How Can I Fix the Sudden Glitching Since Upgrading to Microsoft Word Version 16.90.2?

Question

Microsoft Word initiated an update on my MacBook Pro to Version 16.90.2. Since then it has been glitching so badly that I can barely use it. It lags when I'm typing. It mistypes characters, it stalls, and sometimes entire pages appear blank when I open them up. I have to wait or open and close a document a few times to see the page properly. I've closed the program and rebooted the computer several times to no avail. (I have not gone so far as deleting the program and reloading it.) I've actually moved some documents over to Google Docs just so that I am able to work on them in peace. Is Microsoft aware of this issue? If so, when can I expect a fix for these bugs? Is there any fix I can try in the meantime?

Answer 1

Hi Jim,

I followed your suggestion and updated my OS. It has not helped, unfortunately.

Julie

Answer 2

Dear Tracy, I am experiencing the same problem described by Julie Norwell. I am using the Microsoft® Word for Mac Version 16.90.2 (24102719)con MacOS Sequoia Version 15.1 (24B83).

I tried re-installing Office 365, but did not fix the problem.

Please let me know if there is an alternative solution (other than rolling back the Office version).

Thanks,

J. Enrique Hinostroza

Answer 3

Hi Julie,

Before messing with your Office installation, check to be sure you have the latest update to Mac OS installed.

Answer 4

No promises, but similar probelms have been fixed by doing the following:

Verify the startup volume: How to repair a Mac disk with Disk Utility -

Then reinstall Mac OS

Reinstall macOS - Apple Support

Answer 5

Dear Julie Norwell

Thanks for raising your concerns in Microsoft Community.

We understand that you are having problems with Word being unavailable on Mac after the update.

Since you mentioned that the problem occurred after updating to 16.90.2, we recommend that you roll back the Office version to ensure that you can use the app first.

• Uninstall Office components on Mac.
  • Uninstall Office for Mac - Microsoft Support
• Go to this link to download an older version of Office.
  • Update history for Office for Mac - Office release notes | Microsoft Learn
  • 
• Download the installation package on the interface and install it.

After waiting for the installation to succeed, pause the update of Office and check the operation of Word.

• Open any Word component and click [Help]--[Check for Updates] in the upper menu.
• In the pop-up window, click [Advanced].
• Then uncheck [Automatically keep Microsoft apps up to date].
• If a confirmation window pops up, click [Close]

Regarding the issue you mentioned, we will continue to monitor whether other users have similar feedback and test this version. We also speculate that this may be a compatibility issue between the new version and the system.

If possible, please also share the system version of your Mac computer so that we can collect specific information about it.

You can also wait for a while and try to update again to check the situation.

You can refer to the above information first, I hope it will be helpful to you. We also look forward to your reply and will continue to provide you with assistance. If there is anything unclear, you can reply at any time.

Your understanding and patience will be greatly appreciated.

Best Regards,

Tracy - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist