Is Word Having Office 2021 Specifically Problems? Here Is the Fix

This guide walks you through office performance issues using Microsoft-supported steps first, with WPS only where it genuinely helps.

Problem Description: Office 2021 Specifically Word

As background. I am running a Dell XPS 8940 desktop with Windows 11 Pro OS version 22h2 Build 22621.819 (updated one week ago). Computer has 32 GB RAM and 2 TB main disk plus two external USB disks and an Synology DS218+ NAS with 4TB disk space only 1/2 full. I have Office 2021 installed with the most recent update. Problem: For sometime, word and excel have been extremely slow accessing files on my Shared NAS via a mapped drive. It will take anywhere from 20 sec to 1 minute to open a file whether I open directly through Windows file explorer or via the Word/Excel file command. Once the file is open, I can open other files normally within a second or two, but if I close the program(s) down and reopen, the first time I attempt to access a file on my NAS through a Mapped Drive, it once again is extremely slow. I totally uninstalled Office 2021 and did a clean install and have the same problem. When I open either Word or Excel in Safe Mode, the problem persists, however, I disabled all add-ins just in case and no relief. I have spent considerable time researching and have applied all the registry fixes, office fixes, Windows fixes and procedures suggested to solve the problem, but nothing seems to help. Oddly enough, I have Office 2010 with windows 10 on a second desktop and it runs like the wind and opens files through mapped drives normally. At first, I thought it was a Synology NAS problem and worked with Synology Techs both through chat and providing them access to computer remotely. They found no problems with the NAS configuration. I am fairly confident the NAS is NOT at fault as every other non-office program such as Adobe programs and other stand alone programs have any issues opening files on my NAS. Additionally, I mapped a drive to a folder on my local hard drive and the same problem exists-files opened with Word and/or Excel are very, very slow to open the first time. It is as if the office programs have to go through some kind of "connection routine" to connect to mapped drives. Another reason I am fairly positive it is not the NAS is that I also notice through my research and in this forum, this issue has been going on for several Office versions, different computer configurations, and different mapped shares. Additionally, what seems to work for one doesnt work for others. I would think that the very talented Microsoft software engineers could solve this issue since apparently Adobe and other vendors have. I am at my wits end and I need help - not condolences. Standing by for solution(s). BW

Quick Answer for Word Won't Complete Task

To speed up opening Office apps on a shared NAS, check the 'Ignore other applications' option in Excel under Advanced settings.

Likely Causes Behind Common Office Performance Issues Triggers

• The Microsoft account or license context may not match the purchase or device.

• Cached credentials, outdated builds, or damaged local components can trigger office performance issues.

• A file-specific corruption or add-in conflict can mimic a broader application failure.

Recommended Solution: Fixing Office Performance Issues Step by Step

When to use this: Apply these steps when the symptoms match and you can access the relevant Microsoft account or administrator.

1. Also, update the printer driver and consider using Process Monitor or packet capture tools to diagnose the issue, contacting Microsoft phone support if needed.

Alternative Solutions for Broader Office Performance Issues Workarounds

1. Test the same action in a private browser session or a new blank file to isolate account vs file issues.

2. Run Quick Repair, then Online Repair from Programs and Features if the app still fails.

3. Capture exact error text and screenshots before contacting Microsoft Support or your administrator.

Working with WPS Office: Using WPS While Word Is Unavailable

WPS Office cannot replace Microsoft account, activation, or cloud fixes for this scenario. It remains one of the best free Microsoft Office-compatible alternatives for opening and editing local files.

1. Download and install WPS Office from the official website.

2. Open local Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files in the matching WPS app.

3. Save a working copy locally while Microsoft-side issues are resolved.

4. Return to Microsoft Office after the primary fix succeeds.

If you need a practical local workspace in the meantime, try WPS Office.

Prevention Tips for Avoiding Repeat Office Performance Issues

• Keep one primary Microsoft account for subscriptions and Office sign-in.

• Install updates for Office and Windows before retrying failed workflows.

• Back up important files before repair, reset, or reinstall actions.

• Document exact error messages before the next troubleshooting attempt.

FAQs About Office Troubleshooting FAQ

Can WPS Office fix this office performance issues issue directly? Only when the WPS steps match the formatting or file task. Account, activation, and cloud issues stay on the Microsoft side.

Should I reinstall Word before trying these steps? Not first. Confirm account, license, and the exact error before reinstalling.

What should I send to Microsoft Support? The affected account email, device type, Office version, exact error text, and screenshots with personal data hidden.