Windows Apps do not function

Alexander Böttner 0 Reputation points
2026-11-09T19:25:14.6766667+00:00

Hi, my windows 365 apps do not function. I spent already more than 2 hours with the support team and they came to the conclusion that something on the security settings of my computer are interferring with the correct installation and applications of the microsoft 365 apps.

Microsoft 365 Standard funktioniert nicht - TrackingID [PII removed]

"The affected device is currently unable to launch Microsoft 365/Office applications as well as several other applications.

When attempting to start an Office application, an error is displayed indicating that OfficeClickToRun.exe cannot be found at the expected path:

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun\OfficeClickToRun.exe

The issue is not limited to a specific Office application. The user reports that multiple applications on the device cannot be launched, indicating a broader system-level application launch issue."

It would be really great if you can help me.

Kind regards

Alexander

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | Other | Windows
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  1. Kai-H 30,915 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-11-10T09:42:46.6+00:00

    (Please note that our forum is a public platform, and we will modify your question to hide your personal information in the description. Kindly ensure that you hide any personal or organizational information the next time you post an error or other details to protect personal data.)

    Hi, @Alexander Böttner

    Thanks for the screenshot, it helps a lot. That message shows up when you double-click a Word file because Windows can't find the small program that starts Office (OfficeClickToRun.exe). Since other apps won't open either, your security software has most likely quarantined or blocked it, which matches what support told you.

    Here are some suggestions you can try:

    Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Protection history. Look for anything that mentions OfficeClickToRun or Office, then pick Restore or Allow on device. If you use another antivirus like Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky or Avast, check its quarantine list too. In the same place, under Ransomware protection, turn off Controlled folder access for now, because it can block programs from opening.

    Repair Office next. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Microsoft 365, click the three dots, then choose Modify > Online Repair. Stay connected to the internet until it finishes, then restart. Online Repair puts back missing files like OfficeClickToRun.exe, and Quick Repair usually can't do that.

    If the repair fails or Office isn't listed, remove Office completely with the official uninstall tool, restart, and reinstall it from your Microsoft account page. Pause your antivirus while it installs.

    For the other apps that won't open, right-click Start, open Terminal (Admin), and run sfc /scannow. When it finishes, restart your PC. This checks for damaged Windows files and repairs them.

    Let me know how it goes.

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  2. Alexander Böttner 0 Reputation points
    2026-11-10T09:22:29.74+00:00

    You posted an answer to my first question which I answered and does not show up anymore. May be you post your question again. Thanks

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  3. Alexander Böttner 0 Reputation points
    2026-11-09T21:22:36.61+00:00

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