Troubleshoot Microsoft 365 “Updating Office” and Error 0xC0000142
Question details
Identify why Microsoft 365 repeatedly displays “Updating Office - Please wait a moment” and fails to start with error 0xC0000142.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Apps
- Device & OS
- Windows (exact version not provided)
- Scenario
- Opening an Office application when an update message repeatedly appears and prevents normal startup.
- Observed behavior
- Office shows a recurring update message followed by error 0xC0000142. Possible causes include an update problem, an incompatible add-in, a background program, a damaged Windows user profile, or an installation issue.
If Word opens, go to File > Account and record the product name, version, build, and update channel; also note whether Office was installed through your organization or your Microsoft account. Save open work before tests that require restarting Windows, and contact IT before changing startup settings on a managed device.
Record the Microsoft 365 build and test Office in Safe Mode
Use this first to establish the affected Office build and check whether add-ins or startup customizations contribute to the error.
In Word, select File > Account and inspect Product Information. Record the version and update channel shown there, then select About Word for the detailed version and build. If Word cannot open, try another Office application; if none opens, report that limitation to support and note your installation source.
Close Office applications. Press Windows + R, enter winword /safe, and press Enter. To test Excel instead, run excel /safe. Note whether the update message and error still appear.
In Word, select File > Options > Add-ins. Choose COM Add-ins in the Manage list and select Go. Record which add-ins are enabled, clear their checkboxes, and select OK. Restart Word normally, then re-enable add-ins one at a time to identify whether one triggers the error.
Use a Windows clean boot to check for background conflicts
Use this when Safe Mode does not explain the problem or when Office fails only during normal Windows startup.
Test Microsoft 365 in a new Windows user profile
Use this when add-in and clean-boot tests do not resolve the issue, to check whether it is limited to the original Windows profile.
Keep working on Office documents with WPS Office
WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative for working on documents while Microsoft 365 startup problems are investigated. Its familiar interface and support for Microsoft Office formats help you migrate everyday editing tasks smoothly; it does not repair error 0xC0000142 or the Microsoft 365 installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find my Microsoft 365 version and update channel?
Open Word > File > Account and check Product Information for the version and update channel. Select About Word to see the detailed version and build. If Word cannot start, try the Account page in Excel or another Office application.
What does it mean if Word opens in Safe Mode?
Run winword /safe from Windows + R. If Word opens there but fails normally, an add-in or startup customization may be involved. Go to File > Options > Add-ins > Manage: COM Add-ins > Go, disable the enabled add-ins, and test them individually during normal startup.
Does error 0xC0000142 always mean my Office installation is damaged?
No. The error can also involve an update problem, an incompatible add-in, a background program, or a Windows user profile issue. Compare Safe Mode, clean-boot, and new-profile results before deciding that an installation repair is needed.
Why test a new Windows account if Office is already installed?
A new account uses a separate Windows profile, which helps distinguish profile-specific problems from shared installation issues. Create the account under Settings > Accounts, sign in to it, and open Word. Keep the original account intact while testing.
Will installing WPS Office fix Microsoft 365 error 0xC0000142?
No. WPS Office is an alternative for opening and editing supported Office files, not a repair tool for Microsoft 365. You can open your .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files in WPS while continuing to troubleshoot the Microsoft 365 startup error.
