Office Apps Crashing

How to Fix Microsoft Word Freezing and Crashing on iPad Pro

Adam Davis Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is experiencing persistent freezing and crashing issues with Microsoft Word on an iPad Pro, even after updating and restarting the device.

How to Fix Microsoft Word Freezing and Crashing on iPad Pro

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: iPadOS (iPad Pro)
Scenario: Editing or viewing documents in the Microsoft Word application on an iPad Pro.
Observed behavior: The Microsoft Word application freezes or crashes unexpectedly and continuously, interrupting the user's workflow.

Before you start

Before proceeding with the fixes, ensure your documents are synced to OneDrive or iCloud to prevent any accidental data loss, and verify that you have your Microsoft account login credentials handy.

Solution 1Recommended

Offload and Reinstall Microsoft Word

Offloading the app removes the application itself while retaining your documents and data, making it the safest and most effective first step.

This method clears out corrupted application files that may be causing the freezing issues, without deleting your local files or personalized app settings.

Open Settings

Go to the Settings app on your iPad Pro.

Navigate to iPad Storage

Tap on General in the left sidebar, and then select iPad Storage on the right.

Offload the Word App

Scroll down the list of apps to find and tap on Word. Tap the Offload App button and confirm your choice.

Reinstall Word

Once the app is offloaded, tap Reinstall App from the same screen, or download it again directly from the App Store.

Data Retained: Offloading ensures your local Word documents and user settings remain perfectly intact.

Solution 2

Completely Uninstall and Reinstall Microsoft Word

If offloading doesn't resolve the issue, a clean installation is required to clear out deeper corrupted files or bugs.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Stable iPad Experience

If Microsoft Word continues to freeze or crash on your iPad Pro despite troubleshooting, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly stable alternative. It provides a familiar user interface, ensuring a seamless transition for your document editing needs without the hassle of unexpected crashes.

1. Download the App: Open the App Store on your iPad Pro, search for WPS Office, and tap the download button.
2. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word documents from your local storage or cloud drive.
3. Start Editing Seamlessly: Edit, format, and save your documents with a stable, crash-free experience.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word formats (.doc, .docx).Lightweight and optimized for iPadOS, preventing freezing and crashing.Free to use with a highly intuitive, familiar user interface.All-in-one suite to manage documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in one app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my files if I offload the Word app on my iPad?

No, offloading the app only removes the application files. Your local documents, data, and settings will remain on the iPad Pro and will be restored when you reinstall the app.

Why does Microsoft Word keep crashing even after an iOS update?

Crashing after an update can be caused by corrupted app cache, conflicting background processes, or insufficient iPad storage. Offloading or performing a clean reinstall usually resolves these software conflicts.

How do I ensure my documents are safe before completely uninstalling Word?

Make sure all your documents are successfully synced to a cloud service like OneDrive, iCloud, or Dropbox before choosing the 'Delete App' option, as this action will permanently remove locally stored files.

Can I use WPS Office to edit my existing Microsoft Word documents?

Yes, WPS Office is fully compatible with Microsoft Word file formats (.docx). You can open, edit, and save your existing documents seamlessly without losing formatting.

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