Fix Slow Word, Excel, and PowerPoint After Microsoft 365 Updates
Question details
The user needs to troubleshoot slow Microsoft 365 applications after an update, including Word taking several minutes to open.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening and using Office applications after a Microsoft 365 update.
- Observed behavior
- Word takes several minutes to open, and Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are running slowly.
Note which apps are slow and how long they take to open. In Word, go to File > Account and record the Office version and build shown under About Word.
Clear Temporary Files and Repair Microsoft 365
Use these Windows steps to address temporary-file buildup and repair a potentially damaged Office installation.
Save your work and close Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office applications.
Press Windows + R, enter %temp%, and press Enter. Delete the files you can from the folder, skipping any that Windows reports are in use.
Open Start > Power > Restart, then check whether the Office apps open faster.
If the apps are still slow, open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. Select Microsoft 365, choose Change, and then select Online Repair > Repair. Follow the prompts and restart the computer afterward.
Test Office Add-ins for Startup Delays
Check add-ins if one or more apps remain slow after restarting and repairing Microsoft 365.
Open Office Documents with WPS Office
If Microsoft 365 continues to run slowly, WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative with a familiar interface. It can open common Office files, making it easier to move existing documents into your workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find my Microsoft 365 version and build?
Open Word and select File > Account. Look under About Word for the version and build information.
Does the name change from Office 365 to Microsoft 365 mean an update was installed?
No. The change from Office 365 to Microsoft 365 was a name change, not an update by itself. Check File > Account in Word for the installed version and build.
How do I repair Microsoft 365 on Windows?
Close the Office apps, then open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. Select Microsoft 365, click Change, and choose Online Repair. An internet connection is required.
How can I tell whether an add-in is slowing down Word?
In Word, go to File > Options > Add-ins, select COM Add-ins next to Manage, and click Go. Disable the checked add-ins and restart Word; if it opens faster, enable them one at a time to identify the cause.
What should I do if the Office apps are still slow after repair?
Test add-ins in each affected app and record the Office build from File > Account. Include the affected apps and their approximate startup times when contacting support.
