Office Performance Issues

How to Fix Microsoft Office 'Contacting the Server for Information' Error

Algirdas Jasaitis Sep 25, 2026 870 views

Question details

Users experience a recurring popup message stating 'Contacting the server for information' when using Microsoft Office applications, which freezes the application and interrupts workflow.

Fix Microsoft Office Keeps Displaying 'Contacting the Server for Information'

Product: Microsoft Office / Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Working in Office applications while connected to corporate networks, VPNs, or cloud services.
Observed behavior: The application frequently hangs or displays a 'Contacting the server for information' dialog box, which persists even after reinstalling Windows or Office and recreating profiles.

Before you start

Ensure you save any currently open offline work and verify that you have access to your VPN or firewall administrator credentials before modifying network settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Troubleshoot Network, VPN, and Proxy Connections

Network interruptions, slow routing, or strict VPN and proxy rules often block Office from reaching Microsoft's authentication servers.

Microsoft Office requires periodic communication with backend servers for licensing, connected experiences, and OneDrive syncing. If your network restricts this traffic, the application will hang.

Test an alternate network

Switch to a different Wi-Fi network or use a mobile hotspot to see if the issue is isolated to your current connection.

Disable VPN or proxy

Navigate to Windows Settings > Network & Internet, and temporarily disable your VPN connection or proxy server.

Restart Office

Close the affected Office application completely and reopen it to test if the connection error is resolved.

Troubleshoot Network, VPN, and Proxy Connections

Corporate Networks: If you are on a managed corporate network, you may need permission from your IT department to bypass proxies or VPNs.

Solution 2

Temporarily Disable Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Overly aggressive security software can intercept Office traffic, triggering the server contact error.

Solution 3

Escalate to Your Microsoft 365 Administrator

If local troubleshooting fails, the issue may stem from backend Microsoft 365 service degradation or specific tenant configurations.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Faster, Offline-Friendly Experience

If persistent 'Contacting the server' errors are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, robust alternative that does not rely on constant background server communications, ensuring smooth performance whether you are online or offline.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free version for your operating system.
2. Install the software: Run the setup file and follow the quick installation prompts.
3. Open your documents: Right-click your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files and choose 'Open with WPS Office' to continue working seamlessly.

No disruptive 'contacting server' popups interrupting your document editing.Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Lightweight installation with incredibly fast application launch speeds.Familiar tabbed user interface requiring zero learning curve for Office users.Powerful offline capabilities so you can work anywhere without internet dependency.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Word keep saying contacting the server?

This usually happens when the application is trying to download external content (like images or templates), sync files with OneDrive, or verify your Microsoft 365 license over a slow, restricted, or unstable network connection.

Can I stop Microsoft Office from contacting the server?

While you cannot completely disable authentication and licensing checks, you can reduce unnecessary server requests by navigating to File > Account > Manage Settings and turning off optional connected experiences.

Will reinstalling Office or Windows fix the server connection error?

Often, it will not. This error is typically related to external network routing, VPN software, proxy restrictions, or Microsoft backend service issues rather than corrupted local application files.

Office App Problems