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If you are seeing the error message “Preparing to send sharing message” in Microsoft Office on Windows 11, it can be frustrating. This issue often prevents you from sharing documents directly via email or other sharing options.

Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to fix this problem. This guide will walk you through each method clearly and in detail.

We will start with the easiest fixes and move toward more advanced solutions. You do not need to be an expert to follow these instructions.

By the end, you should be able to share your Office files again without any errors.

Quick Note Before You Begin

• Make sure Microsoft Office is fully updated. Updates often fix bugs that cause sharing errors.
• Confirm your Windows 11 system is updated with the latest patches.
• Check your internet connection since sharing requires online access.
• Ensure your default email app is properly set up, as Office uses this for sharing.

Step 1: Restart Microsoft Office and Your Computer

Sometimes, simple glitches cause temporary problems with Office sharing features. Closing Office completely and restarting your PC can clear these issues.

1. Close all open Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
2. Restart your Windows 11 computer by clicking the Start button, then selecting Restart.
3. After your PC restarts, open the Office application again and try to share your file.

This step is important because it refreshes system resources and clears temporary files that may block sharing.

Step 2: Check and Set Your Default Email App

Microsoft Office uses your default email program when you share files. If no default email app is set, or if the email app is misconfigured, sharing will fail.

1. Click the Start button and open Settings.
2. Select Apps from the sidebar, then click Default apps.
3. Scroll down and find your email app (e.g., Outlook, Mail).
4. Click the app, and ensure it is set as the default for protocols like MAILTO and file types such as .eml.
5. If no email app is set, select one that you use regularly.

Setting the correct default email app ensures Office knows how to open and send sharing messages.

Step 3: Repair Microsoft Office Installation

If the problem persists, your Office installation files might be corrupted. Repairing Office can fix damaged files without affecting your documents.

1. Open Settings and go to Apps & features.
2. Find Microsoft Office in the list and click it.
3. Click Modify.
4. Choose Quick Repair first and follow the prompts.
5. If the issue remains, repeat and select Online Repair for a more thorough fix (requires internet connection).

Repairing Office replaces missing or corrupted files that may cause sharing errors.

Step 4: Disable Add-ins That Might Interfere

Sometimes, third-party add-ins in Office applications cause conflicts that block sharing features.

1. Open an Office app like Word.
2. Click File > Options.
3. Select Add-ins from the left menu.
4. At the bottom, next to Manage, select COM Add-ins and click Go.
5. Uncheck all add-ins to disable them temporarily and click OK.
6. Restart the Office app and try sharing again.

If sharing works after disabling add-ins, enable them one by one to find the problematic one.

Step 5: Check Your Microsoft Account Sign-in

Microsoft Office often requires you to be signed in with your Microsoft account to share files easily, especially through OneDrive or Outlook.

1. Open any Office app.
2. Look at the top right corner and check if you are signed in.
3. If not signed in, click Sign In and enter your Microsoft account credentials.
4. If signed in, try signing out and then signing back in to refresh your account connection.

A proper account connection ensures smooth sharing and syncing capabilities.

Alternative Method: Use Manual Sharing

If the error continues, you can share files manually as a temporary workaround.

• Save your Office document to a folder on your PC or OneDrive.
• Open your email app separately and create a new message.
• Attach the saved Office file manually to the email.
• Send the email as usual.

This method bypasses the Office sharing feature but allows you to share your file immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does the “Preparing to send sharing message” error appear?

This error usually occurs due to misconfigured email settings, corrupted Office files, or account sign-in problems.

Will updating Office fix this error?

Often, yes. Updates include bug fixes that can resolve sharing issues.

Can antivirus software cause this problem?

Yes, some antivirus or firewall settings may block Office’s ability to communicate with email apps or online services.

Should I reinstall Office if repairing does not work?

Reinstalling is a last resort but can fix deeper issues if repair options fail.

Is this error related to OneDrive?

Sometimes. If you share files stored on OneDrive, syncing issues may contribute to the error.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still encounter the error, consider these final actions:

• Visit the official Microsoft Support website for specialized help: https://support.microsoft.com.
• Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant tool to diagnose Office issues automatically.
• Contact Microsoft Support directly for personalized assistance.
• Consider reinstalling Office as a last step to ensure a clean setup.

Conclusion

The “Preparing to send sharing message” error in Microsoft Office on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but it is usually fixable with simple steps. Starting with restarting your PC, checking your default email app, and repairing Office often resolves the issue quickly.

Disabling problematic add-ins and verifying your Microsoft account sign-in are also important troubleshooting steps. If needed, manual sharing offers a practical workaround while you fix the root cause.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can restore smooth sharing functionality in Office and get back to working efficiently.