Basic steps to fix slowdown caused by Microsoft 365 services

Computer slowdown can be caused by a large variety of system-related problems, among them an outdated operating system, certain antivirus features, low disk memory, or background processes that use a lot of resources.

Sometimes, the slowdown can be caused by corrupted files that got into the system upon downloading or installing certain programs. It can happen even when working on a brand new computer or in a freshly installed operating system.

The Microsoft 365 suite is among the first services that you want to install on your computer, besides web browsers and a decent antivirus program. If you think that it is the features of the suite that are causing the slowdown, see these simple steps to investigate the issue.

Why does Microsoft 365 slow down my computer?

1. Make sure to meet system requirements

Although sometimes ignored, system requirements are almost the basic detail when we’re expecting a program to perform at its best. So keep your operating system updated and performant.

For instance, the Microsoft 365 suite needs the latest Windows 10 OS on a PC/laptop or one of the three latest versions of macOS, for a Mac.

Memory space should be at least 2 Gb RAM for 32-bit Windows or 4 Gb RAM for 64-bit Windows/ Mac. And the available hard disk space should be 4 Gb for PCs and 10 Gb for Macs.

Once you’ve made enough room for the bundle apps to function and you’ve updated the system, computer performance should improve.

Not sure what system requirements Microsoft 365 needs? Check this guide out

2. Check for the latest updates

1. Open the Start menu > Settings app > Update & Security.
2. Click Check for updates.

Usually, Windows is updated automatically. But if any updates are missing, after the process is finished, your computer should resume normal functioning.

3. Check for conflicting programs

1. Type System Configuration in the taskbar and select Run as administrator.
2. On the Services tab, select Hide all Microsoft services, and then select Disable for all.
3. On the Startup tab, open Task Manager, and Disable all items.
4. Close the Task Manager and click OK in the System Configuration window.
5. Restart your device and reopen one of the Microsoft 365 programs to see if this helped.

A clean boot shows if any other installed program is interfering with the Microsoft 365 features so that you uninstall it or manage its functions.

Afterward, set your device to boot normally by opening the System Configuration as shown previously, and in the General tab, check Normal startup, then OK.

4. Disable Hardware Graphic Acceleration

1. Start any Office program.
2. In the File tab, click Options.
3. In the Options dialog box, click Advanced.
4. Click to select the Disable hardware graphics acceleration checkbox.

To sum up, Microsoft 365 apps should not slow down your computer if installed correctly and if the minimum system requirements are met.

Nevertheless, if none of the above solutions solves the problem, check out this detailed article about how to tackle computer slowdown in general.

FAQ: Read more about fixing sluggish Microsoft 365 apps

• Why does Microsoft Word slow down my computer?

Corrupted documents usually cause Word to perform badly. The common message that appears is Microsoft Word is not responding . Close and restart the program.

• Why is my outlook 365 so slow?

One solution is to turn on Cached Mode, so that all the data for operations is stored and retrieved from the cloud. 

1. Open Outlook > File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
2. Click the Exchange or Microsoft 365, and then click Change.
3. Under Offline Settings, check Use Cached Exchange Mode.
4.  Exit, and restart Outlook.

• Why is Excel 365 so slow?

1. Open Excel > File > Options > Advanced.
2. Under the Display section, check the Disable hardware graphics acceleration box > OK.
3. Exit and restart Excel.