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I cannot open any Microsoft Office 365 app from the file explorer without using "Run as Admin"

CECIL PRESLEY 0 Reputation points
2025-08-23T13:35:47.9133333+00:00

A Microsoft technician uninstalled several apps on my computer in an attempt to fix an Office problem using an older version of Office NOT 365. The latest version of Office 365 was installed, and since then, I have unable to open any Office app without first opening them as Admin.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | Windows
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  1. Marc Vernon 9,375 Reputation points
    2025-08-23T14:16:11.8633333+00:00

    Hi there, this is Marc. Thanks for reaching out to the community.

    Start by repairing Office from Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > Microsoft 365 > Modify > Quick Repair. If that doesn’t fix it, try the Online Repair option. Also check that your Windows account has full control of the Office installation folders under C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office. If the issue persists, uninstall Microsoft 365 completely using the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant at https://aka.ms/SaRA-officeUninstall and then reinstall Office 365 to restore default permissions.

    Best regards,

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  2. emma harper 0 Reputation points
    2025-08-28T02:15:36.9433333+00:00

    The problem started after a Microsoft technician removed some apps and installed Office 365 over the older Office version. Now every time you try to use Word Excel or other Office apps they will not open in a normal way. They only work if you right click and choose run as administrator which should not happen.

  3. ava alia 0 Reputation points
    2025-12-13T06:32:13.0066667+00:00

    The system permissions may be broken now. Office apps think they need admin rights to open. This can happen when files or settings do not match. A repair or full reinstall of Office can help fix this issue.

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