How to Fix Application Error 0xc0000142 in Windows 10/11

The Error 0xc0000142 message can appear when you try to open Microsoft Office applications on Windows 10 or Windows 11. Programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and other Office apps may fail to start after a Windows or Office update.

The message usually says:

The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000142). Click OK to close the application.

The problem can be related to damaged system files, a failed update, corrupted Office components, or conflicts with security software. Try the solutions below in order.

What Causes Error 0xc0000142?

Several issues can prevent an application from starting correctly. Common causes include:

• Corrupted Windows system files
• Damaged Microsoft Office installation files
• A recent Windows or Office update
• Conflicting background services
• Third-party antivirus interference
• Incorrect application configuration
• Incomplete Office updates or installation files

If the problem started immediately after an update, begin by checking the recently installed updates.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

A simple restart can clear temporary Windows and Office processes that may be preventing the application from opening.

Save your work and restart the computer. Once Windows starts again, open the affected Office application.

If the application still displays Error 0xc0000142, continue with the next solution.

Step 2: Run System File Checker

Windows system-file corruption can cause applications to fail during startup. The System File Checker tool can scan protected files and repair problems it detects.

Follow these steps:

1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Select Terminal (Admin).
3. Enter the following command:

sfc /scannow

4. Press Enter.
5. Wait until the scan reaches 100 percent.

Do not close the Terminal window while the scan is running.

After the scan finishes, restart your computer. Then open the affected Office application again.

Step 3: Run DISM

If SFC cannot repair all the damaged files, use DISM to repair the Windows component store.

Open Terminal (Admin) and run:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth

Press Enter and allow the process to finish. Depending on your system, the operation may take several minutes.

Restart Windows when the command completes. Then check whether the application starts normally.

For another Windows troubleshooting reference focused on corrupted system files, see Windows Update Error Code 0x800F0900.

Step 4: Remove a Recently Installed Windows or Office Update

Sometimes Error 0xc0000142 appears after a recent update changes or replaces system components.

Before removing an update, note when the problem started and check your update history.

Windows 11

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Windows Update.
3. Click Update history.
4. Select Uninstall updates.
5. Find the recently installed update.
6. Click Uninstall if the option is available.

Windows 10

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.
3. Choose Windows Update.
4. Click View update history.
5. Select Uninstall updates.
6. Choose the recent update and click Uninstall.

Restart the computer after removing an update. Then test the affected application.

Step 5: Repair Microsoft Office

If only Office applications are affected, the Office installation may be damaged.

You can repair Microsoft 365, Office 2021, or Office 2019 without immediately removing the entire installation.

Repair Office in Windows 11

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Apps.
3. Choose Installed apps.
4. Find Microsoft 365 or your Office installation.
5. Click the three-dot menu.
6. Select Modify.
7. Choose Quick Repair.
8. Follow the instructions on screen.

If Quick Repair does not solve the problem, return to the same screen and try Online Repair.

Online Repair requires an internet connection and performs a more comprehensive repair.

If Office repair does not complete successfully, see Office Installation Error Code 1603 for additional Office installation troubleshooting.

Step 6: Check Microsoft Office Updates

An outdated or incomplete Office installation can also cause application startup problems.

Open an Office application that still works, such as Excel or PowerPoint.

Then select:

File > Account > Update Options > Update Now

Allow Office to download and install available updates.

Restart the computer after the update finishes. Open the affected application again to check whether Error 0xc0000142 has been resolved.

Step 7: Temporarily Check Antivirus Interference

Third-party security software can sometimes interfere with application startup or Office repair.

If you recently installed or updated an antivirus application, check whether it is blocking the affected Office program.

Windows Security also provides controls for real-time protection. Avoid leaving security protection disabled for longer than necessary.

If disabling a security feature temporarily resolves the issue, turn protection back on and check the security software settings for application or Office restrictions.

Step 8: Perform a Clean Office Reinstallation

If Office remains unable to start after repair, a damaged installation may require removal and reinstallation.

First, make sure you know which Microsoft account or product key is associated with your Office installation. This helps you reactivate Office after reinstalling it.

Remove the existing Office installation through Windows Settings. Restart the computer afterward.

Next, reinstall the correct Office version and complete the installation before opening Word, Excel, Outlook, or another Office application.

A clean installation can replace damaged Office files that a standard repair may not resolve.

What If Error 0xc0000142 Still Appears?

If the error continues after repairing Windows and Office, check whether the problem affects one application or every Office application.

If only one program fails, the issue may be specific to that application. If Word, Excel, Outlook, and other Office programs all fail, the problem is more likely related to the Office installation or Windows environment.

You can also review Office Error Code 0-1005 if Office installation or startup problems continue after the repair steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Error 0xc0000142 mean?

Error 0xc0000142 indicates that an application could not start correctly. On Windows computers, it can occur because of damaged system files, application files, updates, or configuration problems.

Why does 0xc0000142 appear after a Windows update?

A Windows update can change system components used by applications. If an update is incomplete or conflicts with an existing Office installation, an application may fail to start.

Can SFC fix Error 0xc0000142?

SFC can help when damaged Windows system files are contributing to the problem. Run sfc /scannow from an administrator Terminal and restart the computer after the scan finishes.

Should I reinstall Office immediately?

No. Start with SFC, DISM, update checks, and the built-in Office repair options. Reinstall Office only if those solutions fail.

Conclusion

Error 0xc0000142 can stop Microsoft Office applications from opening correctly in Windows 10 or Windows 11. The problem may be caused by corrupted system files, a damaged Office installation, a recent update, or software conflicts.

Start with a system restart and SFC scan. If the problem remains, run DISM and check recently installed updates. Office repair should be the next step when multiple Office applications are affected.

A clean Office reinstallation is worth considering only after the less disruptive solutions have failed.