Baldwin Wallace University

IT Support

Error in Microsoft Office: "Your account can view documents, but can't edit on a Mac"

  • Updated

Summary

Beginning July 13, 2026, some Microsoft Office apps on unsupported Macs may enter Reduced Functionality Mode. When this happens, you can open, view, and print files, but you cannot:
  • Edit documents
  • Create new files
  • Save changes
This occurs when your Mac or macOS version no longer meets Microsoft's current support requirements.

What Causes This Error?

Microsoft supports Microsoft 365 and Office apps only on the three most recent major versions of macOS. Macs running older operating systems may lose editing functionality and display:
"Your account can view documents, but can't edit on a Mac."
Your files are not lost or damaged. The issue is caused by unsupported software versions.

Determine Which Situation Applies to You

My Mac Is Older Than 2018

Most Macs released before 2018 cannot run a supported version of macOS.
Options:
  • Use Microsoft 365 on the web at Microsoft 365 Portal
  • Use Office on the BW Virtual Desktop, labs.bw.edu, or another desktop
  • Upgrade to a newer macOS, if available
If your Mac cannot run macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later, local Office applications will remain in reduced functionality mode.

My Mac Is From 2018 or Later

Your Mac should support a currently supported version of macOS.
Complete the following steps:
  1. Update macOS
  2. Update Microsoft Office
  3. Reactivate Office if necessary

Step 1: Update macOS

Your Mac must be running one of the following supported versions:

Check for Updates

  1. Open the Apple menu.
  2. Select System Settings (or System Preferences).
  3. Open Software Update.
    • In System Settings: General → Software Update
    • In System Preferences: Software Update
  4. Install any available updates.
  5. Enter your Mac administrator password if prompted.
  6. Allow the installation to complete.

If No Updates Are Available

If Software Update says your Mac is up to date but your macOS version is lower than 14:
  • Your Mac likely cannot upgrade further.
  • See My Mac Is Older Than 2018 above.

Step 2: Update Microsoft Office

After updating macOS:
  1. Open Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, or OneNote.
  2. Select Help → Check for Updates from the menu bar.
  3. When Microsoft AutoUpdate opens, select Update or Update All.
  4. Restart Office after the update completes.

Minimum Office Version

Office must be updated to version 16.83 or later.

Step 3: Reset Your Office License (If Needed)

If you've updated both macOS and Office but still cannot edit files:
  1. Quit all Office applications.
  2. Download the Microsoft license removal tool:
  3. Open the downloaded .pkg file.
  4. Follow the installation prompts.
  5. Enter your Mac administrator password if requested.
  6. Complete the license removal process.
  7. Open an Office application.
  8. Sign in with your BW account.
  9. Restart your Mac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are my files safe?

Yes. This issue does not affect your files or data. Files remain accessible and can still be opened and printed.

Does this affect Windows computers?

No. This issue applies only to Office applications running on macOS (and potentially iOS devices subject to Microsoft's support requirements).

What are the minimum requirements?

To maintain editing functionality:
  • macOS 14 Sonoma, macOS 15 Sequoia, or macOS 26 Tahoe
  • Office version 16.83 or later

What if my Mac cannot be upgraded?

Use one of the following options:
  • Microsoft 365 on the web
  • BW Virtual Desktop (labs.bw.edu) - full access to Microsoft 365 products

Need Help?

If you've completed all steps and still cannot edit Office files, contact the BW IT Support Center.

References

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