Microsoft Resolves Crash Issues in Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows Server

Microsoft has resolved a crash issue in Microsoft 365 apps on Windows Servers caused by a React Native framework update.

Published: Jan 21, 2025

Office 365

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Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft has fixed a bug that caused Microsoft 365 apps and classic Outlook to crash on Windows Server 2019 and 2016.
  • This issue is linked to the integration of the React Native framework in a recent Office update.
  • Microsoft is gradually rolling out the updated fix starting January 16, 2025.

Microsoft has fixed a critical issue that had been causing Microsoft 365 apps and classic Outlook to crash on Windows Server 2019 and 2016. The company identified the root cause as a recent Microsoft Office update, which introduced the React Native framework integration to enhance functionality across its suite of apps.

React Native is a popular JavaScript framework that lets developers build both mobile and desktop applications. It enables developers to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms. The integration of React Native with Office apps allows Microsoft to deliver a consistent user experience across its suite of Office applications.

In a Reddit thread, several users reported that their Office apps (such as Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) unexpectedly closed or stopped working almost immediately after being opened. The problem affected only users who updated the classic Outlook desktop client and other Microsoft 365 apps to Version 2412 (Build 18324.20168).

“If your Microsoft 365 Apps clients are configured to automatically update from the Office Content Delivery Network (CDN), then no action is required. If you manage updates directly you can now download this latest update and begin deployment,” Microsoft explained. “We’ll be gradually rolling out this update of Microsoft 365 Apps to users on that update channel starting January 16th, 2025 (PST).”

Microsoft Resolves Crash Issues in Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows Server Machines
Microsoft Outlook crashing on Windows Server (Image Credit: Spiceworks)

Workaround to fix Microsoft 365 apps crashing on Windows Server

Microsoft says that customers who haven’t received the automatic update can manually downgrade to Version 2411 (Build 18227.20162) by following the steps mentioned below:

  • Open Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
  • Paste the two commands into the Command Prompt window. Press Enter after each command:
    • cd %programfiles%\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun
    • officec2rclient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.18227.20152
  • Disable Office updates by clicking File > Office Account > Update Options, and then selecting the Disable Updates option.
  • Finally, re-enable Office updates on February 11.

Last month, Microsoft announced that it’s investigating another bug that triggers unexpected “Product Deactivated errors in Office apps. The company mentioned that this problem might be triggered when an IT admin makes changes at the licensing level.

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