Microsoft 365 Error Codes

How to Fix Office Apps Stuck on Updating with Error 147-0

Huma Ashraf Ch Oct 13, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing an issue where Microsoft Office applications are stuck on an updating screen with error code 147-0, and they are also looking for a missing Microsoft Publisher application.

How to Fix Office Apps Stuck on Updating with Error 147-0

Product: Microsoft Office / Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to launch or update Microsoft Office applications for daily tasks.
Observed behavior: Word, Excel, and other Office applications are stuck displaying an updating message, eventually throwing error code 147-0. Standard Office repair has failed, and Publisher is completely missing from the system.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and close any background Microsoft Office processes using the Task Manager before initiating repair tools.

Solution 1Recommended

Run Quick and Online Office Repairs

Use the built-in Windows repair tool to fix corrupted Office update files and resolve the 147-0 error loop.

Microsoft Office provides built-in repair options to fix missing or corrupted application files. A Quick Repair works offline and fixes most minor issues, while an Online Repair downloads fresh installation files directly from Microsoft servers.

Open Programs and Features

Press the Windows key, type 'Control Panel', and press Enter. Navigate to 'Programs' and select 'Programs and Features'.

Modify the Microsoft Office Installation

Scroll through the list of installed programs, select 'Microsoft Office' or 'Microsoft 365', and click the 'Change' button located at the top of the window.

Run a Quick Repair

Select the 'Quick Repair' option and click 'Repair'. Wait for the process to complete, then try opening an Office application.

Run an Online Repair

If Quick Repair does not fix error 147-0, return to the Change menu, select 'Online Repair', and let it download the necessary update files. Restart Windows once the process finishes.

Internet Connection Required: The Online Repair option requires a stable internet connection because it downloads fresh application files from Microsoft to replace the corrupted ones.

Solution 2

Verify Subscription License and Publisher Availability

Check your Microsoft account to verify that your current license is active and includes Microsoft Publisher.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Update Errors

If Microsoft Office update loops and error 147-0 are preventing you from working, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible office suite that lets you create and edit documents without dealing with complex installation or update errors.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button to get the lightweight installer.
2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer file. The installation is fast and doesn't require complex license configurations.
3. Open Your Office Files: Launch WPS Office and open your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files directly without losing formatting.

Free and lightweight office suite with fast installationSeamlessly compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsNo disruptive background updates or complex error codesFamiliar user interface for a quick and easy transition

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Microsoft Office error code 147-0?

Error code 147-0 typically occurs when Microsoft Office is unable to start properly due to corrupted installation files, conflicting background processes, or network issues that interrupt application updates.

Why didn't Quick Repair fix the updating error?

Quick Repair only replaces corrupted files using the data already stored on your hard drive. If the underlying update files are missing or severely corrupted, an Online Repair is necessary to download fresh components from Microsoft servers.

Can I still download Microsoft Publisher if it is missing?

Microsoft is discontinuing Publisher, and it is no longer included in many new Microsoft 365 plans. You can check your Microsoft account dashboard to see if your specific legacy license still offers it, but it may not be available for new installations.

Microsoft Office Error Codes