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How to Fix the Restart Required Prompt Loop in Microsoft 365 Apps
Question details
Users are encountering a persistent 'Restart Required' prompt loop across Microsoft 365 applications that standard repair methods fail to resolve.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Attempting to use Microsoft 365 applications normally after a recent software update.
- Observed behavior
- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access repeatedly display a 'Restart Required' prompt. Standard troubleshooting, including Reinstalling, Quick Repair, and Online Repair, does not resolve the loop.
Ensure all your ongoing work is saved and completely close all Microsoft Office applications before attempting to roll back the software version.
Roll Back Microsoft 365 Update via Command Prompt
Since this is a known issue caused by a recent update, temporarily disabling automatic updates and rolling back Microsoft 365 to a previous stable build is the most effective solution.
This method uses the built-in Office Click-to-Run tool to revert your Office installation to a stable release.
Advanced users should back up their Windows Registry before proceeding if they intend to perform advanced identity-cache cleanups later.
Open a Microsoft Office application like Word, navigate to File > Account, click on the Update Options button, and select 'Disable Updates' to prevent the buggy update from reinstalling.
Fully exit Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and any other running Microsoft 365 processes.
Search for 'cmd' in the Windows Start menu, right-click on 'Command Prompt', and choose 'Run as administrator'.
In the Command Prompt, type cd "C:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\ClickToRun" and press Enter. If you are on a 32-bit installation, use "Program Files (x86)" instead.
Type OfficeC2RClient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.17328.20142 and press Enter to revert to a stable build.
Switch to WPS Office for a Stable, Bug-Free Experience
Tired of update loops and constant repair prompts in Microsoft 365? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly stable alternative that is fully compatible with all your Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. Enjoy a familiar interface without the troubleshooting headaches.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installation package.
- 2. Install the Application: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software.
- 3. Open Your Office Files: Double-click your existing Microsoft Office documents to open them instantly in WPS Office with formatting perfectly preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft 365 keep showing a Restart Required prompt?
This is a known issue typically triggered by a bug in a recent Microsoft 365 update or a corrupted Office identity cache. Reverting to a previous software build circumvents the bug until Microsoft deploys a permanent patch.
Will running Quick Repair or Online Repair fix the restart loop?
For this specific update-related issue, standard repair tools like Quick Repair and Online Repair, or even full reinstallations, usually fail to resolve the problem. A version rollback via Command Prompt is required.
What should I do if the rollback command returns 'This app can't run on your PC'?
This error occurs if you target the wrong system architecture directory. Change your path in the Command Prompt to use the 32-bit folder by typing cd "C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\microsoft shared\ClickToRun" before executing the update command.
