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Fix Microsoft Word for Mac High CPU Usage and Freezing on Large Documents
Question details
Users report that Microsoft Word for Mac becomes unresponsive, stutters, and consumes excessive CPU resources when handling large documents.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS Sonoma
- Scenario
- Opening or editing large documents in Word version 16.87 after a recent software update.
- Observed behavior
- The application freezes, stutters, and exhibits abnormally high CPU usage, making it difficult or impossible to work on large files, while smaller files function normally.
Before proceeding, ensure your Time Machine backup drive is connected to your Mac and save any open work in other applications.
Restore a Previous Stable Version via Time Machine
Reverting to a previously stable version of Word (like 16.86) resolves the high CPU and freezing bugs introduced in the newer update.
Many users have confirmed that the performance issue is tied directly to the version 16.87 update. Restoring version 16.86 using macOS Time Machine will bring back normal performance.
Ensure the external drive you use for macOS Time Machine backups is connected to your Mac.
Open a Finder window and click on 'Applications' in the left sidebar to locate your Microsoft Word app.
Click the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and select 'Enter Time Machine'. Scroll back in time to a date prior to the problematic Word 16.87 update.
Select the Microsoft Word application in the Time Machine interface and click 'Restore'. When prompted, you can choose to replace the current version or keep both.
Open Microsoft Word, go to Help > Check for Updates, and uncheck 'Automatically keep Microsoft Apps up to date' in the AutoUpdate tool to prevent the buggy version from reinstalling.
Use the Escape Key to Unfreeze Word Temporarily
A quick shortcut workaround to temporarily regain control of the application so you can safely save your document.
Try WPS Office for a Stable, Lightweight Mac Experience
If Microsoft Word for Mac continues to suffer from high CPU usage, freezing, or update bugs, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly stable environment optimized for macOS, allowing you to edit large documents smoothly without draining your system resources.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free macOS installer.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your large .docx files to experience smooth, lag-free editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Microsoft Word for Mac suddenly using 100% CPU?
Sudden high CPU usage in Word for Mac is often caused by bugs introduced in a recent software update (such as version 16.87). The application struggles to process background tasks or format large documents, which heavily taxes the processor.
How do I stop Microsoft Word from automatically updating on Mac?
Open any Office application, click on 'Help' in the top menu bar, and select 'Check for Updates'. When the Microsoft AutoUpdate window opens, uncheck the box that says 'Automatically keep Microsoft Apps up to date'.
Will restoring Word via Time Machine delete my saved documents?
No. Time Machine allows you to restore just the application file in the Applications folder. Your personal documents, files, and templates remain completely safe and untouched.
Are there other alternatives if Word for Mac keeps freezing?
Yes. If Word continues to be unstable, you can use a free, lightweight alternative like WPS Office. It is fully compatible with .docx files and requires fewer system resources, which prevents freezing on larger documents.
