We’re sorry for the delay in getting an Office application open, but if you get an error message that says something like the messages below when trying to update, repair, or uninstall Office:
Office is busy. We're sorry, <application name> can't be used right now because Office is busy. We're either updating or helping you add or remove some programs.
or
Unable to start Office. We couldn't open Office because we're updating, adding, or removing programs.
What you can do
If you get one of these errors and you can't open Office, try the following in this order:
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Wait a few minutes and then try opening an Office app.
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Restart your computer and then try opening the app again.
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Use this easy fix tool to completely uninstall Office. After your uninstall is complete, reinstall Office.
Use the uninstall troubleshooter to uninstall Microsoft 365, Office 2021, Office 2019, or Office 2016 from your Windows PC.
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Select the button below to start the uninstall troubleshooter.
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Click Open if you get a pop-up window indicating This site is trying to open Get Help.
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Follow the prompts on the remaining screens and when prompted, restart your computer.
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Select the steps for the version of Office you want to install or reinstall.
Microsoft 365 | Office 2024 | Office 2021 |Â Office 2019 | Office 2016
Important:Â
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The uninstall troubleshooter currently can't uninstall Office 2024.
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Run the troubleshooter on the same Windows PC with the Microsoft 365 or Office product you want to uninstall.
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You need to be on Windows 10Â or higher to run the troubleshooter.
Tip: If the Microsoft 365 uninstall troubleshooter doesn't completely uninstall Microsoft 365 or Office from your PC, you can try to manually uninstall Office.
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