How do I fix access Privileges on mac in Office 2025?

You might find a cure, but it would be helpful if you report this misbehavior to Apple, as it is Apple's sandbox feature you are encountering..Apple has various ways to submit bug reports. This article explains them.

People experiencing this problem with Sonoma have reported installing the 15.1 update to Sequoia fixes it. You haven't told us what version of Mac OS you are running, so I don't know whether this advice applies to you.

Dear Perri Hine,

Thanks for posting back and confirming the scenario with us.

Considering that issue happens after the latest update, and computer crashed when the apps were updating.

We'd recommend you Troubleshoot Office for Mac issues by completely uninstalling before you reinstall - Microsoft Support, and reinstall on Mac to check the outocme.

For your reference: Download and install or reinstall Microsoft 365 or Office 2021 on a PC or Mac - Microsoft Support

Please also try turn off auto update and install previous version from the link shared in Update history for Office for Mac - Office release notes | Microsoft Learn to check the outcome.

For your reference: Update Office for Mac automatically - Microsoft Support

If the issue still persists, please confirm if other users in your organization have similar issue with Office for Mac after update?

Best Regards,

Rhoda

Hello,

None of those suggested links help with my issue. It happens with all word docs no matter the location.

My company has a Microsoft 365 Apps for business subscription.

This is the version of word I'm running. It just auto updated last week. Was fine before the update.

I also can't even save a new document to my desktop - I get this error.

I also can't open any excel or powerpoint docs so seems to be an issue with the entire 365 Subscription

My computer crashed when the apps were updating and i had to do a forced restart. Could this have caused an issue?

Dear Perri Hine,

Good day! Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

As per your description, we're sorry to hear that you are having issue opening file in Office for Mac. For the situation you encountered, we do understand the inconvenience caused and feel very sorry about it.

To help you better, we would like to collect more detailed information you're experiencing so that we can have a further investigation:

1. Would you please share your Office version by navigating to Word > About Word and take a full screenshot of it as shown below and share with us.
2. Does it happen with the files saved on your Mac and online location such as OneDrive for business?
3. Is Office activated with subscription under personal account like Gmail.com, Outlook.com, Hotmail.com etc. or a work/school account organized by your organization?

Meanwhile, please check if the suggestions shared in the similar threads can help.

For your reference: Word cannot open the document: user does not have access privileges - Microsoft Community

user does not have access privileges (Word for Mac) - Microsoft Community

"User does not have access privileges" - Microsoft Community

Appreciate your understanding that sometimes the initial reply may not resolve the situation very soon. However, we can work together to narrow down and resolve the situation. Please kindly post back and provide the more information, then we can focus on your specific scenario and provide specific suggestions.

If the understanding above is not consistent with yours, please feel free to post back and point that.

Your understanding and patience will be highly appreciated. We hope that you are keeping safe and well!

Thanks for your cooperation.

Sincerely，

Rhoda | Microsoft Community Moderator