Microsoft 365 errors and common problems

Can't sign in to apps: Often shows Something went wrong [1001]

Means

Word, Excel, Outlook or PowerPoint will not finish signing in on the desktop. Microsoft says security software that interferes with the Windows sign-in component, or tools that copy sign-in data between profiles, can cause this.

First step

Restart your device, which often clears the error for a while. All steps

Office won't install: Setup fails with an error code

Means

Office setup stops partway and shows an error code, often starting with 30015 or 30088. Microsoft says leftover files from an earlier install, an unsupported system, or a proxy, firewall or connection problem can block it.

First step

Run the Microsoft 365 setup troubleshooter on the same PC. All steps

Unlicensed Product: Office can't confirm your license

Means

The title bar of Word, Excel or another Office app shows Unlicensed Product and most features stop working. Microsoft says this happens when you sign in with an account not linked to your purchase, have more than one copy of Office installed, or your subscription has expired.

First step

Sign in with the account you bought Office with, and check Services & subscriptions to confirm Office is linked to it. All steps

Account Notice: We've run into a problem: Usually a payment or expired subscription

Means

A yellow bar at the top of an Office app shows this notice. Microsoft says it is often caused by a payment problem, such as a declined or expired card, which leaves the subscription expired or suspended.

First step

Close all Office apps and check on your Services & subscriptions page that your Microsoft 365 subscription is active. All steps