If you can’t access Office updates, or an update fails with messages like “The application was unable to start correctly” or “Download of Office 365 file failed,” this is often related to a Windows update conflict or a certificate issue affecting Office’s ability to update.
This guide explains the causes and the steps to fix it.
Why Microsoft Office Updates Fail
This can happen after certain Windows updates cause a certificate loss issue that blocks Office from updating. Microsoft has also noted that this occurs when managed devices are upgraded using an update management tool like Windows Server Update Services or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, or when using outdated physical media or ISO images that don’t include the latest fixes. Microsoft recommends applying operating system updates through the official Windows Update service rather than any other method to reduce the chance of this issue.
Here’s how to fix it:
Check for and install Windows updates
Click Start → Settings → Windows Update, check for available updates, and install them. To ensure Office updates come through automatically going forward, go to Settings → Update & Security → Advanced options, and check “Give me updates for other Microsoft products when I update Windows.”
Launch the Office app as an administrator
If Office needs access to a protected system resource that UAC is blocking after an update, this can trigger an update error. Search for the affected Office app (like Excel), right-click it, select “Run as administrator,” and click Yes if prompted by UAC. Check whether the app opens and functions correctly afterward.
Check for volume licensing or Group Policy restrictions
Make sure your computer is connected to the internet. If your organization uses a volume license or Group Policy to manage Office updates, the Update Options button may be missing, showing only “About.” In this case, contact your company’s IT support desk or use Microsoft Update to manually download the update.
Uninstall conflicting software if you can’t access Office apps
If you can’t access any Office apps to upgrade, go to Control Panel → Programs and Features, select the program to uninstall, then follow up by finding your Microsoft Office version and selecting Change.
Run Office Repair
From the Change menu, select Quick Repair first and follow the prompts. If that doesn’t resolve the update error, repeat the process and select Online Repair instead. Restart your computer once the repair completes.
Still Not Resolved?
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FAQ
What causes Office updates to fail after a Windows update?
It’s often related to a certificate loss issue introduced by a specific Windows update, or the use of an outdated update management tool or installation media.
Why is my Office “Update Options” button missing?
This typically happens when your organization manages Office updates through a volume license or Group Policy — contact your company’s IT support desk in this case rather than troubleshooting it yourself.
Why would running Office as administrator fix an update error?
If Office needs to access a protected system resource that Windows’ User Account Control is blocking, running it with elevated permissions can resolve the conflict.
Should I try Quick Repair or Online Repair first?
Start with Quick Repair, since it’s faster and fixes most common issues. If that doesn’t resolve the error, run Online Repair for a more thorough fix.
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