How to Fix Office Application Error 0xc0000142 and Remove Unnecessary Software in Windows 11
Question details
The user needs to fix application error 0xc0000142 occurring after a Windows 11 upgrade and wants to know which installed background components can be safely removed without breaking system functionality.

- Product
- Windows 11 / Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Opening applications like Microsoft Office or Adobe products after upgrading the operating system to Windows 11.
- Observed behavior
- The system throws an application error 0xc0000142 when launching certain programs, and the user is unsure whether tools like Visual C++, Node.js, and Windows SDKs are causing the issue or if they can be uninstalled.
Before attempting repairs or removing installed software, identify exactly which application is triggering the 0xc0000142 error and create a Windows System Restore point.
Identify and Repair the Failing Application
Use this solution if the 0xc0000142 error specifically appears when trying to open Microsoft Office or Adobe applications.
Application error 0xc0000142 usually indicates that a program could not initialize properly due to missing or corrupted system files post-upgrade.
If the error affects Office, open the Windows Control Panel, go to 'Programs and Features', right-click your Microsoft 365 or Office installation, and select 'Change'. Choose 'Quick Repair' first, and if that fails, use 'Online Repair'.
Ensure your Microsoft 365 subscription is active. Sometimes, failing background license checks can trigger application initialization errors.
If the error occurs with Adobe software, it is often tied to the telemetry service 'LogTransport2.exe'. Open your Adobe application settings and navigate to the Privacy tab to disable desktop data sharing.

Clean Up Unnecessary System Components Safely
Follow these guidelines to determine which installed background components and SDKs can be safely uninstalled without causing further errors.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Complex Repair Errors
If Microsoft Office continues to throw application errors like 0xc0000142, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative that installs quickly without relying on the complex system runtimes that often corrupt during Windows updates.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the lightweight, free installer.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the simple, one-click installation process.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and seamlessly open all your existing Microsoft Office files without errors.

Frequently Asked Questions
What causes application error 0xc0000142?
This error typically occurs when an application fails to initialize properly. This is commonly caused by missing or corrupted system files, outdated Visual C++ runtime libraries, or software conflicts introduced during a major Windows OS upgrade like moving to Windows 11.
Can I safely uninstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables?
No, it is highly recommended to keep all versions of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables installed. Many Windows applications rely on these shared runtime libraries to function, and removing them can directly cause application errors like 0xc0000142.
What is LogTransport2.exe and is it safe to delete?
LogTransport2.exe is a background telemetry component used by Adobe software to send usage data. You should not manually delete the .exe file, as this can cause crash dialogs. Instead, open your Adobe account privacy settings and disable data sharing to stop the service gracefully.
How do I know if I need Node.js or Windows SDK on my PC?
Node.js and the Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) are specialized tools used for programming and building software. If you do not actively code or develop applications on your computer, you do not need these programs and can safely uninstall them via the Windows Apps & features menu.




