Fix Error 0x80070032 in Word and Excel After Windows 11 KB5023706 Update
Question details
Users are encountering error 0x80070032 when attempting to open Microsoft Word and Excel documents from the desktop or OneDrive after installing Windows 11 update KB5023706.
- Product
- Microsoft Word and Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Opening local or OneDrive-synced Word and Excel files via desktop shortcuts after a system update.
- Observed behavior
- The system displays error code 0x80070032 and fails to open the application or document. In some cases, the KB5023706 update itself repeatedly fails to install and rolls back changes.
Verify that you have administrative privileges on your Windows 11 system before making modifications to system services or applying update troubleshooters.
Recreate Desktop Shortcuts to Affected Files
This is the most direct solution. System updates can occasionally corrupt existing file pathways, making the shortcut invalid.
If you primarily use desktop shortcuts to access specific Word or Excel files stored locally or on OneDrive, the KB5023706 update might have broken the shortcut link, leading to error 0x80070032.
Navigate to your Windows desktop, locate the Word or Excel file shortcuts that are producing the error, right-click them, and select the 'Delete' icon (or press the Delete key).
Open File Explorer and navigate to the actual folder where your documents are stored (such as the Documents folder or your synchronized OneDrive directory).
Right-click the target Word or Excel file, select 'Show more options', choose 'Send to', and then click 'Desktop (create shortcut)'.
Set App Readiness Service to Automatic
Modifying the App Readiness service ensures that Windows appropriately prepares Office applications to run after system updates.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Use this built-in tool if the KB5023706 update fails to install completely and repeatedly undoes changes.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless and Error-Free Experience
If Windows updates frequently disrupt your Microsoft Office workflows, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and completely free alternative to easily handle all your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without update-related glitches.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click 'Download Free' to get the latest installation package.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word or Excel files. No format conversion is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is error 0x80070032 in Windows 11?
Error 0x80070032 typically points to a failure related to application readiness or broken file directory references. It frequently occurs when trying to launch software via an outdated or corrupted shortcut after a major Windows update like KB5023706.
Will recreating shortcuts delete my original Word and Excel documents?
No. A shortcut is simply a visual pointer to the file. Deleting the corrupted shortcut and creating a new one on your desktop leaves the original document completely untouched in its source folder.
What does the App Readiness service do in Windows?
The App Readiness service helps prepare apps for initial use when a user signs in to the PC for the first time or after a system update. Setting it to Automatic ensures that Office applications correctly initialize after updates are applied.
Can I use WPS Office to open files if Microsoft Office won't launch?
Yes. WPS Office is fully compatible with standard Microsoft Office files (.xlsx, .docx). You can install WPS Office and immediately open your documents to continue working while troubleshooting Windows errors.
