Unable to connect to the licensing helper

Question

Unable to connect to the licensing helper

Sally Lane 20

I have transferred my data from one laptop to another new one and microsoft will not now work. I cannot save any data. I can sign in but I am getting the message 'Unable to connect to the licensing helper'

Joseph Orori 40 Reputation points

2026-05-16T18:39:50.8366667+00:00

depends on the laptop used each has a different way of allowing easier way bcontact micrsoft assist

Answer accepted by question author

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Joseph Orori 40 Reputation points

2026-05-16T18:39:50.8366667+00:00

depends on the laptop used each has a different way of allowing easier way bcontact micrsoft assist

Answer 1

Xavier-D 12,515 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hello Sally Lane

What type of system are you using? Window or Mac?

To be able to connect to the licensing helper, the Microsoft Office Licensing app has to be turned on

If you are on Mac, here is how you can turn it on:

Apple icon > System Settings >General > Login Items > toggle switch for Microsoft Office Licensing.

I hope to hear update from you about this issue, I'll be happy to help.

Sally Lane 20 Reputation points

2026-05-15T05:43:41.2233333+00:00

It wasn't switched on but in fact the problem did resolve itself prior to this.
Xavier-D 12,515 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-05-15T06:17:07.4433333+00:00

Hello Sally Lane,

I'm glad to hear that the issue was resolved for you

If you have any more question or issue, feel free to ask on Microsoft Q&A forum

Have a nice day.