Fix: Microsoft Word Takes Too Long to Open

Why Word Opens Slowly

A slow Word startup is frustrating but usually fixable. The most common causes are add-ins that load at startup, a bloated or corrupted Normal.dotm template, or external factors like network drives and antivirus software.

Step-by-Step Fix

Step 1: Disable Startup Add-ins

Add-ins are the #1 cause of slow Word startup:

1. Open Word and go to File > Options > Add-ins
2. At the bottom, select COM Add-ins and click Go
3. Uncheck all add-ins and click OK
4. Restart Word and check if startup is faster
5. Re-enable add-ins one at a time to find the slow one

Step 2: Reset the Normal.dotm Template

1. Close Word completely
2. Press Windows + R and type %appdata%\Microsoft\Templates
3. Delete or rename Normal.dotm
4. Reopen Word — a fresh template will be created

Step 3: Check Network Locations

If Word opens to a network drive or SharePoint location:

1. Go to File > Options > Save
2. Change the Default local file location to a local folder (e.g., Documents)
3. Uncheck Save to Computer by default if it points to a slow network path

Step 4: Configure Antivirus Exclusions

Add Word’s executable and temp folders to your antivirus exclusion list:

• C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\WINWORD.EXE
• %appdata%\Microsoft\Templates
• %localappdata%\Microsoft\Office\UnsavedFiles

Step 5: Repair Office

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features
2. Find Microsoft Office/365 and click Modify
3. Select Quick Repair first, then Online Repair if needed

Prevention Tips

• Regularly audit your add-ins and remove unused ones
• Keep documents on local drives when possible
• Update Office regularly for performance improvements
• Consider an SSD if you’re still using a hard drive