FIXED: Error: “Microsoft Office cannot find your license for this application” and application closes in Office 2016 (Build: 16.0.7167.2040)

Anonymous
2016-09-14T21:33:54+00:00

Issue:

When opening an Office application, you may see the following error message:

"Microsoft Office cannot find your license for this application. A repair attempt was unsuccessful or cancelled. Microsoft Office will now close."

IMPORTANT: This error appears if you have this Office 2016 build: 16.0.7167.2040. If you don’t have this specific version and you’re getting this error, or you’re getting a different error, we recommend you create a new post. To check your Office version, choose the Uninstall a program option in the Windows Control Panel, find your Office program in the list and check the version number.

Status: Fixed

This licensing issue has been resolved in Office 2016 version 16.0.7167.2055 or later. To get the latest update, please run an online repair of Office 2016:

  1. Restart your computer. Don’t open any Office applications when you’re back on your desktop.
  2. Run an online repair of Office from the Control Panel.

IMPORTANT: Please choose the Online Repair option instead of Quick Repair. If you run Quick Repair, the latest build version doesn’t get installed. 3. Restart the computer again and open the Office application. 4. Click File > Account, and verify the Office version under Office Updates in the Product Information section. It should be a newer version than 16.0.7167.2040.

If you’ve done the above step and you continue to get the same error message, please do the following:

  • Choose the Uninstall a program option in the Windows Control Panel, find your Office program, and check the Office version.
  • If the Office version isn’t 16.0.7167.2040, create a new post with the error you’re getting along with the exact Office build version.
Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | Windows

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

120 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2016-09-17T16:00:58+00:00

    Hi Pete,

    Can you please try running Office ClickToRun via the Run application? Steps are below. I'm very sorry this is continuing to be a problem. Report back if this doesn't help and we'll assist you more.

    If you're unable to update via File > Account because the Office application continues to close, try updating via Run:

    1. Open the Windows Run application:
      • In Windows 10, in the search bar located to the left of the Task bar, type "Run" and press Enter.
      • In Windows 8, go to the Start screen, type "Run" and press Enter.
      • In Windows 7, click the Windows button to go to the Start menu, and in the search bar, type "Run" and press Enter.
    2. In the Run application, type the following and click OK:

    C:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\ClickToRun\OfficeC2RClient.exe /update user 3. The Office Updater will run in the background. Once complete, open the Office application and verify the Office version via File > Account.

    If you're continuing having issues with updating Office, do an Online Repair, see section Repair Office from the Control Panel.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2016-09-17T16:08:21+00:00

    Hi 27RDK,

    I understand the frustration. Can you provide us with more details on the experience you're having? Is Office giving you a specific error message? I'm wondering if this issue is slightly different than this error:

    "Microsoft Office cannot find your license for this application. A repair attempt was unsuccessful or cancelled. Microsoft Office will now close." 

    Screenshots would be helpful. If it turns out to be a separate issue, I'll split this message into a new post so that you can get more of our support engineers to help you directly (than getting buried in the replies on this post).

    So sorry for this issue. We really would love to help you get to the bottom of this and get Office working for you.

    Michelle V.

    Office Team

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2016-09-17T16:31:38+00:00

    Any update / progress. No point paying for this service if it is not going to work!!!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2016-09-17T17:39:15+00:00

    My application doesn't close but it can't get a license

    Event log shows these errors (from Security-SPP):

    License acquisition failure details.

    hr=0x80072F8F

    then

    Acquisition of End User License failed. hr=0x80072F8F

    every time I try to find the license using the wizard. I'm signed in, I can go to manage account and see I have the license online where it gives me the installer for office. Small business premium user.

    Been unable to use office for days

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2016-09-17T19:41:08+00:00

    Hello

    I think I sorted this by opening Outlook which didn't immediately dump me out and I managed to hit Update Now. It took a scary long time to download and finally install but ..... it seems to work. If it dumps me again, I'll try this fix and let you know

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments