How to fix error 147-0 in Microsoft Office on Windows 10 and 11?

Some Windows 10 and Windows 11 users are complaining about error 147-0 in Microsoft Office. The error is accompanied by an informative message:

Office couldn’t start. We were unable to open Office because we are updating, installing or uninstalling applications. Please try again later.

There are three options for solving the error – more on them below.

Solution to error 147-0 in Microsoft Office

The solutions below are best done in the given order.

Solution #1 Reboot the PC

Restarting your PC is a universal remedy for solving a variety of problems, including error 147-0.

1. Turn on your computer and wait a few minutes for all services to load.
2. Connect to the Internet if you have not already done so.
3. Restart your PC and run the Office program again.

If you have an unlicensed version of MO, you can skip the second point, i.e. just restart your computer.

Solution #2 Restoring Office

Some MO files may have become corrupted. This situation occurs after a failed or interrupted software update process. Damage can be easily repaired in a few steps:

1. Press WIN+I to open the “Options” window.
2. Open the “Applications” → “Office” sections and click on the “•••” icon.
3. Select the “Change” option from the list.
4. In the new window, select “Quick recovery” or “Network recovery” and click on the “Restore” button.
5. Wait for the recovery to complete and restart your PC.

Restoring will help solve error 147-0. However, if this does not happen, you need to completely reinstall the MO package.

Solution #3 Complete reinstallation of Microsoft Office

On the Microsoft website you can download a utility that will automatically remove any version of MO from Windows.

1. Download exeon your PC.
2. Right-click on the EXE file and select “Run as administrator.”
3. Follow the onscreen instructions to remove MO.
4. Restart your PC and reinstall office programs on your computer.

If error 147-0 in Microsoft Office has not been resolved, contact Microsoft Support and explain your situation in detail. They may be able to offer more specific solutions.