If you’ve recently updated Microsoft 365 apps and are suddenly facing crashes on your Windows Server, you’re not alone. Updates are supposed to make things better, but occasionally, they can disrupt what was working perfectly fine. For businesses relying on these apps, these crashes can be a significant roadblock.
This article dives into what might be causing these crashes and offers practical, straightforward solutions to get your apps back on track.
Why Are Microsoft 365 Apps Crashing?
When your Microsoft 365 apps suddenly start failing after an update, it can feel frustrating. Here are some of the most common reasons behind it:
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Update Compatibility Issues
New updates often come with changes that might not sit well with older Windows Server setups or configurations. -
Corrupted Update Files
If the update process wasn’t completed properly or the files got corrupted, crashes are almost inevitable. -
Software Conflicts
Your antivirus, plugins, or even other server tools might clash with the updated apps, causing them to fail. -
Outdated Server Configurations
If your Windows Server is running old drivers or unpatched systems, it could struggle to work with the updated apps.
How to Fix the Problem
Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting and fixing Microsoft 365 app crashes on Windows Server.
1. Check What’s Going Wrong
- Open the Event Viewer on your Windows Server.
- Navigate to Windows Logs > Application and look for any errors linked to the crashes.
- Note down error codes or messages—they might give you a clue about what’s wrong.
2. Roll Back the Update
If the crashes started right after an update, try reverting it:
- Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
- Click on View Installed Updates.
- Find the recent Office update, right-click, and uninstall it.
After this, test your apps to see if they’re stable again.
3. Update Your Windows Server
Your server might need an update to catch up with the changes in Microsoft 365.
- Open Settings > Update & Security and check for updates.
- Install all available updates, including optional ones.
4. Repair Microsoft 365 Apps
Sometimes, a quick repair can fix the issue:
- Open Control Panel > Programs and Features.
- Select Microsoft 365 Apps, then click Modify and choose Quick Repair or Online Repair.
5. Disable Conflicting Software
- Temporarily disable any antivirus or monitoring tools that could be interfering.
- Restart the server and test the apps again.
6. Reinstall Microsoft 365
If all else fails, uninstall and reinstall the apps.
- Download the latest version from the Microsoft 365 admin center.
- Install it on your server and check if the crashes persist.
How to Avoid These Problems in the Future
While troubleshooting can solve the immediate issue, it’s always better to prevent problems from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips:
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Test Updates First
Before applying updates to your main server, try them on a test environment. This can help you catch issues before they affect everyone. -
Keep Your Server Updated
Regular updates to your Windows Server ensure compatibility with the latest Microsoft 365 features. -
Monitor Your Server’s Performance
Keep an eye on CPU, memory, and disk usage. Overloaded servers are more prone to crashes. -
Backup Before Updating
Always back up your server configurations before making significant changes. This way, you can quickly revert to a stable state if something goes wrong.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Crashing apps can cause more than just inconvenience. They disrupt workflows, delay projects, and, most importantly, frustrate your team. That’s why it’s essential to act quickly and resolve these issues before they escalate.