Office crashing, refusing to activate, or showing recurring errors? The most effective solution is often a complete uninstall followed by a clean reinstall. This guide walks you through removing all traces of Office and starting fresh.
When should you reinstall Office?
- Office apps (Word, Excel, Outlook…) crash or close unexpectedly
- You encounter persistent activation errors
- A conflict exists between two Office versions (e.g., leftovers from an old version)
- Office system files are corrupted
- You're switching versions (e.g., Office 2019 → Office 2024)
Method 1: Standard uninstall (Windows Settings)
Step 1: Uninstall via Settings
- Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps
- Search for "Microsoft Office" or "Microsoft 365"
- Click the three dots (⋯) then Uninstall
- Follow the uninstall wizard
- Restart your computer
⚠️ Limitations of this method
Standard uninstall doesn't always remove all residual files, registry keys, and shared components. If you still have problems, use Method 2.
Method 2: Complete removal with Microsoft's tool
Microsoft provides a free official tool called Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) that completely removes Office, including all residual files, registry keys, and shared components.
Step 1: Download SaRA
Search for "Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant" on the official Microsoft website and download the program. Install and launch it.
Step 2: Run the complete uninstall
- In SaRA, select Office → Uninstall issues
- Choose the Office version to remove
- The tool cleans all files, folders, registry keys, and scheduled tasks
- Restart your computer when prompted
✅ Recommended
The SaRA tool is the most reliable method for a complete uninstall. It's the procedure recommended by Microsoft for recurring problems.
Reinstalling Office after removal
If you have a digital key (ESD)
- Download the installation image from the link in your AllKeyMasters confirmation email or from official Microsoft sources
- Run the installer and follow the instructions
- Once installed, open Word or Excel
- Click Activate and enter your 25-character key
If you have a DVD or USB drive
- Insert the physical media (DVD or USB drive)
- Run the setup.exe or autorun file
- Follow the installation wizard
- Activate with the product key from the printed insert
Troubleshooting after reinstallation
Activation fails after reinstall
If your key is rejected after reinstallation, it's usually because the old installation wasn't properly cleaned. Solutions:
- Run the SaRA tool again for a more thorough cleanup
- Try phone activation
- Contact our support with your order number
Office asks for a Microsoft account sign-in
Perpetual licenses (2019/2021/2024) purchased from AllKeyMasters activate via product key, not Microsoft account. If Office asks you to sign in, click "I have a product key" or "Enter a key" instead of signing in.
Word/Excel files won't open anymore
After reinstallation, file associations may be lost. Right-click a .docx file → Open with → Choose another app → Word and check "Always use this app."
Back up before reinstalling
Remember to back up these items before uninstalling:
- Outlook emails: Export your PST file (File → Open & Export → Import/Export)
- Custom Word/Excel templates: Copy the Templates folder
- Personal dictionary: Save the custom.dic file
- Outlook signatures: Copy the Signatures folder from AppData
💡 Your documents are safe
Uninstalling Office does not delete your Word, Excel, PowerPoint documents etc. Only the programs are removed. Your files in Documents, OneDrive, or Desktop remain intact.
Conclusion
A clean uninstall with Microsoft's SaRA tool followed by a fresh reinstall resolves the vast majority of Office problems. Remember to back up your Outlook data and templates before starting.
Need an Office license? Browse our Office 2019, 2021 and 2024 keys with instant delivery at AllKeyMasters.