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How to Fix Office Error 0xC0000142 When Opening Word or PowerPoint
Question details
The user is unable to launch Microsoft Word and PowerPoint due to an application failure displaying error code 0xC0000142.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Attempting to open Word or PowerPoint, which results in an updating message followed by a crash, while Outlook remains unaffected.
- Observed behavior
- Word and PowerPoint fail to open and display error 0xC0000142 after showing an updating message.
Ensure your computer is connected to a stable network, as repairing or updating Microsoft Office will require downloading replacement files from Microsoft's servers.
Run an Online Repair for Microsoft Office
Using the built-in Windows repair tool can fix corrupted Office installation files that trigger error 0xC0000142.
Microsoft Office includes a built-in repair utility designed to fix broken application components. An Online Repair is generally more effective than a Quick Repair because it downloads and replaces all corrupted files.
Click the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings, then click on 'Apps' and navigate to 'Apps & features'.
Scroll down the list of installed applications until you find your version of Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365, click on it, and select 'Modify'.
When the repair prompt appears, choose 'Online Repair' and click the 'Repair' button. Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your computer once the process finishes.
Restart the Office Software Protection Platform Service
Ensuring this vital Office service is running can resolve underlying authentication and launch errors.
Check for Windows and Office Updates
Installing the latest system and application updates can patch bugs causing the 0xC0000142 error.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Launch Errors
If Microsoft Office continues to throw error 0xC0000142 and troubleshooting doesn't work, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative that lets you open, edit, and save your documents without frustrating update loops or heavy system requirements.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website, download the free installer, and complete the lightweight installation process in minutes.
- 2. Open Your Existing Documents: Launch WPS Office and click 'Open' to select your existing Word or PowerPoint files. They will load with perfect formatting.
- 3. Edit and Save Seamlessly: Continue your work and save directly in standard Microsoft formats like .docx and .pptx so you can share them with anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes error 0xC0000142 in Microsoft Office?
This error is typically caused by corrupted Office installation files, an interrupted application update, or issues with the Office Software Protection Platform service failing to start properly.
Will I lose my files if I reinstall or repair Microsoft Office?
No, repairing or reinstalling Microsoft Office only affects the application files. Your personal Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, and Excel spreadsheets stored on your computer will remain safe.
Why does Outlook work normally while Word and PowerPoint fail?
Office applications share many core files, but they also have individual components. An update may have partially applied, corrupting the specific launch files for Word and PowerPoint while leaving Outlook's components intact.
What should I do if the error persists after repairing Office?
If Online Repair does not fix the issue, you should completely uninstall Office using the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant tool, restart your Windows 10 computer, and perform a fresh installation from your Microsoft account.
