Fix Word Fill and Sign Add-in Stuck on Blank Loading Screen
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where the Adobe Fill and Sign add-in fails to load within Microsoft Word after transitioning to a new computer.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to use the Adobe Fill and Sign add-in to process a document on a newly configured computer.
- Observed behavior
- Clicking the add-in opens a blank screen that remains stuck on a loading state without ever displaying the user interface.
Ensure your internet connection is stable and verify that your Microsoft Word document is not protected or marked as read-only before troubleshooting the add-in.
Check File Size and Document Compatibility
Ensure the Word document meets the strict file size limits supported by the Adobe Sign add-in.
Add-ins frequently fail to load or get stuck on blank screens when the active document exceeds the maximum allowable file size or contains unsupported elements.
Open a completely new, blank Microsoft Word document and click the Adobe Fill and Sign add-in to see if it loads successfully.
Right-click your original Word document in File Explorer, select 'Properties', and check its size. Ensure it is 5 MB or smaller.
Reestablish the Add-in Authentication Connection
Reconnect your Microsoft 365 and Adobe Sign accounts to fix broken authentication tokens after migrating to a new PC.
Sign Documents Natively Using WPS Office
Avoid add-in loading errors and size limitations by using WPS Office. With built-in document signing and PDF tools, WPS allows you to quickly fill and sign files without relying on third-party plugins.
- 1. Open your document in WPS: Launch WPS Office and open your Word document (.docx) directly.
- 2. Export to PDF: Go to the 'Tools' tab and select 'Export to PDF' to prepare the document for signing.
- 3. Sign the document: Open the exported PDF in WPS PDF, click the 'Fill & Sign' option on the toolbar, and easily draw or type your signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Microsoft Word add-in stuck on a blank screen?
This usually happens due to a corrupted Office cache, an unstable network connection, or when the authentication token between Microsoft 365 and the add-in provider expires after migrating to a new computer.
What is the file size limit for the Adobe Sign add-in in Word?
The Adobe Sign add-in supports Microsoft Word and PowerPoint documents up to a maximum file size of 5 MB. Documents larger than this may cause the add-in to fail or freeze.
How do I clear the add-in cache in Microsoft Word?
You can clear the Office cache by navigating to '%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Wef\' in your Windows File Explorer, deleting the contents of the folder, and then restarting Word.
Can I sign a Word document without using third-party add-ins?
Yes, you can export your Word document as a PDF and use built-in PDF signing features found in software suites like WPS Office to sign the document natively.
