How to Fix Microsoft Office Update Errors on Windows 11

Microsoft Office is one of the most widely used productivity suites in the world. However, like any software, Office can sometimes encounter errors and issues when trying to update or install. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the most common Microsoft Office update errors on Windows 11 and provide solutions to fix them.

Prerequisites

Before we dive into specific error fixes, let’s go over some basic prerequisites and best practices when dealing with Office update issues on Windows 11:

• Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date with the latest cumulative updates installed. Outdated Windows system files can prevent successful Office updates.
• Check that you have a stable internet connection when trying to update Office. Office updates can fail if you have an intermittent connection.
• Close all Office applications before trying to update. Running Office apps can block certain files/components from updating properly.
• Have your Office installation media ready. For persistent errors, you may need to repair or completely reinstall Office.
• Back up your Outlook data, documents, and other critical files beforehand. Major Office repairs or reinstallation can disrupt your current settings.
• Log into Windows with an administrator account when making fixes. Updating Office requires admin privileges.
• Know your Office version, architecture (32-bit or 64-bit), and installation type (click-to-run or MSI). This info is useful for troubleshooting.
• Be patient and restart your PC when prompted. Some updates require restarts to fully complete.

Now let’s go over the most common Microsoft Office update errors and fixes for them on Windows 11.

Office Update Error Codes and Solutions

Error 0x80070005

The 0x80070005 error occurs when the Office installation source files are damaged or missing. Some potential solutions:

• Repair the Office installation via Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program. This will try to restore any missing files.
• If repairing does not work, download the Office installation media again from the Microsoft site matching your version, language, and architecture. Completely uninstall your current Office version first via Control Panel before reinstalling.
• Temporarily disable your antivirus and other security software, which can sometimes block Office update files and components. Re-enable security software after update.
• If Office originally came pre-installed on your Windows device, you may need to contact the manufacturer for proper Office installation media.

Error 0x80070002

This error indicates Office update data is corrupted or compromised. Try these fixes:

• Open Command Prompt as admin and stop the Office Software Protection Platform service using: net stop osppsvc
• Delete the Office Software Protection Platform cache folders: %localappdata%\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Licensing %localappdata%\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Licensing
• Re-enable the protection platform service: net start osppsvc
• Launch Office and try updating again. The files should automatically rebuild on the next open.
• Perform an in-place repair or complete reinstall of Office if this doesn’t work.

Error 0x80070643

This common error means the Office update cannot proceed due to inadequate hard drive space on your C: drive. Make sufficient space available by:

• Emptying the Recycle Bin.
• Deleting any unneeded temporary files via the Disk Cleanup utility.
• Moving user files like photos, videos, documents off the boot drive to another storage location.
• Uninstalling unused programs.
• Expanding your C: drive partition size if possible.

Then retry the Office update.

Error 0x80070641

This error indicates a problem with the Office Content Delivery Network (CDN), which distributes Office updates from Microsoft servers. Solutions include:

• Checking for Windows updates and installing any available patches/fixes. These may resolve CDN communication issues.
• Changing the Office Content Delivery settings via: Settings > Account > Office Account > CDN

Try toggling “Use the Office Content Delivery Network” OFF and ON.

• Assigning the Office DNS servers 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 temporarily to your network adapter. This can bypass DNS issues connecting to the CDN.
• As a last resort, reset your network settings to default values by going to Windows Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset. Reboot after reset.

Error 0x80072EFD

This specific error occurs when the Office automatic updates service is not running properly in the background. Try the following fixes:

• Open the Services utility and ensure the “Office Update” service is both enabled and running. Start it if not.
• From an Office app, go to File > Account and view Update Options. Make sure “Update Now” is enabled. Toggle OFF and back ON if disabled.
• Open Registry Editor and navigate to Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\office\16.0\common\officeupdate and ensure the EnableAutomaticUpdates value is set to 1. Create new DWORD if missing.
• As another option, download and install the Office Update troubleshooter from Microsoft. This automated tool can apply necessary registry and services fixes.
• Worst case, uninstall and reinstall Office to cleanly reset the update services.

Error 0x8004FC12

This cryptic error code indicates a problem with the Office Click-to-Run (C2R) service needed for continuous online updates. Try these troubleshooting steps:

• From an Office app, go to File > Office Account and choose Update Options > Update Now to force an immediate Office updates scan.
• Open the Services utility and restart the Office Click-to-Run and Office Licensing services.
• From Command Prompt, run an Online Repair of Office using: Setup.exe /repair.
• If Office originally came pre-installed, obtain the proper Office installation media from your device manufacturer. Use this to completely uninstall Office, then reinstall via the vendor’s original source.
• For desktop Office, download and reinstall the matching version from Microsoft. Make sure to uninstall the old version first.

