Word app is locked

Question

Word 16.78.3 will not create a new file, or write to an existing file.

Answer 1

You're running an old version of Office. If your operating system is stuck at Big Sur, you should be able to run Office 16.77 maximum. Have you tried using Help>Check for Updates to update Office to a more recent edition?

Answer 2

Hello,

If Word is not allowed to access folders, it can only “read but not write.”

Go to System Settings >> Privacy & Security >> Files and Folders >> find Microsoft Word

Make sure the following permissions are enabled:

• Desktop
• Documents
• Downloads

You also need to check: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access

If Word is not listed:

1. Click +
2. Add Microsoft Word
3. Restart Word