Fix "Entry Point Not Found" Error in Microsoft Office App for Windows
Question details
The user is encountering an "entry point not found" error when attempting to launch the free Microsoft Office application on a Windows device.
- Product
- Microsoft Office App
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Launching the free Microsoft Office app to access documents or Office web versions.
- Observed behavior
- An error dialogue stating "entry point not found" blocks the app from opening, and the issue persists even after basic system file checks or initial repair attempts.
Ensure your Windows operating system is fully updated, as pending system updates can cause missing DLL files and trigger entry point errors in built-in Windows applications.
Reset or Reinstall the Office App
Use the built-in Windows Settings to completely reset or reinstall the free Office app, which clears corrupted installation files that trigger the entry point error.
Windows 10 and 11 offer built-in troubleshooting options for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps. Resetting clears the app data without affecting your saved documents.
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings menu.
Click on "Apps" in the left sidebar, then select "Installed apps" or "Apps & features" depending on your Windows version.
Scroll down the list to find "Office" (or "Microsoft 365 (Office)"). Click the three-dot menu icon next to it and select "Advanced options".
Scroll down to the Reset section and click the "Reset" button. If the error continues after a reset, return to this menu, click "Uninstall", and download a fresh copy from the Microsoft Store.
Bypass the App and Launch Desktop Programs Directly
If you have the full Office desktop suite installed alongside the free app, launch the individual programs directly to bypass the launcher error entirely.
Access Office Online via Web Browser
The free Office app primarily acts as a shortcut hub for the web versions of Office. You can bypass the broken app by accessing these web applications directly through your internet browser.
Try WPS Office to Avoid App Launcher Errors
If the Microsoft Office app keeps crashing or showing entry point errors, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a completely free, lightweight, and powerful all-in-one office suite that integrates Word, PDF, Excel, and PowerPoint alternatives into a single seamless application.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the Free Download button for Windows.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the quick setup instructions to install the suite.
- 3. Open Your Files Seamlessly: Double-click any existing Microsoft Office file to open it directly in WPS Office with full formatting preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Entry Point Not Found" mean in Windows?
This error usually means a software program is trying to access a specific file (often a DLL file) or system function that is missing, corrupted, or incompatible with the current version of Windows.
Will resetting the Office app delete my saved documents?
No, resetting or reinstalling the free Microsoft Office app will only clear the app's local cached data and settings. Your actual documents are saved safely on your hard drive or stored remotely in OneDrive.
Why does the free Office app open my browser instead of a desktop program?
The free Office app for Windows is primarily a centralized dashboard or launcher for Microsoft's web-based Office applications. If you do not have a paid Microsoft 365 desktop license installed, clicking a document in the app will automatically route you to the free web version in your default browser.
How do I repair the full Microsoft Office desktop suite instead of the free app?
If you have the full Office suite installed and it is producing errors, open Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Scroll down to "Microsoft Office" or "Microsoft 365", click the three dots, select "Modify", and then choose either "Quick Repair" or "Online Repair".
