Microsoft 365 Edit Issues on Mac (July 2026)


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Overview of Issue: 

Starting July 13, 2026, some users on macOS or iOS devices may notice that Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, or OneNote) can open and print files but cannot edit, save, or create new files (called "reduced functionality mode"). This happens when support for Microsoft 365 apps is no longer continued for older operating systems or devices. This issue affects both Microsoft 365 subscribers on macOS, iPhone, and iPad, and those with non-subscription software, including Office 2021 or Office 2019 on macOS.

For most users, updating your operating system (OS) and updating your Microsoft 365 apps will resolve the issue.

Resolution Steps:

  1. Update your operating system (OS).
    1.  macOS:
      • To update your Mac, go to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update. You must be running macOS 12 (Monterey) or later on your Mac, but it is always important to install the latest updates available.
    2. iOS:
      • To update your iPad or iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. You must be running iOS 17 or later on your iPad/iPhone, but it is always important to install the latest updates available.
       
  2. Update your Microsoft 365 apps.
    1.  Microsoft 365 on macOS:
      • Open any Office app, such as Word.
      • In the menu bar, select Help > Check for Updates.
      • If Microsoft AutoUpdate opens, select Update or Update All.
      • After the update finishes, restart the app.
      • If you are still experiencing issues after restarting the app, log out of your Microsoft account, restart, and log back in.
    2.  Microsoft 365 on iOS: 
      • Open the App store.
      • Tap your profile picture in the top of the app.
      • Scroll down and tap Update next to any Microsoft 365 app or tap Update All.
      • After updating, open the app and sign in if prompted.

Additional macOS Troubleshooting Tips:

  1. After following the two steps above, if you are still experiencing issues on a Mac, go to your Keychain Access. This can be found in Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access. In the keychain, look through your logins and delete any Microsoft logins that you see. These can be web or application Microsoft logins.
  2. Uninstall Microsoft 365 apps: Close all Microsoft applications and move them to the trash. Empty the trash, and restart the computer.
  3. Reinstall Microsoft 365 apps: After you restart the computer, go to aub.ie/officekb and follow the instructions for installing Microsoft 365 again on your computer. Once you have installed the apps again, open the app of your choice, like Word, and click Activate to log in with your Auburn credentials (username@auburn.edu and password). This will activate your license again on your computer.

If you have any questions or are still experiencing issues with Microsoft 365 apps on macOS or iOS devices after following the steps above, please contact the IT Service Desk at (334) 844-4944.

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