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How to Fix Office Error Code 147.0 When Word or Excel Will Not Open
Question details
The user is unable to launch Microsoft Word or Excel and receives an error message stating that the program is updating, adding, or removing programs.
- Product
- Microsoft Office Home & Student 2016
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to open Word or Excel for document editing or viewing.
- Observed behavior
- The applications fail to open, displaying error code 147.0 alongside a message that says 'We couldn't open Office because we're updating, adding, or removing programs. Please try again later.'
Ensure you have a stable and active internet connection before proceeding, as resolving this specific error requires downloading fresh installation components from Microsoft's servers.
Perform an Online Repair of Microsoft Office
Running an Online Repair is the most effective solution for error 147.0, as it replaces corrupted or stuck installation files that prevent the apps from opening.
This error generally occurs when a background update or installation process for Microsoft Office becomes unresponsive or corrupt. An Online Repair will safely reset these components.
Before beginning the repair, restart your device to ensure any stuck background update processes are completely closed.
Open the Windows Start menu, select 'Settings' (the gear icon), and navigate to 'Apps' followed by 'Installed apps' or 'Apps & features'.
Scroll through your list of installed applications until you find your specific Microsoft Office product (e.g., Office Home & Student 2016). Click the three-dot menu icon next to it and choose 'Modify'.
A window will pop up asking how you would like to repair your Office programs. Select 'Online Repair' and click the 'Repair' button. Follow the remaining on-screen prompts.
Once the Online Repair has finished downloading and applying the necessary files, restart your computer one more time and try opening Word or Excel.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Frustrating Update Errors
If you are tired of dealing with Microsoft Office installation errors like 147.0, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and completely free alternative that saves you from disruptive background updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes Microsoft Office error code 147.0?
Error code 147.0 typically happens when a background update, installation, or uninstallation process for Office gets stuck or corrupted, locking the files and preventing apps like Word or Excel from launching.
Will repairing Microsoft Office delete my personal files?
No. Running an Online Repair or Quick Repair only affects the system files for the Microsoft Office application. Your personal Word documents and Excel spreadsheets remain completely safe.
What should I do if the Online Repair doesn't fix error 147.0?
If an Online Repair fails to resolve the issue, you may need to use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant tool to completely uninstall Office, and then perform a fresh installation from your Microsoft account.
