Uninstall & Reinstall Issues

How to Restore Microsoft 365 Apps and OneDrive on Windows

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to restore functionality to Microsoft 365 applications and OneDrive due to startup failures, broken shortcuts, and attachment-opening issues.

Product: Microsoft 365 and OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Experiencing broken application shortcuts, OneDrive startup failures, or inability to open email attachments.
Observed behavior: Microsoft 365 apps and OneDrive fail to launch normally, potentially caused by damaged application installations or a corrupted Windows user profile.

Before you start

Before proceeding with troubleshooting, ensure your Windows operating system is fully updated and check your internet connection to avoid interruptions during a potential reinstallation.

Solution 1Recommended

Bypass Shortcuts and Test the Windows User Profile

Determine if the issue is limited to broken desktop shortcuts or a corrupted user profile before attempting a full software reinstall.

Launch Apps from the Start Menu

Click the Windows Start button, type 'Word' or another Office application name, and try launching it directly to see if the desktop shortcuts are the problem.

Record Error Messages

Take note of any specific error codes or messages that appear when launching the application directly.

Create a Local Administrator Account

If the applications still do not open, navigate to Windows Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, and create a temporary local administrator account.

Test with the New Account

Log into the newly created local administrator account and attempt to open your Microsoft 365 apps. If they work, your original Windows user profile may be corrupted.

Solution 2

Uninstall and Reinstall Microsoft 365 and OneDrive

If testing the user profile does not resolve the issue, a clean installation using Microsoft's official tools is necessary.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience

If Microsoft 365 apps consistently crash or fail to launch due to installation errors, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, robust, and free alternative with high compatibility for all your Office needs.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file and complete the fast, lightweight installation process.
3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents without altering their formatting.

Seamlessly compatible with all Microsoft Office formats, including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Lightweight installation that avoids common system slowdowns and corrupted profile issues.Built-in cloud syncing functionality to easily manage your files like OneDrive.All-in-one interface allows you to handle documents, spreadsheets, and PDFs in a single window.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Microsoft 365 desktop shortcuts not working?

Broken shortcuts typically occur if the underlying executable file was moved, an update failed to register correctly, or the shortcut link itself became corrupted. Launching the application directly from the Start menu helps determine if the issue is isolated to the shortcut.

How do I fix OneDrive startup failures on Windows 10 or 11?

If OneDrive fails to launch, resetting its configuration can often resolve the issue. Press Win + R, type '%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset', and press Enter. If OneDrive doesn't restart automatically after a few minutes, search for it in the Start menu and launch it manually.

Will reinstalling Microsoft 365 delete my personal files?

No, uninstalling and reinstalling Microsoft 365 only removes the application software files. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations saved locally on your hard drive or stored in the cloud via OneDrive will remain completely unaffected.

Installation & Activation