How to Fix the Trusted Platform Module Malfunctioned Error in Office
Question details
The user is unable to access Office applications due to a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) malfunction error associated with their school account.
- Product
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to open and sign in to Microsoft Office applications using a school or work account profile.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Office applications display a Trusted Platform Module malfunctioned error, blocking the user from authenticating and using the software.
Before modifying the Windows Registry or clearing system credentials, ensure you have saved all your active work, completely closed all Microsoft Office applications, and created a backup of your registry.
Clear Office Credentials and Registry Identities
Resolve the TPM malfunction error by removing conflicting account identities and clearing saved Windows credentials to force a fresh authentication token.
This issue typically occurs when the authentication tokens or cached identities stored by Microsoft Office become corrupted or out of sync with your device's TPM hardware. Clearing these corrupted entries allows Office to generate a fresh, working identity token during your next sign-in attempt.
Open any Office application (like Word or Excel) that still allows limited access, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account'. Sign out of your profile and remove any connected services. Once done, close all Office applications completely.
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type 'regedit', and press Enter. In the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\Identity\Identities. Right-click and delete the affected Office identity folder.
Open the Windows Start menu, search for 'Credential Manager', and open it. Click on 'Windows Credentials' and look for any saved credentials containing 'MicrosoftOffice16'. Expand these entries and click 'Remove'.
Restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect. Open an Office application and sign in again using your school or work credentials to verify the error is resolved.
Bypass Office TPM Errors with WPS Office
If Microsoft Office licensing and TPM authentication errors continuously block your school or work progress, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative with an interface you already know, letting you open, edit, and save your documents without dealing with complex sign-in issues.
- 1. Download and install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and run the quick installation.
- 2. Open your files directly: Open your existing Microsoft Office files directly in WPS Office without worrying about conversion issues.
- 3. Edit without sign-in blockers: Continue editing and saving your school or work documents locally or to your preferred cloud without TPM authentication errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) malfunction?
A TPM malfunction in Office means the security hardware or software token used to securely authenticate your Microsoft 365 login has become corrupted or out of sync, preventing the application from verifying your account access.
Can I fix the Office TPM error without using the Registry Editor?
Yes, sometimes simply disconnecting your school or work account via Windows Settings (Settings > Accounts > Access work or school), restarting your PC, and reconnecting the account can resolve the TPM error without requiring manual registry edits.
Why does this error only seem to affect my school or work account?
School and work accounts often rely on strict device management policies that use your device's TPM hardware for secure verification. If the device's security token misaligns with the organization's server, only that specific managed account will trigger the malfunction error.
Will deleting Windows Credentials delete my personal files?
No, removing entries from the Windows Credential Manager only clears saved passwords and authentication tokens. Your personal files, documents, and other application data remain completely untouched and safe.
