Fix Word Crashing and Running Slowly on macOS Catalina
Question details
Microsoft Word frequently crashes, starts slowly, and experiences severe typing delays on a Mac running macOS Catalina.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- macOS Catalina
- Scenario
- Editing documents and typing using Microsoft Word 16.46 on an older Mac hardware setup.
- Observed behavior
- The application suffers from frequent crashes, delayed text input, and slow startup times. Other Microsoft 365 applications exhibit similar sluggishness, and reinstalling the software does not resolve the issue.
Before proceeding with cache removal, ensure you have backed up any customized Word templates or macros, and save all open documents to prevent data loss.
Clear the Microsoft Word Container Cache Folder
Removing corrupted cache or configuration data from the Mac's Library folder can resolve frequent crashes and typing delays without affecting your documents.
Often, older cache files can become corrupted and cause persistent performance issues. Manually deleting the container folder forces Word to generate fresh, error-free preference files upon its next launch.
Quit Microsoft Word and ensure all other Microsoft 365 applications are fully closed.
Open Finder, click on the 'Go' menu at the top of the screen, select 'Go to Folder', type '~/Library/Containers/' and press Enter.
Locate the folder named 'com.microsoft.word' (or simply 'Microsoft Word' on newer macOS versions). Drag this folder to the Trash.
Restart your Mac, then launch Microsoft Word. Check if the typing speed has normalized and if the crashing has stopped.
Boot Mac in Safe Mode to Isolate Add-ins
Starting your Mac in Safe Mode helps identify if third-party add-ins or background startup software are interfering with Word's performance.
Switch to a Lightweight Office Suite for Older Macs
If Microsoft 365 remains slow and heavy on your macOS Catalina setup, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly efficient, fast, and free alternative that demands fewer system resources while maintaining excellent compatibility with Microsoft document formats.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free macOS installation package.
- 2. Install and Launch: Follow the on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your Mac.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Double-click your existing .docx files to open them instantly in WPS Office without losing any formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Microsoft Word so slow on my older Mac?
Older Mac hardware may struggle with the heavy resource demands of newer Office 365 updates. Accumulated cache files, background processes, or compatibility issues with older macOS versions like Catalina can further degrade performance.
Does uninstalling and reinstalling Office fix crashing issues?
Not always. Reinstalling the application often leaves behind corrupted cache files or user preferences in the Library folder. Clearing the 'com.microsoft.word' container is usually necessary for a complete software reset.
Will deleting the Microsoft Word container folder delete my documents?
No, deleting the container cache folder will not delete your saved Word documents. However, it will reset your customized app preferences and may remove custom templates if they were not backed up beforehand.
How can I speed up Office apps on macOS Catalina?
Try clearing application caches, disabling unnecessary add-ins, reducing the number of background applications running, and ensuring your Mac has enough free disk space. If performance is still poor, consider using a lightweight alternative like WPS Office.
