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Uninstall & Reinstall Issues

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Apps Showing Errors After Reinstallation

Huma Ashraf ChHuma Ashraf Ch Oct 8, 2026 869 views

Question details

Microsoft 365 applications continue to display errors despite multiple uninstall and reinstall attempts.

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Apps Showing Errors After Reinstallation
Product
Microsoft 365
Device & OS
Windows
Scenario
User is trying to launch or use Microsoft 365 apps after reinstalling, but persistent errors prevent normal usage.
Observed behavior
The apps appear in the Windows Start menu but may not show in the Installed Apps list, and they consistently display errors upon opening.
Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection before proceeding, as resolving this issue requires downloading repair files directly from Microsoft servers.

Solution 1Recommended

Run an Online Repair for Microsoft 365

Use the Online Repair tool to thoroughly fix corrupted Microsoft 365 files that a standard reinstall or Quick Repair fails to resolve.

A standard reinstallation or Quick Repair often leaves corrupted registry keys or cached files behind. Performing an Online Repair forces the system to download completely fresh installation files directly from Microsoft.

1
Open Windows Settings

Click on the Start menu, select the Settings gear icon, and navigate to the 'Apps' section.

2
Navigate to Installed Apps

Click on 'Installed apps' (or 'Apps & features' in older Windows versions) to view your list of installed programs.

3
Locate Microsoft 365

Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find 'Microsoft 365'. Click the three dots next to it and select 'Modify' or 'Advanced options'.

4
Execute Online Repair

When the repair prompt appears, select 'Online Repair' instead of Quick Repair, and click the 'Repair' button. Wait for the process to complete.

Run an Online Repair for Microsoft 365
Repair Duration: An Online Repair functions similarly to a fresh install and may take a little longer depending on your internet connection speed.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Persistent Reinstallation Errors

If Microsoft 365 continues to show errors or fails to repair properly, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and highly reliable office suite that installs smoothly without the complex registry issues common to other software.

  1. 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click the download button for the free installer.
  2. 2. Install Quickly: Run the lightweight setup file to install WPS Office on your PC in just a few seconds.
  3. 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office documents without any formatting loss.
Highly compatible with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint formats (.xlsx, .docx, .pptx)Lightweight installation that completely avoids heavy system registry bloatFamiliar user interface requiring zero learning curve for Office usersAll-in-one workspace to manage documents, spreadsheets, and PDFs in one window
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Microsoft 365 appear in my Windows Installed Apps?

This usually occurs if previous uninstallation attempts were interrupted or corrupted. It leaves software shortcuts in the Start menu but breaks the system registration, making it invisible to the Windows Settings app.

What is the difference between Quick Repair and Online Repair?

Quick Repair scans and replaces corrupted files using localized cached data on your hard drive, which is fast but often insufficient for deep errors. Online Repair removes the suite and downloads completely fresh files from Microsoft's servers.

Will running an Online Repair delete my personal documents?

No, repairing or reinstalling Microsoft 365 only affects the application software. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations saved on your local drive or OneDrive remain completely untouched.