Microsoft Word is a widely used word processing program that has helped countless people create professional documents, reports, and presentations with ease. However, sometimes Word can be slow to open or run, and lagging when typing, which can be frustrating and time-consuming. In this blog post, we'll explore some common causes of Word running slow and lagging when typing, and provide solutions to fix these issues.
Common causes of Word running slow and lagging when typing
Before we dive into the solutions, it's important to understand the causes of these issues. Here are some common reasons why Word may run slow and lag when typing:
- Large document size: If you're working on a large document with many images, tables, or other content, Word may take longer to open and run.
- Outdated software or hardware: Running an outdated version of Microsoft Word or an older operating system can also cause Word to run slow.
- Conflicts with other programs or antivirus software: Sometimes, conflicts between Word and other programs or antivirus software can cause Word to run slow or lag when typing.
- Corrupted add-ins or templates: Faulty or corrupted add-ins or templates can also cause Word to slow down or crash.
- Insufficient system resources: If your computer doesn't have enough RAM or processing power, Word may struggle to run smoothly.
Solutions for fixing Word when it's slow to open and run
Now that we've identified some common causes, let's explore some solutions to fix Word when it's slow to open and run.
Updating Word and/or your operating system
One of the first things you can do to fix Word when it's slow is to make sure you're running the latest version of Word and/or your operating system. To update Word, go to File > Account > Update Options > Update Now. To update your operating system, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Disabling unnecessary add-ins or templates
If you have many add-ins or templates installed, they may be slowing down Word. To disable them, go to File > Options > Add-Ins (or Templates) > Manage > Go. From here, you can uncheck any add-ins or templates that you don't need.
Adjusting settings to optimize performance
Another way to improve Word's performance is to adjust some of the settings. For example, you can disable the "Automatically save unsaved documents" option, reduce the number of entries in the Recent Documents list, and disable the "Show Mini Toolbar on selection" option.
Running a virus scan
It's possible that a virus or malware is causing Word to run slow. Run a virus scan on your computer to make sure it's free of any malicious software.
Repairing or reinstalling Word
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to repair or reinstall Word. To repair Word, go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Microsoft Office > Change. From here, you can choose to repair Word. To reinstall Word, go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Microsoft Office > Uninstall. Then, follow the prompts to reinstall Word.
Solutions for fixing Word when it lags when typing
Now that we've looked at some solutions for fixing Word when it's slow to open and run, let's explore some solutions for fixing Word when it lags when typing.
Disabling hardware acceleration
Hardware acceleration can sometimes cause Word to lag when typing. To disable it, go to File > Options > Advanced > Display. From here, uncheck the "Disable hardware graphics acceleration" option.
Clearing the Word cache
The Word cache can also cause Word to lag when typing. To clear it, go to File > Options > Advanced > Save. Under "Save documents", uncheck the "Keep the last autosaved version if I close without saving" option. Then, click the "Empty AutoRecover folder" button.
Adjusting the spelling and grammar check settings
Enabling too many spelling and grammar checks can also cause Word to lag. To adjust these settings, go to File > Options > Proofing. From here, uncheck any options you don't need, such as "Check spelling as you type" or "Mark grammar errors as you type".
Turning off the "Animate text" option
Finally, turning off the "Animate text" option can also improve Word's performance when typing. To do this, go to File > Options > Advanced > Display. Under "Advanced options", uncheck the "Animate text and objects in Word" option.
If you're experiencing issues with Word running slow and lagging when typing, there are several solutions you can try. From updating Word and adjusting settings to disabling add-ins and hardware acceleration, these solutions can help improve Word's performance. By following these steps, you can continue to create professional documents with ease and without frustration.