If you are working with a large word document which has been edited by multiple users and the Track Changes is on then the file may reach a state when MS Word will just freeze when you open the file. If this is happening to you, then there is an alternate way to open the document without directly going through MS Word. This solution may work with any Word document which tend to freeze upon opening. Give it a shot and let me know if it worked for you in the comments section.
When Word Freezes
1. Right click on the Word file which is giving you trouble.
2. Select Open With > Choose Default Program >Expand Other Programs from the list and Choose Internet Explorer
3. Uncheck the box which says “Always use the selected program to open this kind of file”
4. Press Ok
5. You maybe prompted by Internet Explorer to either open the file or to save. Click open.
Now, the word file should open without any problems.
