Microsoft confirms Office apps launch issues after June updates
Microsoft confirms Office apps launch issues after June updates
Publish Date: 2026-06-17 07:54:21
Source Domain: www.bleepingcomputer.com
Summary:
Microsoft is addressing a new issue that is preventing certain third-party applications from launching Microsoft Office products or opening documents, following updates released on or after June 9, 2026. This compatibility problem primarily affects Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other applications when invoked by impacted external software. The issue is specific to third-party applications utilizing OLE automation to interact with Microsoft Office products and can occur without error messages. Affected programs reportedly include CCH Engagement, Zotero, Workpaper Manager, and dental software like Dentrix and Softdent. Microsoft recommends that customers temporarily open Office applications or documents manually instead of through the third-party suite. While the company works on a long-term solution for integration, it promises the update will be included in a forthcoming cumulative update. Previous issues related to Office and Windows updates have been addressed within recent months by Microsoft, including problems specific to Office for the web and Windows 365.
Key Points:
- Microsoft is investigating problems with third-party apps launching Office applications post-June 9 security update.
- Certain OLE automation-reliant third-party applications are impacted, leading to possible failures without error messages.
- Affected third-party programs mentioned include CCH Engagement, Zotero, Workpaper Manager, Dentrix, and Softdent.
- Microsoft suggests manual launching of Office applications as a workaround and promises a fix in a future update.
- The company has also recently resolved several other issues impacting the Office suite and Windows updates.
