Microsoft 365 Error Codes

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Error 0xc0000142 When Excel Will Not Open

Camila Milosovich Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to open Microsoft Excel due to a failed update process resulting in application error code 0xc0000142.

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Error 0xc0000142 When Excel Will Not Open

Product: Microsoft 365 (Excel)
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to launch Excel or after a recent Microsoft 365 background update.
Observed behavior: Excel fails to start, briefly displaying an update message before throwing the error code 0xc0000142.

Before you start

Before repairing your Microsoft 365 installation, save any open work in other applications and restart your computer to ensure no background processes are interfering with the repair.

Solution 1Recommended

Run a Quick Repair for Microsoft 365

Use the built-in Windows repair tool to quickly fix damaged Office installation or update files without requiring an internet connection.

The Quick Repair tool detects and replaces corrupted application files that cause launch errors. It is the fastest way to resolve the 0xc0000142 error without heavily modifying your system.

Open Apps and Features

Right-click the Start button (Windows icon) and select 'Apps and Features' (or 'Installed apps' in Windows 11) from the power user menu.

Select Microsoft 365

Scroll through the list of installed programs, locate 'Microsoft 365' or 'Microsoft Office', click on it (or the three-dot menu), and select 'Modify'.

Run Quick Repair

In the repair dialog box that appears, select the 'Quick Repair' option and click the 'Repair' button. Wait a few minutes for the process to complete.

Update Office Manually

Once the repair finishes, open any functioning Office app such as Word. Go to 'File' > 'Account' > 'Update Options', and select 'Update Now' to ensure all files are fully patched.

Restart Required: It is highly recommended to restart your PC after the repair finishes to ensure all registry changes are applied correctly before launching Excel.

Solution 2

Perform an Online Repair

If the Quick Repair does not resolve the error, an Online Repair will completely reinstall Office components to fix deeper corruption.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Avoid Update Errors with WPS Office

If Microsoft 365 Error 0xc0000142 persists and you need immediate access to your spreadsheets, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office without frequent, disruptive update errors.

1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and run the quick installer.
2. Open Your Excel File: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and click 'Open' to load your existing .xlsx files seamlessly.
3. Edit and Save: Work on your spreadsheets with familiar tools and save them in the original Microsoft format without compatibility issues.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv).Lightweight installation that avoids heavy system update errors.Familiar user interface for seamless migration and zero learning curve.Free to use for basic spreadsheet creation and editing.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the 0xc0000142 error in Microsoft 365?

This error is typically caused by corrupted Office installation files, incomplete software updates, or conflicting background applications that prevent Excel from executing properly.

Will repairing Microsoft 365 delete my Excel files?

No, running a Quick Repair or Online Repair only fixes the application files. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and settings will remain completely intact.

Why does the error message mention an update before failing?

Microsoft 365 often attempts to apply background updates when you launch an app. If those update files are damaged or blocked, the process aborts and triggers the 0xc0000142 application error.

Can I use Excel online if the desktop app won't open?

Yes, as a temporary workaround, you can log into office.com with your Microsoft account to use the web version of Excel while you troubleshoot the desktop application.

Microsoft Office Error Codes