Error 0x80092004

This error indicates the Office update cannot proceed due to inadequate system resources like CPU, memory, or disk space. Close other running applications to free up available resources, then try Office update again. If error persists:

• Update Windows and drivers to latest versions, especially graphics drivers. Newer components are more resource efficient.
• Disable background utilities and processes like anti-virus scans when installing Office updates.
• Add more RAM to your system if feasible. 8GB is recommended minimum for Office on Windows 11.
• Expand pagefile.sys size beyond system RAM if disk space allows. Adjust via System > Advanced System Settings.
• Check for and remove any bloatware or useless apps wasting resources.
• As last resort, try upgrading to a faster CPU, SSD boot drive, and more system RAM if hardware-constrained.

Error 30125-4 / 30125-1011

These errors indicate Office installation files have been quarantined by your antivirus or other security software. To resolve:

• Temporarily disable your antivirus completely and try the Office update again.
• If just disabling antivirus does not work, completely uninstall your security software, restart PC, then retry update.
• After successful update, be sure to re-enable your antivirus and scan Office files to repopulate whitelist.
• Some antivirus like Avast have options to ignore/skip scanning certain file types like .msi installers. Enable this exclusion.
• Schedule Office updates to run when antivirus/security software is not actively scanning.

Error 30088-4

This error means Office installation files and components are either missing or corrupted. Solutions:

• Open Programs & Features and choose Repair for the Office version. This will try to restore missing files.
• If Office originally came pre-installed, you need proper install media from the OEM. Completely remove Office then reinstall using the vendor’s original source files.
• For desktop Office, obtain matching install media from Microsoft. Completely uninstall the old version then install the new files.
• As a last resort, perform clean reinstall of Windows 11 to factory condition. Reinstall Office from scratch after. Backup data first!

Error 0x80092009

This error indicates Office setup cannotcontinue due to incompatibility with software drivers like video/graphics drivers. To resolve:

• Open Device Manager and expand the Display and Audio adapters categories. Update any drivers shown with yellow warning icons.
• If drivers are up to date, temporarily uninstall third-party graphics utilities like GPU Tweak, Afterburner or GeForce Experience during Office update.
• Disable or disconnect any external GPU card and use only the integrated Intel, AMD or NVIDIA graphics.
• If external GPU required, check manufacturer website for latest Windows 11 and OpenGL compatible graphics drivers.
• For desktops with multiple monitors, disconnect secondary/tertiary monitors and leave only one display connected during Office update.
• As last resort, perform clean reinstall of Windows 11 and graphics drivers. Then retry Office update.

Error 30015-4

This error indicates Office encountered an error while trying to expand files from the installation source. Try the following fixes:

• Copy the Office installation files to your local hard drive first instead of installing directly from the download source or media. Then run setup locally.
• Temporarily disable any antivirus, antimalware, firewall, and security software completely. Re-enable after successful Office install.
• Disconnect from VPNs, proxies, network gateways or any virtual network adapters that could block installations.
• Reset TCP/IP stack with these commands (as admin):

netsh int ip reset 
netsh winsock reset

• Change the DNS server on your network adapter to Google DNS servers 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, then retry Office setup.

Error 30016-4

This error occurs when Office setup cannot acquire necessary exclusive file and registry access to complete an update. Solutions:

• Close all Office applications like Word, Excel, Outlook before trying to update. Running apps can block files.
• End any background Office processes like OneDrive.exe or OfficeClickToRun.exe via Task Manager.
• Boot Windows into Safe Mode then try Office update. This prevents other processes from running.
• Use a Registry editor like CCleaner to search for Office registry keys still tied to the uninstalled version. Delete any leftover keys.
• Check for Office files quarantined by your antivirus and whitelist or restore them. Exclude Office from future scans.
• As last resort, wipe drive and perform clean Windows 11 and Office reinstall to ensure no conflicting files.

Error 30074-28

This error occurs when Office installation source files are determined to be invalid or corrupt. Try the following fixes:

• Download fresh Office installation media matching your exact version, language and architecture from Microsoft.
• Before installing Office, copy setup files to your local drive instead of running directly from the download or disc.
• Completely uninstall your current Office version via Control Panel. Delete any leftover Office folders.
• Disable any antivirus or security software temporarily during install to prevent file quarantine.
• Clear Office CDN cache using setup.exe /clearcache from an administrator Command Prompt.
• If Office originally came pre-installed on an OEM device, obtain matching installer from manufacturer.

