PDF Conversion Issues

How to Fix Export PDF Conversion Stuck When Converting to Word

Huda QurayshiHuda Qurayshi Oct 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing an issue where the Export PDF service hangs indefinitely while attempting to convert a PDF file into a Microsoft Word document.

How to Fix Export PDF Conversion Stuck When Converting to Word
Product
Export PDF
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Converting a PDF document to a Word format using the Export PDF service.
Observed behavior
The conversion process gets stuck on the 'converting' message for up to 20 minutes without completing the task.
Before you start

Verify that you have a stable internet connection if you are using an online conversion service, and ensure that the PDF document is not password-protected or heavily encrypted.

Solution 1Recommended

Test with an Alternative PDF File

Determine whether the conversion issue is caused by a specific corrupted document or if it is a system-wide problem with the Export PDF service.

Often, a conversion gets stuck because the source PDF contains structural errors, overly complex vector graphics, or non-standard fonts that the conversion engine cannot process. Testing a different, simpler file isolates the root cause.

1
Select a simple test file

Find a small, basic PDF file on your computer, ideally one containing mostly text and minimal graphics.

2
Initiate the test conversion

Upload this secondary test file into the Export PDF service and start the conversion to Word.

3
Evaluate the results

If the test file converts successfully and quickly, your original document is likely too complex or corrupted. If the test file also hangs, the issue lies with the Export PDF software or server.

File Complexity: Scanned documents or files with hundreds of high-resolution images naturally take much longer to convert and are more prone to timing out.
Fast and Reliable PDF Converter

Convert PDF to Word Instantly with WPS Office

Avoid getting stuck on endless loading screens. WPS Office offers a robust, built-in PDF to Word conversion tool that processes complex documents in seconds while perfectly preserving the original layout.

  1. 1. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF file that you want to convert to a Word document.
  2. 2. Access the conversion tool: Navigate to the 'Tools' tab on the top ribbon and click on the 'PDF to Word' option.
  3. 3. Start the conversion: Select your desired output language and format settings, then click 'Start' to instantly generate your Word file.
Lightning-fast local conversion prevents stuck loading screens.Flawless compatibility with Microsoft Word formats (.docx, .doc).Maintains original document formatting, fonts, and image placements.Handles large, multi-page, and image-heavy PDF files effortlessly.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my PDF to Word conversion taking so long?

Conversion times increase significantly if the PDF has a massive file size, contains complex layered graphics, includes embedded non-standard fonts, or if you are experiencing network instability while using a cloud-based converter.

Can a corrupted PDF cause the conversion to hang?

Yes. If the PDF file has structural errors or missing metadata, the conversion software may get caught in a processing loop, causing it to remain stuck on the 'converting' screen indefinitely.

How can I reduce the file size of my PDF to make it convert faster?

You can use a PDF compression tool to downsample images and remove unnecessary background data. In WPS Office, you can use the 'Compress PDF' feature under the Tools menu before attempting to convert it to a Word document.