How to Fix the “Bootstrapper Has Stopped Working” Error in Windows
The “Bootstrapper has stopped working” error is a Microsoft Office and Windows issue users have reported across numerous forums. Users who’ve reported that issue say the “Bootstrapper has stopped working” error pops up while installing Office or when they try to launch an app from that suite. Either way, users can’t utilize Office in Windows because of that issue.
That error message references Microsoft Setup Bootstrapper, which is a component of the Microsoft Office (Microsoft 365) suite. Has the “Bootstrapper has stopped working” error also got you stumped? This is how you can fix that Bootstrapper issue in Windows.
1. Run the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter
Many users have said the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter has helped them fix the Microsoft Office Bootstrapper error. That’s a troubleshooter for resolving issues that block users from installing or uninstalling software. The Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter is not included with Windows, but you may download and run it in the following steps:
2. Disable or Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus Software
Some users have cited overprotective third-party antivirus tools that block Microsoft Office’s installer to cause this issue. Therefore, we recommended that you at least try disabling any third-party antivirus shield installed on your PC. To do that, click the antivirus utility’s system tray icon with the right mouse button and select an option for disabling the shield.
However, removing antivirus software will more likely ensure it doesn’t conflict with Office’s installation process. If disabling security software doesn’t do the trick, try removing your third-party antivirus utility. You can remove an antivirus tool with a method in our guide aboutuninstalling software in Windows.
3. Run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter for Installation File
The Program Compatibility Troubleshooter is another that can come in handy for resolving the Bootstrapper error. That troubleshooter can address compatibility issues for an Office setup file. Try selecting to run the compatibility troubleshooter for your Office installer file as follows:
4. Re-enable Task Scheduler by Editing the Registry
Users’ forum posts have confirmed re-enabling Task Scheduler by editing the registry can resolve this Bootstrapper error. Thus, a disabled Task Scheduler that Office services can’t access can seemingly cause this issue. This is how you’re able to re-enable that utility with the Registry Editor:
5. Delete the AppCompactFlag Registry Key
This is another registry tweak fix that’s worked for some users. It involves uninstalling any existing Office installation on your PC and deleting an AppCompatFlags key in the registry. you may apply that potential Bootstrapper error resolution in the following steps:
6. Apply a Clean Boot
Applying a clean boot will strip away third-party startup items and services that automatically start running in the background. It’s similar tostarting Windows in safe modebut doesn’t affect drivers in any way. This troubleshooting method will likely eliminate background software conflicts that can potentially generate the “Bootstrapper has stopped working” error.
To apply a clean boot, you must disable all third-party startup items and services with MicrosoftConfig and Task Manager. We have a guide aboutperforming a clean boot in Windowsthat includes instructions for how to apply this potential resolution.
When you’ve set up the clean boot, all you need to do is restart Windows. Then check if the Bootstrapper error occurs after clean-booting Windows.
Incidentally, there are some software packages confirmed to conflict with Microsoft Office and cause the Bootstrapper error. IOBit Uninstaller, Advanced System Care, and Citrix Virtual Desktops (formerly XenDesktop) are three software packages that can conflict with Office. If you have installed any of those software packs, try uninstalling them to ensure they can’t generate any issues.
Get Productive Again With Microsoft Office
The potential solutions in this guide are the most widely confirmed fixes for the Microsoft Office Bootstrapper error. That doesn’t mean they’re going to work for everybody, but they’ll usually get the Bootstrapper issue sorted. If you’re still trying to fix that issue after applying those resolutions, consider contacting Microsoft’s technical support service for Microsoft Office.
Stuck with an error message that says Windows is configuring Microsoft Office? Learn why and how to fix it!
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