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How to Fix Microsoft Word Freezing and Spell Check Problems on Mac
Question details
Users need to resolve performance and functionality issues in Microsoft Word on macOS following a recent system or application upgrade.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Attempting to type and edit documents in Microsoft Word after upgrading macOS or the Office suite.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Word frequently freezes and the spell-check feature completely fails to identify or correct spelling errors.
Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection so that you can download the necessary software patches from Microsoft.
Install the Latest Update via Microsoft AutoUpdate
Microsoft has released a specific bug-fix update to address freezing and spell-check failures on Mac. Updating the application is the most direct way to resolve this issue.
Software updates frequently contain patches for bugs introduced during major OS upgrades. Running the built-in Microsoft AutoUpdate tool ensures your Office suite is fully optimized for your current macOS version.
Open Microsoft Word on your Mac. Navigate to the top Mac menu bar, click on 'Help', and select 'Check for Updates'.
Allow the Microsoft AutoUpdate window to load and automatically scan for the latest available versions of Word and Microsoft 365.
Click the 'Update' button next to Microsoft Word. Once the installation is complete, close and restart Microsoft Word to apply the bug fixes.
Experience Smooth Word Processing on Mac with WPS Office
If you are tired of unexpected application freezes and update bugs on your Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly stable, lightweight alternative that provides excellent compatibility with all your existing Microsoft Office files.
- 1. Download the Mac Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer specifically designed for macOS.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder to complete the installation.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx files to continue working seamlessly without any freezing issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my spell check stop working after a Mac upgrade?
Major macOS upgrades can sometimes cause compatibility issues with older versions of software. In this case, a known bug in older Microsoft Word builds prevented the spell check background process from functioning correctly on the new OS.
What should I do if Microsoft AutoUpdate does not open?
If clicking 'Check for Updates' does nothing, you can manually download and install the latest version of the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool directly from the official Microsoft download center.
Will I lose my unsaved work if Word keeps freezing?
If Word completely freezes, you may have to force quit the application (Command + Option + Esc). Fortunately, Word's AutoRecover feature usually saves a temporary copy of your document, which will be offered to you the next time you open the app.