Error 30142-30148

These errors related to Office PowerPoint commonly occur due to graphics driver incompatibility issues. To resolve:

• Open Device Manager and update any outdated display drivers. Restart after install.
• Temporarily disable GPU overclocking utilities like MSI Afterburner during Office updates.
• If using multiple monitors, disconnect secondary displays and leave only primary connected.
• Disable or remove external graphics cards and use only onboard Intel, AMD or NVIDIA graphics.
• Perform a clean reinstall of the latest Windows 11 and GPU driver versions.

Error 30015-1001

This error is caused by Office installer exceeding the Windows Installer service session time limit. To fix:

• From an administrator Command Prompt, carefully increase the MSI session time limit beyond the default 2 hours using: msiexec /lv log.txt /i installfile.msi INSTALLDIR=D:\Office2019 SESSIONTIMEOUT=3600

Where timeout is specified in seconds, e.g. 3600 = 1 hour.

• Reduce the number of languages and Office components selected during installation. Keep only essentials.
• Temporarily disable antivirus real-time scanning during Office install to prevent excessive file scanning.
• Update Windows to the latest cumulative update in case the issue is caused by a Windows Installer service bug.
• As last resort, perform a safe mode installation of Office to eliminate other processes causing timeout.

Generic Office Update Troubleshooting

If you are still encountering Office update errors after trying the above specific fixes, here are some general troubleshooting methods to resolve update issues:

• Close and reopen any Office applications and check for pending updates again. Sometimes updates do not correctly register until applications are restarted.
• Open Programs & Features and choose “Modify” or “Repair” on your Office version to fix any missing or corrupt files.
• Temporarily turn off Windows User Account Control (UAC) during Office updates. Overzealous UAC can block installations.
• Check the Windows System event log for any error events logged related to Office, then research solutions.
• Enable Office telemetry data and error reporting to have more details sent to Microsoft for troubleshooting.
• Try downloading and manually installing the latest Office updates instead of waiting for automated updates.
• Use the Office Readiness Toolkit to check for and fix any update blockingprerequisites.
• As last resort, backup data and perform full wipe/reinstall of Windows 11 and Office. Test for updates after fresh install.

Rolling Back Problematic Office Updates

If an Office update is causing crashes, bugs or issues in apps like Word or Excel, you can uninstall just that specific update as follows:

• Open Programs and Features > View Installed Updates
• Locate the Office update package and right click Uninstall
• This will roll back Office to the previous working version without harming your data
• Pause further Office updates for a few days until the problematic update is fixed by Microsoft
• Always backup critical Office data beforehand as a precaution before updates

Preventing Future Office Update Problems

Here are some general tips to help avoid Office update issues going forward:

• Keep Windows fully updated with all latest patches and fixes.
• Do not delay Critical or Security Office updates when notified.
• Periodically repair your Office install via Programs & Features to fix errors preemptively.
• Maintain adequate free disk space on your Office install drive.
• Keep Office applications closed when updates are pending install.
• Disable battery/power saving modes on laptops before updating.
• Disconnect unnecessary peripherals that could cause conflicts.
• Disable VPNs, network gateways, proxies before updating.
• Set Office 365 to “Monthly Channel” for slower and more robust update rollout.

Conclusion

Microsoft Office updates are crucial for getting the latest features, security patches and fixes. However, they sometimes fail due to wide ranging issues like low disk space, software conflicts, damaged files and more. We hope this comprehensive guide to troubleshooting and resolving the most common Office update error codes on Windows 11 helps you to quickly get updates applied and keep your Office suite running smoothly.

References

[1] Fix Windows Update errors – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/fix-windows-update-errors-822798ba-3f11-558c-d9e2-5201d7101729

[2] Update Office on Windows 11 – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/update-office-on-windows-11-df6cc19a-cc6b-487b-aeea-65074f860349?ui=en-us&rs=en-us&ad=us

[3] Troubleshoot Office installation issues – https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office/troubleshoot/installation/issues-installing-office

[4] Office error codes list – https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office/troubleshoot/office-suite-issues/office-error-codes

[5] Microsoft Office blogs – https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-office-blog/bg-p/OfficeBlog

[6] Windows 11 system requirements – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications

[7] Fix 0x80070005 error – https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/microsoft-office-wont-install-error-code/06ef85c7-4ad2-4aa1-90a7-60fe97394965

[8] Troubleshoot Office licensing errors – https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office365/troubleshoot/activation/licensing-errors-upgrading-office

[9] Resolve Office 0x80070002 error – https://www.technicalnoteshq.com/kb/fix-office-2016-activation-and-licensing-errors-0x80070002-and-0x80072efd/

[10] Fix the 0x80070643 error – https://www.stellarinfo.com/blog/fix-error-code-0x80070643-on-windows-10/