How to fix
Microsoft Office error code 0x426-0x0
on Windows

I cannot open any of the Microsoft Office applications on my Windows 11 machine because I keep getting error code 0x426-0x0 with the description Something went wrong, and it is disrupting my work. I have attempted to restart my computer, but the issue remains, and I urgently need to work on a project using Excel.

Microsoft Office is a critical productivity suite for Windows 10 and 11 users, with applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint that address everything from document writing to data analysis. It's widely used for its robust features, seamless integration with cloud services like OneDrive, and regular updates that enhance functionality and security. However, problems like the 0x426-0x0 can cause a problem in this experience, preventing users from accessing their programs.

The 0x426-0x0 error typically happens when you try to start an Office application, presenting the message Something went wrong, We couldn't start your program, and denying the program access. Users often realize that this issue covers their entire Office suite, making it a matter of impossibility to work on critical tasks, such as editing a document or creating a presentation.

The problem is usually brought about by a disabled Microsoft Office Click-to-Run service that handles updates and streaming for Office apps, in most instances due to manual changes or third-party tools tampering with settings. A corrupted Office installation, perhaps due to an interrupted update, can also be the culprit, aside from issues with security software that blocks Office processes.

To repair the 0x426-0x0 error, you have various choices: if it is because a Click-to-Run service has been deactivated, enabling it and setting it to automatic might repair the situation; if corruption of the installation is the culprit, Office repair via the Control Panel can be helpful; if security software is interfering, if temporarily disabling the security software would allow Office to open.

The following steps provide eight step-by-step repairs to get Microsoft Office working again. For a faster solution, we recommend the use of [d1], a PC repair software that can automatically repair system issues likely causing the 0x426-0x0 error.

Fix 1. End Office processes in Task Manager

Background Office processes can interfere with launching apps, and ending them can resolve the issue.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Processes tab and look for any Microsoft Office-related entries (e.g., Microsoft Click-to-Run).
• Right-click each one and select End task.
• Close Task Manager and try opening an Office app.
• Restart your computer if needed.

Fix 2. Enable Microsoft Office Click-to-Run service

A disabled Click-to-Run service can prevent Office apps from launching, and enabling it can resolve the error.

• Type Services in Windows search and press Enter.
• Scroll down to find Microsoft Office Click-to-Run Service and double-click it.
• Set the Startup type to Automatic, click Start if the service isn’t running, then click Apply and OK.
• Restart your computer and try opening an Office app.

Fix 3. Disable third-party antivirus temporarily

Security software can block Office processes, causing the error, and disabling it temporarily can help.

• Open your third-party antivirus tool.
• Go to Settings and find an option to temporary pause the protection.
• Check if the problem with Office apps is gone.
• If it is, make an exception in your security app for the Office suite.

Fix 4. Perform a Clean Boot

Third-party software conflicts can prevent Office from launching, and a Clean Boot can help identify the issue.

• Type msconfig in the Windows search box and press Enter.
• Pick the Services tab.
• Mark Hide all Microsoft services and select Disable all.
• Select the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• In the Task Manager, right-click on each of the items and select Disable, then close the Task Manager.
• Go to the Boot tab, mark the Safe Boot option, then click Apply and OK.
• On the System Configuration window, click OK.
• Restart your system and try installing Office.
• Alternatively, to find out which app(s) is causing conflicts, enable each of the processes (or you can do it in groups), restart, and see if the problem persists. Repeat until you find the faulty app, then either update or uninstall it.

Fix 5. Repair Office

A corrupted Office installation can cause this error, and repairing it can restore functionality.

• Type Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select Programs > Programs and Features.
• Select Microsoft Office and click on Change.
• Choose the option for Online Repair and click Repair.
• Follow the prompts to finish the repair.

Fix 6. Repair corrupted system files

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• User Account Control will ask whether you want to make changes - click Yes.
• Paste the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow
• Wait till the scan is finished
• Once that is done, use the following commands, pressing Enter each time:
  dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
  dism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth
  dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
• Reboot your computer.

Fix 7. Reinstall Office

If the installation is severely corrupted, reinstalling Office can provide a fresh start.

• Right-click on Start and pick Apps and Features/Installed apps.
• Scroll down to find the MS Office installation.
• Click Uninstall and confirm with Uninstall.
• Follow on-screen instructions to remove the app completely.
• Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
• Navigate to the following location and delete its contents:
  C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office
• Next, type regedit in Windows search and press Enter.
• Go to the following locations in the Registry Editor and delete these items:
  Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\AppVISV
  Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\ClickToRun
  Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office
• Reboot the PC and then reinstall Microsoft Office.