Summary
Starting July 13, 2026, some users may notice that Office 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 Office apps is no longer continued for older operating systems or devices.
This issue affects both Microsoft 365 subscribers and those with non-subscription software, including Office 2021 or Office 2019 on macOS, iPhone, and iPad. For most users, updating your OS followed by updating your apps will resolve it.
What you need to know
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Effective date: July 13, 2026
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What you’ll experience: You can open/view/print, but you can’t edit or save
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How to resolve: Update your OS first, then update your Office apps to supported versions
Tips: To check which Office apps version you’re currently using, open any Microsoft 365 or Office app, for example:
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Open the Word app, select Word in the menu bar, and then select About Word.
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If it lists "Microsoft 365," you have a Microsoft 365 subscription. If it lists "Office 2021" or "Office 2019," you have a non-subscription version of Office.
If you have Office 2019 for Mac, go to the section If you have Office 2019 for Mac for more information.
If you use Microsoft 365 through your work or school, go to Update Microsoft 365 on your work or school macOS or iOS device instead.
Step by step instructions to resolve
Update your OS
Prior to updating your Office apps, you need to ensure that you are running macOS 12 (Monterey) or later on your Mac, or iOS 17 or later on your iPad/iPhone.
macOS:
To update your Mac:
Go to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
iOS:
To update your iPad or iPhone:
Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Note: If your Mac doesn't support macOS 12, or your iPad or iPhone doesn’t support iOS 17, go to What if my device can't be updated?
Update your Office or Microsoft 365 apps
Choose the steps below based on the OS version (macOS or iOS) you are using.
Microsoft 365 or Office 2021 on macOS:
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Open any Office app (such as Word, or Excel).
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In the menu bar, select Help > Check for Updates.
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If Microsoft AutoUpdate opens, select Update or Update All.
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After the update finishes, restart the app.
Microsoft 365 on iOS:
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Open the App Store.
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Tap your profile picture in the top of the app.
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Scroll down and tap Update next to any Microsoft 365 app or tap Update All.
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After updating, open the app and sign in if prompted.
What if my device can't be updated?
If your Mac doesn't support macOS 12 (Monterey), or your iPhone or iPad doesn't support iOS 17, you won't be able to install the required updates. Check your email account associated with your Office or Microsoft 365 plan; you will be receiving an email from Microsoft with more information. In the meantime, here's what you can do:
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Use Microsoft 365 on the web. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more are available at microsoft.com from any browser.
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Use Office on a different device: Choose the option below based on Office product you own:
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Microsoft 365: Your Microsoft 365 subscription lets you install Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote) on multiple devices. Go to your Microsoft account page, sign in with your Microsoft account, and select Install to install Microsoft 365 on a Mac, PC, or supported mobile device.
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Office 2021: Go to your Microsoft account page, sign in with your Microsoft account, scroll down to the Products you’ve purchased section and select Install to install on a supported Mac, or PC.
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Upgrade your device. A newer Mac, iPhone, iPad, or PC will support the latest operating system and Office version. For more info about which devices are supported, go to System Requirements.
Note: Office 2021 reaches end of support on October 13, 2026. After that date, it will no longer receive security updates or technical support. For more info, go to End of support for Office 2021.
If you have Office 2019 for Mac
Office 2019 for Mac reached end of support on October 10, 2023, and no longer receives updates. Because Office 2019 cannot be updated to the required version, this issue cannot be resolved by updating or reinstalling Office 2019 for Mac. For more info, go to End of support for Office 2019 for Mac.
Here's what you can do:
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Use Microsoft 365 on the web. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more are available for free at microsoft365.com from any browser.
Tip: Files stored in OneDrive are easier to access in Microsoft365 on the web.
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Subscribe to Microsoft 365. Get the latest version of Office apps with ongoing updates and support. Your files and documents will continue to work. For more info about subscription plans, go to Microsoft 365 plans for Individuals.
Frequently asked questions
Are my files safe?
Yes. The certificate is used to validate your Office license. It does not affect the security of your files or your device. Once your apps are updated to the required version, you'll have full access again. If you are using Office 2019, go to the Office 2019 section above for your options.
Does this affect Windows or Android?
No. This certificate expiration only applies to Office and Microsoft 365 apps on macOS and iOS. Windows and Android are not affected.
What are the minimum OS and Office versions required to complete the update successfully?
Before you can update your apps, your device must be using the following minimum operating system versions:
|
Device |
Minimum OS required |
Minimum app version |
|---|---|---|
|
Mac |
macOS 12 (Monterey) or later |
16.83 |
|
iPhone / iPad |
iOS 17.0 or later |
2.93 |
Note: Microsoft supports Office on the three most recent major versions of macOS. For more information, go to Upgrade macOS to continue receiving Microsoft 365 and Office for Mac updates.
What if Office 2021 for Mac still won’t let me edit or save after updating?
If you updated but you still can’t edit or save, try quitting the app and then signing in again:
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Quit the app completely, by using Command + Q or select the app name in the menu bar and then select Quit.
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Open the app.
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Go to the app's Account settings, sign out, and then sign in again with your Microsoft account.
See Also
Download, install, or reinstall Microsoft 365 or Office on a PC or Mac
Upgrade macOS to continue receiving Office updates
Update Microsoft 365 on your work or school Mac or iOS device
Need more help?
Contact Microsoft Support
