Javascript needed?

Question

Just reinstalled Microsoft 365. Says it cannot run because Java Script not available.

This is a new problem. Recently worked fine.

Answer 1

Microsoft 365 desktop apps rely on embedded browser components and JavaScript. If they report that JavaScript is not available or scripts are blocked, the issue is typically with browser/script settings or a related runtime rather than with Office itself.

Try these steps depending on where the error appears:

1. If the error appears in a browser (e.g., when using Microsoft 365 online or SharePoint):
   • Enable JavaScript in the browser being used:
     • Microsoft Edge (Windows 11):
       1. Open Edge and select … (More) > Settings.
       2. Go to Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > All permissions.
       3. Select JavaScript and ensure Allowed (recommended) is turned on.
     • Google Chrome:
       1. Open Chrome and go to Settings > Privacy and security.
       2. Select Site settings > JavaScript.
       3. Under Default behavior, select Sites can use JavaScript and then reload the browser.
     • Safari (if applicable):
       1. From the Safari menu, select Settings > Security.
       2. Check Enable JavaScript, then close and refresh the browser.
2. If the error appears when accessing SharePoint sites from Office/Edge/IE:
   • Enable scripting in Internet Explorer compatibility scenarios (still used by some SharePoint/Office components):
     1. Open Internet Explorer and go to the SharePoint site.
     2. Press Alt to show the Menu bar, select Tools > Internet Options.
     3. On the Security tab, select Custom level.
     4. Scroll to Active scripting and select Enable.
3. If the error appears during sign-in or embedded web views (e.g., Power Automate / modern Office sign-in):
   • Ensure the required web runtime is installed and working:
     1. Install or repair Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime using the official installer.
     2. If using Power Automate for desktop and seeing JavaScript-related login errors, add the registry key described in the guidance:
        • Under Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Power Automate Desktop, create UseMsalDesktopFeatures (REG_DWORD) and set its value to 1.
4. If JavaScript is being blocked by extensions or security tools:
   • Disable third‑party browser extensions that may block scripts, especially if using Power Automate or browser-embedded Office features:
     1. Turn off all third‑party extensions except the official Microsoft/Power Automate ones.
     2. Retry the Office/Power Automate action.
     3. If needed, replace JavaScript-based automation with built-in web automation actions.

If, after enabling JavaScript and ensuring WebView2/embedded browser components are working, Office still reports that JavaScript is unavailable, a full repair or clean reinstall of Office may be required, using the uninstall troubleshooter and then reinstalling.

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References:

• Enable JavaScript
• Enable scripts and reload this page when you try to open a SharePoint Server 2013 site
• Turn on JavaScript for Skype Meetings App (Skype for Business Web App)
• Can't sign in with a JavaScript error
• The "Run JavaScript function on web page" action doesn't execute but no error is reported
• I get a "stopped working" error when I start Office applications on my PC