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How to Fix Word for Mac 16.91 Randomly Stops Responding
Question details
Users are experiencing random freezing or unresponsiveness when using Microsoft Word for Mac version 16.91.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac 16.91
- Device & OS
- macOS 15.1.1
- Scenario
- Editing documents in Word for Mac after a recent software update or during system startup.
- Observed behavior
- The Word application randomly stops responding or freezes, interrupting the user's workflow.
Before attempting these fixes, force quit the application if it is currently frozen (Option + Command + Esc) and check if you can recover your document from AutoRecovery upon reopening.
Isolate the Issue to a Specific Document
Determine if the freezing issue is caused by a single corrupted document or if it affects the entire Word application.
Open Word for Mac and create a new, blank document.
Type some text, format it, and navigate through the menus to see if the application freezes.
If only one specific document is freezing, the file itself may be corrupted. Copy its text (without formatting) and paste it into a new document to continue working safely.
Start Your Mac in Safe Mode
Booting into Safe Mode helps determine whether background applications or startup software are conflicting with Word for Mac.
Revert to an Earlier Version of Word for Mac
If the issue started immediately after updating to version 16.91, rolling back to an older version can serve as a temporary workaround until a patch is released.
Switch to a Stable Office Alternative for Mac
If Word for Mac continues to freeze on macOS 15.1.1 and interrupts your work, try WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that ensures a smooth and stable document editing experience on macOS.
- 1. Download the App: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS version.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded package and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing .docx files to continue working without freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Word for Mac 16.91 suddenly start freezing?
This can happen due to bugs introduced in the recent 16.91 update, specific conflicts with macOS 15.1.1, corrupted document files, or incompatible background software loading at system startup.
How do I force quit Word when it stops responding on my Mac?
Press the Option + Command + Esc keys simultaneously to open the Force Quit Applications window. Select Microsoft Word from the list and click the 'Force Quit' button.
Does Safe Mode fix the Word for Mac freezing issue permanently?
No, Safe Mode is primarily a diagnostic tool. If Word works without freezing in Safe Mode, it indicates that a startup item or third-party background application is causing the conflict. You will need to identify and remove or update that conflicting software.
