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How to Fix: “We Can’t Install” Error

Learn how to fix the ‘We can’t install’ Office error when no programs are listed to uninstall.

Updated today

If you try to install Microsoft Office and see the “We can’t install” error, the message usually tells you which programs to uninstall first.

If it does list programs:

  • Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps (Windows 10/11) and uninstall the listed programs.

  • Once they’re gone, try installing Office again.

If the error message is empty (no programs listed), it’s often caused by leftover Office files that Windows didn’t remove automatically.

In that case, follow the steps below to manually delete them.

This method can also help with other installation issues where the Office installer doesn’t start.


Step 1 – Open the Registry Editor

  • Press Windows + R on your keyboard.

  • Type regedit and press Enter.

  • If asked by Windows whether to allow changes, click Yes.

The Windows key is the one with the Windows logo, usually between the Ctrl and Alt keys.


Step 2 – Navigate to the Microsoft Registry Folder

  • In the Registry Editor, look at the left-hand side panel.

  • Click the small arrow > next to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE to expand it.

  • Then click the arrow > next to SOFTWARE.

  • Find and click the arrow > next to Microsoft.


Step 3 – Delete Office-Related Folders

Inside HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft, look for any folders related to Office, for example:

  • Office

  • OfficeSoftwareProtectionPlatform

  • OfficeUpdate

  • OfficeClickToRun

Right-click each Office-related folder and choose Delete.


Step 4 – Skip the “Common” Folder

  • If you see a folder named Common inside the Office folder and Windows won’t let you delete it, that’s normal.

  • Leave it as it is and continue deleting the other Office folders.


Step 5 – Restart and Reinstall

  • Close the Registry Editor.

  • Restart your computer.

  • Run the Office installer again.

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