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How to Fix Microsoft Office Error 1920 and Configuration Failures
Question details
The user is unable to open Office applications after an update due to an Error 1920 message stating the Windows configuration process or Office protection service failed to start.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to launch Office applications after a recent Windows or Office software upgrade.
- Observed behavior
- Office applications fail to open, displaying Error 1920 which indicates that the Office Software Protection Platform (osppsvc) could not be started.
Ensure you are logged into your Windows computer with an administrator account, as troubleshooting background service errors requires elevated administrative privileges.
Verify Administrator Privileges and Office Version
Administrative rights are required to run the Office Software Protection Platform service. Verifying your account permissions is the first step to resolving startup issues.
Error 1920 typically happens when the system lacks the proper permissions to start the osppsvc service after a recent update.
Open an accessible Office program (like Word), navigate to the File tab, and click on Account to view your exact Office version details.
Ensure that your current Windows user account has full Administrator privileges, which are mandatory for configuring software services.
Create a New Local Administrator Account
Testing Microsoft Office in a fresh local administrator account helps determine if the error is caused by a corrupted Windows user profile.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Complex Installation Errors
Tired of troubleshooting complex Microsoft Office installation and service errors like Error 1920? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and hassle-free alternative that installs in seconds without relying on easily corrupted background services.
- 1. Download the free installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installation package.
- 2. Install WPS Office quickly: Run the lightweight installer, which sets up the suite in just a few moments without deep system configurations.
- 3. Open your files instantly: Launch the application and seamlessly open your existing Microsoft Office documents without errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly causes Error 1920 in Microsoft Office?
Error 1920 typically occurs when the Office Software Protection Platform service (osppsvc) fails to start. This is usually caused by missing administrator privileges or a corrupted Windows user profile after an update.
Do I need to completely reinstall Office to fix Error 1920?
Not necessarily. First, try ensuring your Windows account has administrator privileges or test the software from a newly created local Windows administrator account. Reinstallation should only be considered if these permission fixes fail.
Can a regular Windows upgrade trigger Office service errors?
Yes, major Windows system upgrades can occasionally reset system service permissions or introduce user profile corruption, leading to software configuration failures like Error 1920.
