How to Disable Add-Ins to Speed Up Word Startup

If Word takes more than 30 seconds to open or freezes on the splash screen, add-ins are likely the cause. Add-ins are small programs that add extra features, but many load automatically at startup and slow down the process. This article explains how to identify, disable, and manage these add-ins to restore fast startup times.

You will learn to use Safe Mode to test if add-ins are the issue, disable them one by one, and remove permanently unnecessary add-ins. These steps work in Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2021, 2019, and 2016 on Windows 11 and Windows 10.

No third-party tools are needed. All settings are built into Word.

Why Add-Ins Slow Down Word Startup

Add-ins extend Word by adding toolbars, templates, or automation features. Common examples include grammar checkers, PDF converters, citation managers, and CRM connectors. Each add-in registers itself to load when Word starts. Depending on the add-in type, Word must initialize its code, connect to external services, or verify licenses during startup.

When multiple add-ins load simultaneously, they compete for CPU and memory resources. A single poorly coded add-in can delay startup by 10 to 20 seconds. COM add-ins are the most common culprits because they run as separate DLL files that Word loads into memory. Startup add-ins and global templates (DOTM files in the Startup folder) also contribute to delays.

Word does not warn users when an add-in slows down startup. The only visible symptom is a long delay before the document area appears. In severe cases, Word may show a “Not Responding” message or crash during startup.

Types of Add-Ins That Affect Startup

Word supports several add-in types. Each type loads at a different stage of startup:

• COM Add-Ins: Installed by third-party software. Loaded as DLL files. Most common cause of slow startup.
• Global Templates (DOTM): Stored in the Word Startup folder. Often used by corporate IT for macros or custom styles.
• XML Expansion Packs: Rare. Used for custom XML schemas.
• Word Add-Ins (WLL): Older format. Rare in modern versions.

Steps to Disable Add-Ins and Speed Up Word Startup

Follow these steps in order. Do not skip the Safe Mode test. It confirms whether add-ins are the root cause before you make changes.

Step 1: Test Word in Safe Mode

1. Close Word completely
   Make sure no Word windows are open. Check the system tray for background Word processes.
2. Hold the Ctrl key and start Word
   Press and hold the Ctrl key on your keyboard. Double-click the Word icon or press Enter on the Start menu shortcut. A dialog box appears asking if you want to start Word in Safe Mode. Click Yes.
3. Observe the startup time
   Word opens with a plain white window and no add-ins. If Word starts in under 5 seconds, add-ins are the problem. If it is still slow, the issue is not add-ins.

Step 2: Disable COM Add-Ins

1. Open the Add-Ins dialog
   In Word, go to File > Options > Add-Ins. At the bottom of the window, next to Manage, select COM Add-Ins from the dropdown list. Click Go.
2. Uncheck all add-ins you do not need
   The COM Add-Ins dialog shows a list of installed add-ins with checkboxes. Uncheck each add-in you want to disable. To disable all, uncheck every box. Click OK.
3. Restart Word normally
   Close Word and open it again without holding Ctrl. Measure the startup time. If it is faster, the disabled add-ins were the cause.

Step 3: Re-enable Add-Ins One at a Time (Optional)

If you need a specific add-in, re-enable it individually to find the slow one.

1. Open the COM Add-Ins dialog again
   Go to File > Options > Add-Ins > Manage > COM Add-Ins > Go.
2. Check one add-in and restart
   Check one add-in. Click OK. Restart Word. If startup is slow, that add-in is the problem. Keep it disabled. Repeat for each add-in.

Step 4: Remove Add-Ins From the Startup Folder

1. Open the Word Startup folder
   Press Win + R to open the Run dialog. Type the following path and press Enter:
   %appdata%\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP
2. Move or delete files
   This folder contains DOTM templates that load at startup. Move any file you do not need to a backup folder on your desktop. Do not delete files unless you are sure they are unnecessary. Restart Word.

Step 5: Disable Disabled Items (If Needed)

Word tracks add-ins that have crashed. These appear in the Disabled Items list.

1. Open Manage Disabled Items
   Go to File > Options > Add-Ins. At Manage, select Disabled Items from the dropdown. Click Go.
2. Enable or keep disabled
   A list shows add-ins that were automatically disabled after a crash. Select an add-in and click Enable to re-enable it. Leave disabled any add-in you do not need.

If Word Still Starts Slowly After Disabling Add-Ins

If disabling all add-ins did not speed up Word, the problem lies elsewhere. Here are other causes and their fixes.

Word Freezes When Opening a Specific Document

A single corrupted document can cause Word to hang on startup if that document is in the Recent Files list. Open Word in Safe Mode. Go to File > Open > Browse and open a blank document. Then go to File > Open and select the problematic file. If it opens, the file is not the issue. If it hangs, the file is corrupted. Use File > Open > Open and Repair to fix it.

Word Startup Is Still Slow on a New PC

On a clean Windows installation, slow startup may be caused by a printer driver. Word enumerates installed printers at startup. A faulty printer driver can delay this process. Open Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Remove any printer that is not physically connected. Restart Word. If startup improves, the printer driver was the cause.

Word Add-Ins Keep Reappearing After Disabling

Some add-ins are reinstalled by their parent software every time the software updates. For example, Adobe Acrobat add-ins often reappear after an Acrobat update. To prevent this, uninstall the add-in from the parent software. In Adobe Acrobat, go to Edit > Preferences > General and uncheck “Show PDF in browser.” Then disable the add-in in Word.

Comparison: Manual Disable vs Add-In Management Software

Item	Manual Disable in Word	Add-In Management Software
Cost	Free, built into Word	Often paid, third-party tool
Ease of Use	Requires navigating menus	One-click disable all add-ins
Control	Per-add-in control, no bulk	Bulk disable, but may miss some types
Compatibility	Works with all Word versions	May not support older Word versions
Risk	No risk of breaking Word	May remove critical system add-ins

Manual disabling is recommended for most users. It gives full control and carries no risk of unintended removal. Third-party tools are only useful for IT administrators managing dozens of machines.

You can now identify and disable the add-in that was slowing down Word. Start with the Safe Mode test, then disable COM add-ins and check the Startup folder. If you ever need an add-in back, re-enable it through the same menu. For persistent issues, remember that a faulty printer driver or corrupted document can also cause slow startup. Use the Open and Repair feature for damaged files. After disabling add-ins, Word should start in under 5 seconds on a typical business PC.