Office Performance Issues

Fix Microsoft Word Taking a Long Time to Close (Safe Mode Works)

Ayan Masood Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is experiencing significant delays when closing Microsoft Word during regular use, although the application shuts down instantly when operated in Safe Mode.

Fix Microsoft Word Taking a Long Time to Close

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Closing the Microsoft Word application after regular document editing.
Observed behavior: Word hangs or takes several seconds to completely close during a normal session, but closes normally when started in Safe Mode, indicating a potential add-in conflict.

Before you start

Ensure you save all your open documents and take note of any active third-party integrations or extensions you currently use before modifying your application settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Identify and Disable Problematic COM Add-ins

Since Word closes normally in Safe Mode, a third-party add-in is the most likely culprit. Disabling them one by one helps identify the exact cause of the shutdown delay.

Safe Mode isolates startup and shutdown issues by loading Word without custom settings and add-ins. By manually turning off add-ins in normal mode, you can recreate the Safe Mode environment and pinpoint the faulty extension.

Access Word Options

Open Microsoft Word normally. Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner, then select 'Options' at the very bottom of the menu.

Navigate to Add-ins Management

In the Word Options dialog box, click on 'Add-ins' in the left sidebar. At the bottom of this window, find the 'Manage' dropdown menu, select 'COM Add-ins', and click the 'Go' button.

Disable One Add-in

Clear the checkbox next to one of the listed active add-ins to disable it, then click 'OK'. Do not click 'Remove' unless you are certain you want to permanently delete it.

Restart and Test

Restart Microsoft Word, open a blank document, and close the application to test the shutdown speed. If it still takes a long time to close, repeat these steps to disable the next add-in until you find the one causing the issue.

Identify and Disable Problematic COM Add-ins

Update or Remove: Once you have identified the specific add-in causing the delay, check the developer's website for an updated version, leave it permanently disabled, or remove it entirely.

Solution 2

Repair Your Microsoft 365 Installation

If disabling all add-ins does not resolve the slow shutdown time, repairing the Office suite can fix underlying corrupted program files.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Faster, Lag-Free Experience

If Microsoft Word continues to struggle with slow shutdowns and performance bloat, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, fast-loading alternative that opens and closes instantly without being bogged down by unnecessary background processes.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install the Application: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick setup guide to install WPS Office on your computer.
3. Open Your Documents: Set WPS Office as your default document reader and open your existing .docx files to enjoy faster performance and editing.

Lightweight architecture ensures fast startup and instant shutdown without lagging or add-in conflicts.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), and PowerPoint (.pptx) formats.Familiar, easy-to-use tabbed interface allows for seamless migration with zero learning curve.Includes a built-in PDF editor and essential formatting tools in one single, free application.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Word work perfectly in Safe Mode but not normally?

Safe Mode forces Word to start in a basic state by bypassing custom settings, personalized templates, and third-party COM add-ins. If Word performs better in Safe Mode, it is a strong indicator that one of these custom elements (usually a third-party add-in) is causing the performance issue.

Will I lose my custom settings if I run Word in Safe Mode?

No. Running Word in Safe Mode only temporarily disables your custom settings and add-ins for that specific session to help you troubleshoot. Your normal settings and macros will return as soon as you close Safe Mode and restart Word normally.

How do I permanently delete a problematic add-in in Word?

To permanently remove an add-in, navigate to File > Options > Add-ins. Select COM Add-ins from the Manage dropdown menu and click Go. Highlight the problematic add-in from the list and click the 'Remove' button on the right side of the window.

Can Windows updates affect how fast Word closes?

Yes. Sometimes pending Windows updates or outdated Microsoft 365 versions can cause system-level conflicts that slow down application shutdowns. Always ensure both Windows and Microsoft Office are fully updated if performance issues persist.

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