Fix OfficeSetup and Flow Launcher Stopped Working on Windows 8.1
Question details
The user is encountering application crashes when trying to run Flow Launcher and receiving 'stopped working' error messages during the installation of Microsoft 365 Personal.

- Product
- Microsoft 365, Flow Launcher
- Device & OS
- Windows 8.1
- Scenario
- Attempting to install Microsoft 365 Personal and utilize Flow Launcher on a Windows 8.1 laptop.
- Observed behavior
- The Microsoft 365 OfficeSetup executable reports that it has stopped working during the installation phase, and Flow Launcher similarly crashes or fails to execute.
Verify that your Windows 8.1 system has the latest available Windows updates installed, and check the specific error codes presented during the installation failure to isolate the root cause.
Use Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA)
Run Microsoft's official diagnostic tool to automatically identify, troubleshoot, and fix Microsoft 365 installation issues.
The Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant works by running tests to figure out what's wrong and offers the best solution for the identified problem, particularly for Office installation failures.
Visit the official Microsoft Support website and download the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant.
Double-click the downloaded executable file and follow the on-screen prompts to install the application.
Open the tool, select 'Office' from the list of products, and then choose 'I have a problem installing Office'.
Allow the diagnostic tool to scan your system configuration. If it identifies the cause of the setup failure, click 'Apply' to execute the recommended fixes.

Verify System Requirements and Note Exact Error Codes
Ensure your operating system is still supported by the version of Microsoft 365 you are installing, and capture detailed error metrics.
Resolve Flow Launcher Crashes via Official GitHub Channels
Report and troubleshoot third-party application crashes directly with the open-source community.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Compatibility on Older Windows OS
If Microsoft 365 is no longer supported or refuses to install on your Windows 8.1 laptop, WPS Office provides a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative that runs smoothly on older operating systems.
- 1. Download the Installer: Navigate to the official WPS Office website and click the 'Free Download' button.
- 2. Run the Setup: Locate the downloaded executable file and double-click to launch the installation wizard.
- 3. Complete Installation: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup and immediately start opening your Office documents.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft 365 installation fail on Windows 8.1?
Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 8.1 in January 2023. Newer versions and updates of Microsoft 365 are designed for modern operating systems like Windows 10 and 11, which can lead to compatibility issues or direct setup failures on older platforms.
What is the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA)?
SaRA is a free, official diagnostic tool provided by Microsoft. It helps automatically troubleshoot and resolve common problems related to Office installation, activation, Outlook configuration, and Windows issues.
Where can I get help for Flow Launcher crashing on my PC?
Since Flow Launcher is an open-source, third-party application, official support is not provided by Microsoft. The most effective way to report bugs or find solutions is to visit the project's official GitHub repository and check the 'Issues' or 'Discussions' sections.




