'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Fix Microsoft 365 Apps That Close or Fail During Installation
Question details
The user needs to troubleshoot Microsoft 365 applications that are crashing unexpectedly or failing to finish the installation process.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 / Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Installing, reinstalling, or opening Microsoft 365 apps after a recent Windows update.
- Observed behavior
- The applications stop working, close with an error prompt, or fail near the end of the reinstallation process.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection for downloading repair files and that you know the Microsoft account credentials associated with your Microsoft 365 subscription.
Repair Microsoft 365 via Windows Settings
Use the built-in Windows repair tool to fix damaged Office files without losing your settings.
Windows offers built-in repair tools specifically designed for applications like Microsoft 365. You should always try the Quick Repair first, as it resolves most local file corruption issues quickly. If that fails, the Online Repair will download fresh installation files.
Click the Start menu and navigate to Settings > Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features depending on your Windows version).
Scroll down the list to locate Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office. Click the three dots next to it (or select the app directly) and choose Modify.
Select the Quick Repair option and click Repair. Wait for the process to finish and try opening your applications again.
If Quick Repair does not resolve the crashing or installation failure, repeat the steps above but select Online Repair. This process takes longer and requires an active internet connection.
Completely Uninstall and Reinstall Microsoft 365
If standard repairs fail, use Microsoft's uninstall troubleshooter to clear conflicting components and reinstall cleanly.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Complex Installation Errors
If Microsoft 365 continues to fail or crash, consider trying WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and easy-to-use alternative that installs in seconds without complex background services, offering excellent compatibility with all your existing Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free, lightweight installer.
- 2. Install in Seconds: Run the installation file. WPS Office installs as a single, streamlined application without cluttering your system registry.
- 3. Open Your Files: Instantly open and edit your existing Microsoft Office documents without worrying about format conversion or compatibility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft 365 fail near the end of the installation?
Installation failures near the end of the process are typically caused by interference from antivirus software, incomplete Windows updates, or conflicting registry keys from previous Microsoft Office installations.
What is the difference between Quick Repair and Online Repair?
Quick Repair checks and fixes common issues by replacing corrupted application files locally without needing internet access. Online Repair performs a thorough reinstallation of all components and requires a stable internet connection to download fresh files.
Will repairing Microsoft 365 delete my files?
No, running a Quick Repair or Online Repair will not delete or modify any of your personal documents, spreadsheets, or presentations. It only resets and replaces the application's program files.
How do I fix Microsoft 365 apps closing immediately after a Windows update?
First, ensure there are no additional pending Windows updates and restart your computer. If the issue persists, navigate to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select Microsoft 365, choose Modify, and perform a Quick Repair.
