Microsoft just started demanding that I activate 365+ to edit and save my Word and Excel docs. I purchased Office two years ago for a one-time use and have been using it on one laptop.

Question

I am now having the exact same problem. I purchased Microsoft Office 2021 (without 365) several years ago for a new MacBook Pro (also purchased at the end of 2021), and have only ever used the key (and the software I purchased) on that one home MacBook Pro.

I have NEVER had a problem with it until this morning, until every single one of my own private Word and Excel docs that I try to open on my own laptop, is demanding that I "Activate Microsoft 365 to create and edit" my own documents at the top of each document that I try to open.

I specifically did NOT want a monthly 365 subscription and that is why I paid top dollar for a one-time use of the Microsoft software on the Microsoft website back in 2021! It seems like a Microsoft glitch. I just checked my "Applications" folder and there is only one version of each Office software installed.

I only have one Microsoft account, I only have one device using this 2021 version of Office that I purchased, and this is a load of bs.

And of course, there is no customer service and no Microsoft store open in my city any more. Perhaps I can go sit in front of the corporate office? Because there seems to be no way to fix this.

Answer 1

Hi Madeline M!

I am Shakiru, an independent advisor and a user like you, and I am glad to be helping you out today.

I understand that you are having a problem activating Office applications on your Mac. There may be a problem with the activation license or authentication.

Have you tried to sign out of the Office application and then sign in again?

Try removing the Office activation license and then signing in to Office again. To do this, follow these steps: * Quit all Office applications.

* Download the License Removal Tool from https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=849815

* Open the .pkg file from your Mac's Downloads folder. > Select “Next” > “Install”. You may need to enter the password for your Mac's local administrator account > After the tool removes the licenses, select Close.

* Restart Mac, launch Office, log back into Office, and check the result.

I hope this helps! Please let me know if you need any other assistance and I will be more than happy to help further.

Thank you

Best Regards, Shakiru

Answer 2

I tried your solution and now I'm locked out of Office. I have a OneDrive account. I have microsoft office packages that now i am unable to use. I bought my Microsoft Office, around 2020/2021 with my then-new Macbook Air. i have access to my one drive - but cannot use ANY of the Microsoft Packages.

I NO LONGER HAVE DIGITAL KEY - HOW ON EARTH AM I MEANT TO ACCESS MY DESKTOP APPS? I REFUSE TO PAY £250 FOR AN ITEM I ALREADY OWN NOR WILL I PAY FOR THE MICROSOFT 365. RIDICULOUS. PLEASE PROVIDE ME A SOLUTION ASAP!!!

Answer 3

Shakiru,

Thank you for your fast and accurate response to my problem.

It worked. Thank goodness.

Much appreciated!