The official tool works for 95% of cases. However, if SaRA fails due to an error (e.g., "Uninstall blocked by corporate policy" or "Corrupt WMI repository"), you need a nuclear option.
Standard uninstallation via the Windows Control Panel often leaves behind residual data. These "ghost" files can prevent new versions of Office from installing correctly or cause activation errors. The Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant is superior because it: Deletes hidden system files and folders. Cleans out corrupted registry entries. microsoft office removal tool windows 10
A previous installation is corrupted and preventing a clean reinstall. Office uninstall with the command line version of Get Help The official tool works for 95% of cases
The same Microsoft Office removal tools work identically on Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8.1. These "ghost" files can prevent new versions of
On an SSD drive with a healthy Windows 10 installation: 3–5 minutes. On a slower HDD with significant registry bloat: up to 15 minutes.