How to reload Microsoft 365 because of errors in Word and Excel

Mark B 0 Reputation points
2026-09-15T00:32:57.8133333+00:00

I am having problems with both Word and Excel and want to reload both applications. I am using Windows 11.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | Windows

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  1. Kai-H 26,840 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-17T09:47:23.2966667+00:00

    Hi, Mark B

    Reloading Microsoft 365 may not be necessary. Since both Word and Excel are affected, first check for an outdated Office build or an add-in causing the errors.

    Here are some suggestions you can try:

    Open Word or Excel, then select File > Account > Update Options > Update Now. Install any available updates, close all Office applications, and reopen them.

    Test each application in Safe Mode. Press Windows key + R, enter winword /safe, then select OK. Repeat with excel /safe. Safe Mode starts the applications without most add-ins and customized settings.

    If the applications work in Safe Mode, select File > Options > Add-ins. Beside Manage, choose COM Add-ins > Go, clear the add-in checkboxes, and restart normally. Re-enable them individually to identify the problem.

    For Excel startup, freezing, or crashing errors, run the built-in Microsoft 365 Excel check troubleshooter. It opens through the Windows Get Help application and checks common Excel problems automatically.

    Thank you for your patience in reading, I hope this information has been helpful to you. 

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-15T00:33:12.33+00:00

    On Windows 11, first try a full repair before reinstalling. This usually fixes Word and Excel startup or error problems.

    1. Restart the device.
    2. Open Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
    3. Find Microsoft 365 or Office.
    4. Select the three dots next to it, then select Modify.
    5. If prompted with repair options:
      • For Click-to-Run, select Online Repair > Repair. This is the more complete repair option.
      • Quick Repair is faster, but it only detects and replaces corrupted files.
      • For MSI-based installs, select Repair and then Continue.
    6. Follow the on-screen steps.
    7. Restart the computer if prompted, then test Word and Excel again.

    Important: repairing Office repairs the entire Office suite, not just Word or Excel.

    If the apps still fail after repair, Microsoft 365 can be reinstalled from the Microsoft account services page if the license is already associated with the Microsoft account: https://account.microsoft.com/services/

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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