Fix Microsoft Office Apps Showing Repair Error and Closing on Windows 10
Question details
Microsoft Office applications display a 'Repair Now' error message and close immediately upon opening, and selecting the repair option does not fix the issue.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Launching Microsoft Office applications after installing a Microsoft 365 Family subscription.
- Observed behavior
- Every Office application shows a repair error and forces a shutdown. Clicking the 'Repair Now' button has no effect, resulting in a continuous loop.
Ensure you have your Microsoft account login credentials handy, as you will need to sign in to the official Microsoft website to download the desktop installer.
Uninstall the Microsoft Store Version and Reinstall from the Official Website
Replacing the Microsoft Store installation with the traditional desktop version from the official Microsoft website usually resolves the continuous repair loop and app crash issue.
Often, the version of Microsoft 365 installed via the Microsoft Store encounters deployment or permission bugs on Windows 10 that cause persistent 'Repair Now' prompts. Switching to the standalone desktop installer bypasses these specific app-store glitches.
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Windows Settings, then navigate to 'Apps' and select 'Apps & features'.
Scroll down the list to find your Microsoft 365 or Office installation. Click on it, select 'Uninstall', and follow the prompts to completely remove the Store version from your computer.
Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft account page (account.microsoft.com). Sign in with the credentials associated with your Microsoft 365 Family subscription.
Navigate to the 'Services & subscriptions' section. Locate your Microsoft 365 subscription and click on 'Install'. Make sure to select the desktop version to download the standalone executable installer.
Run the downloaded executable file. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the desktop version of Microsoft Office, which should resolve the repair error crashes.
Try WPS Office: A Free, Lightweight Alternative Without Repair Loops
If Microsoft Office continues to show repair errors and crash on your device, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free Office suite that requires no complex installations, runs smoothly on Windows 10, and opens Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files flawlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Office keep asking me to repair the application?
This repair loop typically occurs due to corrupted installation files, conflicting background Windows processes, or deployment issues specific to the Microsoft Store version. Reinstalling the traditional desktop application usually bypasses these glitches.
Will I lose my Word or Excel documents if I uninstall Microsoft Office?
No. Uninstalling Microsoft Office only removes the application files. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations saved locally on your hard drive or in your OneDrive will remain completely safe and accessible.
What should I do if the 'Repair Now' button doesn't do anything?
If the in-app 'Repair Now' button is unresponsive or immediately closes the application, you should try running a Full Online Repair via the Windows Control Panel under 'Programs and Features', or uninstall and reinstall the software entirely.
Can I use WPS Office to open files created in my Microsoft 365 Family subscription?
Yes, WPS Office fully supports all standard Microsoft Office file formats. You can seamlessly open, edit, and save your existing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations without losing any of your formatting.
