Fix the 'Keyset Does Not Exist' TPM Error in Microsoft Office on Windows 10
Question details
User needs to resolve the 'Keyset does not exist' error in Microsoft Office on a domain-joined Windows 10 computer after previous TPM clearing, Office reinstallation, Windows component repair, and AAD Broker Plugin removal did not fix it.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Microsoft Office applications fail with a keyset error on a domain-joined Windows 10 computer during sign-in or app launch.
- Observed behavior
- Office shows the 'Keyset does not exist' error even after clearing TPM, reinstalling Office, repairing Windows components, and removing the AAD Broker Plugin.
Before changing authentication or registry settings, verify that you can create and sign in with a second Windows user profile on the affected computer. This helps separate a corrupt user profile from a computer-wide TPM or Office configuration problem.
Test with a New Windows User Profile First
Use this method first to determine whether the error follows the user profile or the computer.
A damaged user profile can store a broken certificate key container that triggers the 'Keyset does not exist' error even when the TPM and Office installation are otherwise healthy.
Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, click 'Add someone else to this PC', and create a local user or add a domain account.
Sign out of the current account, sign in as the new Windows user, and open an Office application such as Word, Excel, or Outlook.
Enter the same Microsoft 365 or domain credentials and verify whether the 'Keyset does not exist' message still appears.
Verify TPM Status and Refresh Office Credential Keys
Use this method when TPM-related keys or stale Office sign-in entries need to be refreshed.
Add the DisableADALatopWAMOverride Registry Value as a Last Resort
Use this only after testing a new Windows profile and consulting Microsoft support because it changes modern authentication behavior.
Use WPS Office as a Free Microsoft Office Alternative on Windows 10
If the Microsoft Office 'Keyset does not exist' TPM error interrupts work, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight Office alternative with high compatibility for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files, a familiar ribbon interface, and seamless migration from Microsoft Office without domain/TPM modern authentication dependency.
- 1. Download and install WPS Office: Go to the official WPS Office website, download the free installer, and run it on the Windows 10 computer.
- 2. Open existing Microsoft Office files: Launch WPS Writer, WPS Spreadsheets, or WPS Presentation and open your .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files directly.
- 3. Set WPS Office as the default: In Windows 10, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and choose WPS Office for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file types if you want to continue opening those files with WPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the 'Keyset does not exist' error occur in Microsoft Office on a domain-joined Windows 10 PC?
It usually points to a damaged per-user certificate key container, a corrupted Windows user profile, or an issue with modern authentication such as ADAL/WAM configuration. It is not always caused by the TPM itself.
Will clearing the TPM always fix the keyset error?
No. In many cases the error follows the Windows user profile or modern authentication settings. Clear the TPM only if your IT department approves and after saving BitLocker recovery keys.
Can I use the DisableADALatopWAMOverride registry value safely?
It can be used as a last resort, but it disables part of modern authentication and may introduce additional sign-in or licensing problems. Test a new Windows profile first and consult Microsoft support before applying it.
How do I know if my Windows user profile is corrupt?
Create and sign in with a new Windows user profile, then open Office and sign in with the same account. If the keyset error disappears, the original profile is likely corrupt and should be migrated or recreated.
Can WPS Office open my Microsoft Office files while this keyset error is unresolved?
Yes. WPS Office supports .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files and provides a free, lightweight alternative for continuing document, spreadsheet, and presentation work on Windows 10.
