How to Fix Microsoft Office Installation Stopping Before One Percent
Question details
The user is experiencing an issue where a new Microsoft Office installation freezes or stops immediately before reaching one percent progress, typically after uninstalling a pre-installed version.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Installing a new version of Microsoft Office after removing the version that was originally included with the computer.
- Observed behavior
- The installation process halts immediately and fails to progress beyond zero or one percent.
Ensure you have administrator privileges on your Windows computer and a stable internet connection before attempting to troubleshoot and reinstall Office.
Completely Remove Previous Office Versions Using Support and Recovery Assistant
Use this official Microsoft tool to eradicate leftover files and registry entries from the previously uninstalled Office version that are blocking the new installation.
Standard uninstallation methods often leave behind background services and registry keys. These residual files frequently conflict with new installations, causing the process to freeze at 0% or 1%.
Download and run the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant from the official Microsoft website.
Select 'Office' from the list of apps, and then choose 'I have Office installed, but I'm having trouble uninstalling it'.
Follow the on-screen prompts to allow the tool to completely remove all traces of the previous Office installation from your system.
Restart your Windows computer once the uninstallation is complete, and run your new Microsoft Office installer again.
Perform a Windows Clean Boot Before Reinstalling
If the installation still stops at 1 percent, background programs or third-party services might be interfering with the Office installer.
Skip the Installation Errors with WPS Office
If you are tired of dealing with Microsoft Office installation errors and freezing progress bars, consider switching to WPS Office. It installs in seconds, takes up significantly less disk space, and provides full compatibility with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without the heavy system requirements.
- 1. Visit the website: Go to the official WPS Office website.
- 2. Download the installer: Click the 'Free Download' button to get the lightweight installation file.
- 3. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the simple one-click installation process.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Office installation hang at 0% or 1%?
This usually happens because residual files, corrupted registry keys, or background services from a previously installed version of Office (often the pre-installed version on new computers) are conflicting with the new installer.
Will the Support and Recovery Assistant delete my personal documents?
No, the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant only removes application files, settings, and registry entries associated with the Microsoft Office software. Your personal Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations will remain safely on your computer.
Can firewall or antivirus software cause the installation to stop?
Yes, overly strict third-party antivirus programs or network firewalls can sometimes block the Office installer from downloading necessary background files. Temporarily disabling them during installation or performing a Windows clean boot can resolve this issue.
How long should I wait before assuming the installation is stuck?
If the progress bar has not moved past 1% after 15 to 20 minutes, and your internet connection is stable with no significant network activity shown in the Task Manager, the installation is likely stuck and requires troubleshooting.




