Recent discussions with the hashtag #被WPS背刺# (#BackstabbedbyWPS#) have trended on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. Users have complained that the once-reliable office software WPS Office has become a "hidden assassin," causing system slowdowns and document losses.
Beijing Kingsoft Office Software,Inc. (SH: 688111) is the developer of WPS. Beyond consuming significant memory, users have also criticized the software for intrusive advertisements and the paywalling of basic features. The company's stock price fell today, closing at 215.43 yuan, a drop of 5.07%.
Company Addresses Concerns
In response to the user feedback, a representative from Kingsoft Office stated that a special task force has been established to investigate. The company confirmed that optimizations are underway. These include moving the cache settings to a more prominent location, supporting one-click manual cleanup, allowing users to change the cache storage path, and adding more flexible options for automatic cleanup cycles.
One user, identified as Xiao Hu, mentioned avoiding the cloud sync feature because it automatically backs up tens of gigabytes locally, slowing down the computer. Bulk cleanup requires a paid membership; otherwise, users must manually select files one by one. Another user claimed that uninstalling WPS freed up 50GB of space.
Multiple users reported that even when WPS is installed on drives like D: or E:, the software still forces default cache and cloud backup files into the system directory on the C: drive (e.g., AppData). Over time, dozens of gigabytes of temporary files can fill the system drive, causing severe lag, and residual data can be difficult to remove completely after uninstallation.
On software download platforms, reviews criticize WPS for constant pop-up ads, mandatory login, high memory usage that crashes computers, and complex, expensive membership tiers. Users expressed that while a membership makes work easier, the cost is a deterrent.
The Kingsoft representative reiterated that managing C: drive usage is free and does not require a membership. Users can change the storage location for cache and backups within the WPS cloud settings or the backup center. Local cache and backups can also be manually cleared without affecting files stored in the cloud. The planned optimizations aim to make these management options more visible and user-friendly, with features rolling out soon.
Market Context and Competitive Pressure
An analyst noted that competitors like Yongzhong Office, Tencent Docs, and Shimo Docs offer free basic functions with clean, ad-free interfaces, attracting users dissatisfied with WPS's monetization. If WPS does not simplify its membership system and refocus on core user experience, relying on short-term monetization tactics could erode its user base and market position.
Another industry expert pointed out that WPS initially gained a massive user base through free access, localization, and as an alternative to Microsoft Office, building strong brand loyalty. However, if commercialization relies heavily on ads, fragmented memberships, and locking basic features, it risks depleting that goodwill.
Slowing Growth in Key Segments
A review of Kingsoft's recent annual reports shows a significant deceleration in growth rates for both its consumer (C-end) and business (B-end) revenue streams.
For the 2025 fiscal year, Kingsoft Office reported total revenue of 5.929 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 15.78%. Domestic individual user (C-end) revenue was 3.344 billion yuan, growing only 7.87% year-on-year. This segment's growth has declined sharply for three consecutive years: from 29.42% in 2023 to 16.84% in 2024, and then roughly halving to 7.87% in 2025, suggesting the user growth ceiling may be near.
In terms of user scale, as of the end of 2025, WPS Office had 678 million monthly active devices globally, up 7.29% year-on-year, with mobile MAU growth at 2.28%. The number of domestic annual paying individual users reached 46.15 million, a 10.67% increase, slowing from 17.49% in 2024, indicating that growth relying solely on new paying users is becoming less effective.
The company's second growth engine, the enterprise-focused WPS 365 collaborative business, also showed cooling momentum. In 2025, this segment generated 720 million yuan in revenue, up 64.93% year-on-year. However, this represents a significant slowdown compared to its 149.33% growth rate in 2024.
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