Why Does Microsoft Word Stay Stuck on “Processing”? How to End the Delay Fast

Is Your Workflow Crashing? Try These Powerful Fixes for Word Processing Errors

Slow computers don’t make days better. A stuck “Processing” message in Microsoft Word can bring things to a stop. If you need a document right now, every second feels slow. That message usually appears when opening files, especially those stored in OneDrive. The cause is often simple: something quick got stuck, and you must help your computer clear it out. Use these clear actions and see your files open fast.

Simple Ways to Fix Microsoft Word Stuck on “Processing”

Solution 1. Reset OneDrive and Clear the Office File Cache

Small mix-ups with OneDrive or the Office cache can block Word from opening files. A quick reset often solves this.

Step 1: Close all Office programs

Shut down Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Make sure nothing is running.

Step 2: Reset OneDrive

1. Hold the Windows + R key. In the box, type

   %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

2. Press Enter. Wait. If OneDrive doesn’t start on its own, open “Run” again and type

   %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe

3. Press Enter.

Step 3: Clear the Office file cache

1. Open File Explorer and type

   %localappdata%\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OfficeFileCache

2. Delete everything in this folder.

Tip: Make hidden files visible if you can’t find the folder.

Step 4: Restart your computer.

Step 5: Open Word

Check if documents load as they should.

Solution 2. Reconnect Microsoft Account Credentials

Sometimes, your saved login gets confused. Removing and re-adding it refreshes access.

Step 1: Sign out of all Office apps

In Word, click File > Account. Beneath your name, click Sign out.

Step 2: Remove work or school accounts

Go to Windows Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts. Click on your work, organization, or school account, then click Remove.

Step 3: Delete saved credentials

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Click Credential Manager > Windows Credentials.
3. Remove logins tied to your Microsoft or work account.

Step 4: Rename Office settings folder

1. Open File Explorer. Go to

   C:\Users$$YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office

2. Replace [YourUsername] with your real Windows name.
3. Right-click “Office.” Rename to “Office.old”.

Step 5: Restart your computer.

Step 6: Sign back in to Word

Enter your Microsoft login details. Pick “This App Only” if you don’t want your company to manage your device.

Step 7: Check OneDrive

Try opening and saving Word files with OneDrive.

Solution 3. Check If Add-Ins Are Causing Trouble

Sometimes extra programs, called add-ins, make Word freeze.

Step 1: Open Word in Safe Mode

1. Hold Windows + R.
2. Type winword /safe, then Enter.

Step 2: If Word opens, add-ins may be the problem.

1. File > Options > Add-ins.
2. In the dropdown, pick “COM Add-ins” and click Go.
3. Uncheck everything. Confirm.
4. Restart Word.

Step 3: Turn add-ins on one at a time

1. Enable one, open Word, check if it freezes. Repeat.
2. When you find the one that causes trouble, keep it off or update it.

Solution 4. Update or Repair Microsoft Office

If Word is still frozen, try updating or repairing.

Update Office

1. Open any Office program.
2. File > Account.
3. Click Update Options > Update Now.

Quick Repair

1. Open Settings.
2. Apps > Installed Apps > find Microsoft 365 or Office.
3. Click three dots > Modify.
4. Choose Quick Repair first. If it fails, repeat and pick Online Repair.

Productive Habits to Prevent Word Freezes

• Save work to your local computer as a backup.
• Close programs you aren’t using.
• Run system updates often.
• Keep OneDrive synced and check status.

Word stuck on “Processing” can stop your work. Most problems are fixed by clearing the cache, reconnecting your Microsoft account, disabling add-ins, or repairing Office. Use these steps to avoid wasted time and keep work moving without problems.