Fix Microsoft 365 Activation Error 0x80070005

Microsoft 365 apps may show error 0x80070005 ("We're sorry, something went wrong and we can't do this for you right now") when activation fails due to blocked permissions, corrupted tokens, or antivirus interference. This prevents using Word, Excel, Outlook, or other apps.

The Fix

Method 1: Basic Troubleshooting

Restart the computer and retry activation. If it fails, run Windows Update (Start → Check for updates → Install all → Restart).

Disconnect work/school accounts: Settings → Accounts → Access work or school → Select the account → Disconnect → Restart.

Run the Microsoft 365 Activation Troubleshooter: Download from Microsoft's official support page, run it, and follow the prompts.

If That Doesn't Work:

Method 2: Online Repair

Settings → Apps → Microsoft 365 → Modify → Online Repair → Repair → Restart.

This forces Office to download fresh files and repair corrupted components.

If That Doesn't Work:

Method 3: Clear Activation Tokens

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and stop the Software Protection service:

net stop sppsvc

Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spp\store\2.0 in File Explorer and rename tokens.dat to tokens.old.

Restart the service:

net start sppsvc

Run Online Repair again, then restart.

If That Doesn't Work:

Method 4: Fix Registry Permissions (Post-Windows Update)

Open Registry Editor as Administrator (regedit). Export HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing as a backup.

Navigate to that key → Right-click → Properties → Security → Advanced → Permissions → Edit → Add NETWORK SERVICE → Grant Full Control → OK.

In Advanced Security Settings, check "Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries from this object" → OK.

Close Registry Editor and restart the Office app.

If That Doesn't Work:

Method 5: Repair System Files

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart after completion.

If That Doesn't Work:

Method 6: Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Temporarily disable third-party antivirus and firewall software. Retry activation. Re-enable security software after testing.

If corporate antivirus blocks activation, whitelist the Office activation process (BrokerPlugin.exe) or contact IT.

Outlook-Specific Variant (0x80070005-0x000004dc-0x00000524):

File → Account Settings → Change → Uncheck "Use Cached Exchange Mode" → Restart Outlook.

If that fails, create a new Outlook profile: Control Panel → Mail → Show Profiles → Add.

Verify

Open any Microsoft 365 app (Word, Excel, Outlook). Go to File → Account. The activation status should show "Product Activated" with your license details.

If activation still fails after all methods, run a full malware scan (Windows Security → Full scan) or check for conflicting software.