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Fix Microsoft Word Taking Too Long to Close on Mac
Question details
The user is experiencing significant delays and unresponsiveness when trying to close Microsoft Word after working on a document for an extended period.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Quitting the application after prolonged document editing.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Word freezes, becomes unresponsive, or takes an unusually long time to shut down completely.
Ensure you have manually saved all your current work. If Word is completely frozen and refuses to close, you may need to force quit the application (Option + Command + Esc) before applying these fixes.
Update Microsoft Word to the Latest Version
Installing the latest Office updates can patch known performance bugs that cause delays when closing the application.
Microsoft frequently releases updates to address freezing and performance issues. Checking for and installing the latest patch is the most effective first step.
Launch Microsoft Word, navigate to the top menu bar, click on 'Help', and select 'Check for Updates'.
If an update is found, click the 'Update' button to install the newest version of Word for Mac.
Once the installation is complete, restart your Mac to ensure the system fully applies the software changes.
Revert to a Previous Stable Version of Word
If recent updates are causing the freezing issue, rolling back to an older, stable release (like version 16.84) can bypass the bug.
Experience Fast, Lag-Free Document Editing with WPS Office
If Microsoft Word continues to freeze or lag during use on your Mac, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly optimized alternative. It guarantees smooth performance and is fully compatible with your existing Word documents, saving you from frustrating software delays.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the setup package for Mac.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing .docx files to continue working smoothly without lag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Microsoft Word taking so long to close on my Mac?
This is often caused by bugs introduced in recent Office updates. Extended document use can cause memory or background synchronization issues, resulting in the application freezing or delaying shutdown.
How do I force quit Word on a Mac if it is completely frozen?
You can press and hold 'Option + Command + Esc' to open the Force Quit Applications window. Select Microsoft Word from the list and click 'Force Quit' to close it immediately.
Will I lose my document if I force quit a frozen Word application?
You may lose unsaved changes made right before the freeze. However, if AutoRecover is enabled, Word will usually attempt to restore the most recent backup of your document the next time you open the application.
How can I report this slow-closing issue to Microsoft?
You can report the bug directly to the development team by opening Word, clicking the 'Help' menu, and selecting 'Provide Feedback' or 'Submit Feedback'. This helps Microsoft investigate and prioritize patches.
