How to Fix Office TPM Error Code 80090016 After Hardware Replacement
Question details
Users are unable to sign into Microsoft Office due to TPM error 80090016, which typically occurs after major hardware changes.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to authenticate and sign into Microsoft Office applications after replacing computer components like a motherboard or hard drive.
- Observed behavior
- Office sign-in fails with error code 80090016. The issue persists even after clearing the TPM in BIOS or reinstalling the Windows operating system.
Ensure your computer is connected to a stable internet network and that all pending Windows updates have been fully downloaded and installed before proceeding with the troubleshooting steps.
Clear Office Credentials and Reconnect Work/School Account
This is the most effective method for resolving device-registration mismatches and account conflicts causing the 80090016 error.
Hardware changes can invalidate the security tokens stored in your Windows credentials. Clearing these cached credentials and re-establishing the connection to your organization's directory usually resolves the TPM authentication failure.
Open any Office application like Word, click on your profile picture or name in the top right corner, and select 'Sign out'. Close all Office applications.
Click the Windows Start button, type 'Credential Manager', and open it. Click on 'Windows Credentials' and remove any entries that contain 'MicrosoftOffice' in their name.
Go to Windows Settings > Accounts > Access work or school. Click on your affected work or school account and select 'Disconnect'.
Click 'Connect' on the same Settings page to re-add your work or school account. Once added, restart your computer and try signing into Office again.
Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA)
Use Microsoft's official diagnostic tool to automatically reset activation states and resolve underlying TPM or sign-in issues.
Create a New Windows Profile or Contact IT
If local profile corruption prevents TPM authentication, a new local profile or an Azure AD device reset by an IT administrator is required.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Complex TPM and Activation Errors
Tired of dealing with frustrating Microsoft Office activation and TPM errors like 80090016 after repairing your PC? WPS Office provides a lightweight, hassle-free alternative that is highly compatible with Microsoft formats without the complex licensing and Azure AD device-registration headaches.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for Windows.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the installer. The lightweight software installs in seconds without complex activation checks.
- 3. Open Your Files: Double-click any existing Microsoft Office document to open, edit, and save it seamlessly in WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does TPM Error 80090016 happen after hardware replacement?
When you replace major hardware like a motherboard or hard drive, the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) cryptographic keys become mismatched with your Windows or Azure AD profile, causing Office security authentication to fail.
Will clearing the TPM in the BIOS fix error 80090016?
Clearing the TPM can sometimes help, but it often isn't enough on its own. You typically also need to remove cached Office credentials in Windows Credential Manager and reconnect your work or school account in Windows Settings.
Can I fix this error if my device is managed by my school or employer?
If your device is managed by an organization, you may not have the necessary local permissions to fix it. You will likely need to ask your IT administrator to re-register the device in Azure AD and run a group policy update.
What is the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant?
It is a free diagnostic tool provided by Microsoft that can automatically identify and fix various Office sign-in, activation, and installation issues, including resetting corrupted TPM authentication states.
