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Update & Upgrade Problems

How to Fix Office 2021 Not Updating on Windows 11 (Error 30045-44)

Khadija KhanKhadija Khan Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is unable to install updates for Office 2021; clicking the update button has no effect, and attempting a built-in repair returns error 30045-44 (1).

How to Fix Office 2021 Not Updating on Windows 11
Product
Microsoft Office Home and Student 2021
Device & OS
Windows 11
Scenario
Attempting to install pending application updates for Microsoft Office.
Observed behavior
Clicking 'Update Now' does nothing. Running the built-in repair tool fails and generates error code 30045-44 (1).
Before you start

Ensure your computer is connected to a stable internet network and have your Microsoft account login credentials ready before proceeding with a reinstallation.

Solution 1Recommended

Completely Uninstall and Reinstall Office via Microsoft Account

The most effective way to resolve persistent update failures and error 30045-44 (1) is to cleanly remove the corrupted Office installation and download a fresh copy directly from Microsoft.

Standard uninstall methods or built-in repair tools may leave behind corrupted files that prevent updates. Using the official Support and Recovery Assistant ensures a clean slate.

1
Download the removal tool

Download the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) from the official Microsoft website and launch the application.

2
Uninstall Office completely

Follow the on-screen prompts in the SaRA tool to completely remove Microsoft Office 2021 from your Windows 11 system, then restart your computer.

3
Access your Microsoft account

Open a web browser, go to the Microsoft account portal, log in, and navigate to the 'Services & Subscriptions' or 'Purchased Products' page.

4
Reinstall Office

Locate your Office Home and Student 2021 license and click 'Install' to download and run the latest, fully updated installer.

Completely Uninstall and Reinstall Office via Microsoft Account
Files Remain Safe: Uninstalling and reinstalling Office will not delete or affect your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents. However, you may need to recreate your taskbar or desktop shortcuts.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience

Tired of encountering complex update errors like 30045-44 (1) in Microsoft Office? WPS Office offers a completely free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that updates seamlessly without frustrating installation loops.

  1. 1. Visit the website: Go to the official WPS Office website.
  2. 2. Download the installer: Click the free download button to get the lightweight installation file.
  3. 3. Install and launch: Run the downloaded file and follow the quick setup wizard to start creating documents instantly.
Free and lightweight with no complex update or installation errors.Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Familiar tabbed user interface for a seamless migration.All-in-one suite containing Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF tools.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will uninstalling Office 2021 delete my Word and Excel files?

No, uninstalling Microsoft Office only removes the application program files. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations remain safely stored on your local hard drive.

Why does the Office repair tool show error 30045-44 (1)?

This error typically occurs when the core installation files or the background Click-to-Run service are deeply corrupted, preventing the built-in repair tool from executing properly on Windows 11.

Does it matter if I originally purchased Office 2021 from a third-party retailer?

While third-party retailers provide valid licenses, it is always best to download the actual installation files directly from your Microsoft account's 'Services & Subscriptions' page to ensure you receive the most current and stable version.