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How to Fix Word for Mac Freezing During Spell Check (Version 16.85)
Question details
Users experience unexpected freezing in Microsoft Word for Mac when utilizing the spell check utility or interacting with spelling pop-ups.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Reviewing a document and using the spell check feature or triggering spelling pop-up menus.
- Observed behavior
- The application completely freezes and becomes unresponsive when the spell check function is activated in version 16.85.
Ensure you have force-quit Microsoft Word and backed up any accessible document recovery files to prevent data loss before modifying your application versions.
Roll Back to Microsoft Word Version 16.84
Since Microsoft has identified the spell check freezing as a specific bug in version 16.85, reverting to the stable 16.84 release is the most reliable workaround.
Uninstalling the current version and installing the previous stable release ensures you can continue working without interruptions while Microsoft investigates and develops a permanent patch.
Open the Finder on your Mac, navigate to the Applications folder, locate Microsoft Word, and drag it to the Trash to uninstall version 16.85.
Visit the official Microsoft Office for Mac update history webpage and locate the download link for version 16.84.
Run the downloaded 16.84 installer package and follow the standard on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Open Microsoft Word, go to Help > Check for Updates, and temporarily disable automatic updates so the app does not reinstall the buggy version 16.85.
Update macOS and Default Browser
Keeping your operating system and primary web browser up to date can help prevent underlying system conflicts that occasionally trigger app freezes.
Enjoy a Bug-Free Writing Experience with WPS Office
If Microsoft Word bugs and constant freezing are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, incredibly stable, and fully functional alternative for Mac users without the frustrating spell check crashes.
- 1. Download for Mac: Navigate to the official WPS Office website and download the free macOS installer package.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word documents to continue your work seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word for Mac freeze specifically when I check spelling?
This is a confirmed software bug introduced in Microsoft Word for Mac version 16.85. The application's spelling pop-ups and spell check background utility conflict with the software, causing the interface to become entirely unresponsive.
Is Microsoft going to fix the version 16.85 freezing issue?
Yes, Microsoft has acknowledged this as a known Office for Mac issue and is actively investigating it. A permanent fix is expected to be delivered in a future update release.
Is it safe to downgrade my Microsoft Word version to 16.84?
Yes, it is completely safe to downgrade, provided you download the version 16.84 installer directly from the official Microsoft Office for Mac update history page. This is the official recommended workaround until the bug is patched.
