How to Fix Office 2021 Installation Errors 0-2054 and 0-2035
Question details
The user is encountering error codes 0-2054 and 0-2035 while attempting to install Microsoft Office 2021.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2021
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Installing a new copy of Microsoft Office 2021 on a computer that previously had a Microsoft 365 trial or older Office suite.
- Observed behavior
- The installation fails to complete, returning error codes 0-2054 and 0-2035 due to leftover files and registry keys from previous installations.
Ensure you have administrator privileges on your Windows 11 computer and that you have saved any ongoing work, as a system restart will be required.
Remove Previous Office Remnants Using the Official Cleanup Tool
Completely remove any conflicting Microsoft 365 trial files and registry keys to allow the Office 2021 installation to succeed.
Installation errors like 0-2054 and 0-2035 are commonly caused by fragments of older Office installations or pre-installed Microsoft 365 trials blocking the new setup. A standard uninstallation often leaves background services or registry files behind.
Click the Start menu, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Locate any installed version of Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office, select it, and click 'Uninstall'.
Download the official Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (Uninstall tool). Run the executable file and follow the on-screen prompts to thoroughly clean up all Office remnants from your system.
Once the tool finishes processing, restart your Windows 11 computer to ensure all background services are completely stopped and cleared.
Locate your downloaded Office 2021 installer file, right-click it, and select 'Run as administrator' to begin a fresh installation.
Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience
If you are tired of dealing with complex registry cleanups and persistent installation errors like 0-2054 and 0-2035, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free alternative that installs smoothly on Windows 11 without conflicts.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free, lightweight installer package.
- 2. Run the Setup: Double-click the downloaded file to begin the quick, conflict-free installation process.
- 3. Start Creating: Open WPS Office and instantly access Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation tools without needing a Microsoft account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I get error 0-2054 when installing Office 2021?
Error 0-2054 usually happens because leftover files, registry keys, or background services from a previous Microsoft 365 trial are interfering with the new Office 2021 installation setup.
Do I need to turn off Windows Defender to install Office?
No, standard security software like Windows Defender generally does not block the Office installation. You should not need to disable it unless explicitly instructed by an official Microsoft support agent.
What should I do if the official uninstall tool leaves files behind?
If the automated cleanup tool does not resolve the issue, you may need to manually delete the 'Microsoft Office' folders found in 'C:\Program Files' and 'C:\Program Files (x86)', then restart your computer before attempting to install Office 2021 again.
