How to Fix Microsoft 365 Updates Failing Every Day (Error 0xc0000142)
Question details
The user is experiencing daily failures when Microsoft 365 attempts to install updates, which often results in error 0xc0000142 when trying to open Office applications.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to let Microsoft 365 install background updates or trying to launch an Office application after a failed update attempt.
- Observed behavior
- Updates repeatedly fail to install. When launching applications like Word or Excel, the system displays the error message: "The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000142)."
Verify that your computer has a stable internet connection and temporarily disable any third-party antivirus software that might be blocking Microsoft 365 background services.
Verify and Disable Metered Connection Settings
Office may silently fail to update if Windows classifies your active network as a metered connection to save data.
When Windows is set to a metered connection, Microsoft 365 automatically pauses background updates. Disabling this setting allows the update to proceed normally without failing silently.
Click the Start menu and select the 'Settings' gear icon, or press Windows Key + I on your keyboard.
Click on 'Network & Internet', then select either 'Wi-Fi' or 'Ethernet' depending on how your computer is connected to the internet.
Click on your current network name to open its properties. Scroll down to the 'Metered connection' section and toggle the switch to 'Off'.
Open any Office application like Word, go to 'File' > 'Account', and click 'Update Options' > 'Update Now' to manually force the process.
Run Office Applications in Safe Mode
Safe Mode bypasses corrupted add-ins or customizations that might be triggering error 0xc0000142 during startup.
Perform an Online Repair of Microsoft 365
Running an Online Repair replaces damaged Office installation files that cause recurrent update failures and application crashes.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Update Errors
If Microsoft 365 update failures and startup errors like 0xc0000142 are interrupting your work, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly stable environment without bloated background updates.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer. The lightweight package installs quickly without modifying deep system registries.
- 3. Open Your Files Seamlessly: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents with perfect formatting preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does error 0xc0000142 mean when starting Office?
Error 0xc0000142 indicates an application initialization failure. In Microsoft 365, it usually happens when a background update is interrupted, corrupted, or blocked, leaving the Office executable files in a broken state.
Why would Windows mark my connection as metered automatically?
Windows sometimes defaults cellular hotspots or certain Wi-Fi networks to 'metered' to prevent unexpected data overages. When active, software like Microsoft 365 will pause large background updates to respect this data limit.
Will repairing Microsoft 365 delete my personal files?
No. Running a Quick Repair or an Online Repair only replaces and fixes the core application files and registry keys of the Microsoft 365 software. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and emails remain entirely safe.
