optional driver updates from Windows Update?
It is generally recommended to avoid installing optional driver updates through Windows Update unless you are troubleshooting a specific issue. For stable performance, always download hardware drivers directly from the computer manufacturer's official support website.
