Fix Word and Chrome Freezing After Windows Update KB5005033
Question details
Microsoft Word, Google Chrome, and File Explorer become slow or completely unresponsive after applying Windows Update KB5005033.
- Product
- Microsoft Word, Google Chrome
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Using Microsoft Word to edit documents and downloading files via Google Chrome after installing a recent Windows system update.
- Observed behavior
- Applications freeze, become sluggish, or stop responding entirely. Google Chrome struggles with downloads, and Word freezes, potentially exacerbated by third-party COM add-ins like EndNote.
Ensure all your open documents are saved and check if downloading files in a completely different web browser causes the same system freezing.
Start Word in Safe Mode and Disable Add-ins
Running Word in Safe Mode helps determine if third-party plugins, such as the EndNote add-in, are causing the freezing issues.
Windows updates can occasionally cause compatibility issues with third-party COM add-ins installed in Microsoft Office applications. Isolating these add-ins is the most effective way to restore normal performance.
Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run command window.
Type 'winword /safe' into the text box and press Enter. If Word opens without freezing, an add-in is likely the cause.
Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, select 'Options' at the bottom, and then click on 'Add-ins' from the left sidebar.
At the bottom of the window, ensure 'COM Add-ins' is selected in the Manage drop-down list, then click the 'Go' button.
Uncheck all third-party add-ins, paying special attention to 'EndNote' or similar citation tools. Click 'OK' and restart Word normally.
Perform a Microsoft Office Repair
Repairing the Office suite can resolve internal application corruption caused during or after the Windows update process.
Execute a Windows Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs to determine whether background applications are interfering with Chrome or Word.
Avoid Update Crashes with WPS Office
If frequent Windows updates are causing Microsoft Office applications to freeze, crash, or slow down your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a stable, lightweight environment that is highly resistant to system-level conflicts.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your Windows PC.
- 2. Install and Open: Run the installer. Once installed, WPS Writer will automatically recognize and open your existing Word documents.
- 3. Edit Without Interruptions: Continue editing your documents in a stable environment without worrying about add-in conflicts or update crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if the downloading freeze is specific to Google Chrome?
You can isolate the issue by attempting to download the same files using an alternative web browser like Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox. If the downloads complete smoothly without freezing File Explorer, the problem is specific to Chrome.
Can third-party add-ins like EndNote really cause Word to freeze?
Yes. When a Windows update changes system files, older or incompatible COM add-ins (like EndNote) can fail to communicate properly with Microsoft Word, leading to severe slowdowns or complete application freezes.
Should I uninstall Windows Update KB5005033 to fix this issue?
Uninstalling the update should be treated as a last resort. It is recommended to first try Safe Mode, disabling add-ins, running an Office repair, and performing a Clean Boot. If all else fails, you can remove the update via Settings > Update & Security > View update history > Uninstall updates.
