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Fix the Publisher Not Responding Issue on Windows in 5 Steps
Check out expert recommended fixes for quick resolution
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
MicrosoftPublisher is an application used for desktop publishing and comes in handy to a lot of users. However, several of them reported that Publisher is not responding, which stalls their progress.
The problem is not uncommon, and you will find online forums filled with similar concerns and complaints. And there are several methods that seem to solve the problem in this case. So, let’s go through them all and fix things when Microsoft Publisher is not responding.
Why is my Publisher File not opening?
Here are some of the reasons the Publisher cannot open the file:
How to fix Microsoft Publisher not responding?
Before we walk you through the slightly complex solutions, try the following quick tricks:
In case none of the worked, head to the solutions listed next.
1. Disable Page Navigation
This is one of the simplest workarounds, if not an actual fix, and should provide some relief. Even if Publisher is still not responding, it wouldn’t be as frequent, and the period it doesn’t respond would be considerably lower.
2. Use a third-party alternative to Microsoft Publisher
If you’re having issues with Publisher in Windows, then you might as well go for a software tool that can do the exact same thing, maybe even more and better.
For example, Adobe InDesign is just as good of a desktop publisher as Microsoft Publisher since it, too, can be used to createposters, flyers, brochures, magazines, newspapers, presentations, books, and ebooks.
However, the main advantage is that Adobe InDesign can also utilize its innate compatibility with other helpful Adobe titles, such as Photoshop or Illustrator, through which it can access a wide variety of resources.
The UI is easy to understand, and the template library for creating your products is much larger than Publisher.
That being said, if you still can’t get Microsoft Publisher to work even after following all of the steps mentioned in this article, then going for Adobe InDesign is the right choice.
Plus, using InDesign may be a better alternative due to its rich-feature functionality and layout designs that will surprise everyone.
Adobe InDesign
3. Launch Microsoft Publisher in Safe Mode
Opening Microsoft Publisher in Safe Mode will allow you to identify if there are add-ins that may be causing issues and, as a result, Publisher is not responding. If that’s the case, disable them all and check if the problem is resolved.
4. Repair Microsoft Office
Wait for the process to complete, and once done, check whether Publisher is still not working. In most cases, anOnline Repairshould fix things when Publisher is not responding.
5. Reinstall another version of Microsoft Office
If none of the previous methods worked, we have another method that might. Though it would take time, it’s one of the best bets, given the circumstances.
All you have to do isinstall a different version of Microsoft Office. For instance, if you are running a 32-bit version, switch to 64-bit and vice versa. Both would work if Publisher is not responding.
That’s it! The solutions here don’t just target the problem causing Publisher to stop responding but fix a range of other issues as well, including when a Publisher file won’t open.
Also, do not forget to check thebest alternatives to Microsoft Office. Some of these don’t consume as many resources and run more efficiently.
Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below. Also, drop any queries you may have, and we will respond at the earliest.
More about the topics:Adobe InDesign,Microsoft Office
Teodor Nechita
Eager to help those in need, Teodor writes articles daily on subjects regarding Windows, Xbox, and all things tech-related.
When not working, you may usually find him either at the gym or taking a stroll in the park, trying to find inspiration for the next articles he may write.
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Teodor Nechita
