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Office Installation Errors

Fix Microsoft 365 Office Setup File Not Starting on Windows 11

Maira MehtabMaira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to run the downloaded Microsoft 365 Office setup file on Windows 11 and encounters an uncaught-exception error in the Microsoft Store.

Product
Microsoft 365 Family
Device & OS
Windows 11
Scenario
Installing Microsoft 365 Family on a newly updated or installed Windows 11 system.
Observed behavior
The setup file fails to execute, and attempting to use the Microsoft Store yields an uncaught-exception error.
Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and are logged in to Windows 11 with administrator privileges before attempting to reinstall Microsoft 365.

Solution 1Recommended

Download the Office Installer Directly from Your Microsoft Account

Bypass the Microsoft Store error by downloading the standalone installer directly from the Microsoft account services page.

Often, Microsoft Store errors like the uncaught-exception can prevent successful installations. By using the official web portal, you bypass the Store's application layer entirely.

1
Access Microsoft Services

Open your web browser and navigate to account.microsoft.com/services.

2
Sign In

Sign in using the Microsoft account associated with your Microsoft 365 Family subscription.

3
Verify Subscription

Confirm that your Microsoft 365 Family subscription is listed and currently active.

4
Download Installer

Click the 'Install' button to download the latest setup file directly to your Windows 11 computer.

5
Run as Administrator

Locate the downloaded file in your Downloads folder, right-click it, and select 'Run as administrator' to begin the installation.

Alternative Download Success: Using the direct download method avoids Microsoft Store cache and profile corruption issues.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office as a Lightweight Alternative for Windows 11

If Microsoft 365 refuses to install on your Windows 11 device, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative that installs in seconds without complex Microsoft Store dependencies.

  1. 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click 'Free Download' to get the installer for Windows 11.
  2. 2. Run the Installer: Double-click the downloaded setup file. WPS Office installs quickly without triggering Microsoft Store exceptions.
  3. 3. Open and Edit Files: Instantly open, edit, and save all your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents flawlessly.
Installs quickly and effortlessly on Windows 11 without Store errors.Fully compatible with all Microsoft Office formats (DOCX, XLSX, PPTX).Familiar user interface with zero learning curve for Office users.Lightweight application footprint that doesn't slow down your system.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I getting an uncaught-exception error in the Microsoft Store?

This error usually occurs when the Microsoft Store cache is corrupted or there is a software glitch in the Windows 11 Store app itself. Bypassing the store and downloading the installer directly from your Microsoft Account page generally resolves the issue.

Can I install Microsoft 365 without using the Microsoft Store?

Yes, you can bypass the Microsoft Store entirely by logging into account.microsoft.com/services with your subscribed Microsoft account and downloading the standard online or offline installer.

What should I do if the directly downloaded setup file still won't open on Windows 11?

Right-click the downloaded setup file and select 'Run as administrator'. If it still fails, temporarily disable your third-party antivirus software during installation, or contact Microsoft Support for remote troubleshooting.