Fix Microsoft Word 2021 Translation Function Stuck Loading
Question details
Users are experiencing an issue where the translation feature in Microsoft Office gets stuck on a spinning indicator and fails to load the translated text.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2021
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Attempting to translate a selected text or entire document using the built-in translation tool in Microsoft Word.
- Observed behavior
- The translation pane opens but remains stuck on a loading spinner indefinitely. Standard troubleshooting methods like Safe Mode or Office repair do not resolve the issue.
Ensure you have saved your current document and closed any unnecessary background applications. Since standard Office repair tools may not resolve this specific bug, prepare to adjust your network settings or manage recent Windows updates.
Use Microsoft's Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter
Since this is a known bug introduced by a recent Office update, hiding the problematic update is the most effective temporary workaround.
Microsoft has acknowledged similar translation failures as a known issue. While they investigate a permanent fix, you can temporarily roll back the update and prevent it from automatically reinstalling.
Download and run the Microsoft 'Show or hide updates' troubleshooter tool from the official Microsoft support website.
Click 'Next' on the initial screen and select the 'Hide updates' option.
Locate the recent Microsoft Office update associated with the translation failure, check the box next to it, and click 'Next' to apply.
Restart your computer and open Microsoft Word to test the translation feature again.
Change IPv4 DNS Settings to Google Public DNS
Sometimes network routing issues prevent the Office translation service from connecting to Microsoft's servers. Changing your DNS can bypass this block.
Report the Issue to Microsoft Support
Reporting the issue directly through the Office application helps Microsoft expedite a fix for your specific system configuration.
Translate Your Documents Instantly with WPS Office
If Microsoft Word's translation feature remains unresponsive, you can easily open your document in WPS Writer to use its fast, reliable, and built-in translation tool without losing any formatting.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free, then open your existing .docx file in WPS Writer.
- 2. Access the translation tool: Navigate to the 'Review' tab on the top ribbon menu.
- 3. Select translation mode: Click the 'Translate' button and choose either 'Translate Text' (for specific selections) or 'Translate Document'.
- 4. View translated content: Select your target language, and WPS Writer will instantly display the translated text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Word translation stuck on a spinning wheel?
This is typically caused by a known bug in a recent Microsoft Office update or network DNS routing issues that prevent the application from communicating with Microsoft's cloud translation servers.
Does repairing Microsoft Office fix the translation loading error?
For this specific known issue in Office 2021 on Windows 11, standard Office repair, Safe Mode, and the Support and Recovery Assistant usually fail to resolve the problem. A temporary update rollback or DNS change is required.
Is there a free alternative to translate my Word documents when Microsoft Word fails?
Yes, you can open your document in WPS Office, which is 100% compatible with Word files, and utilize its built-in translation feature located under the Review tab as a fast and reliable alternative.
