microsoft 365 installation issues

Question

despite having purchased microsoft 365 i can not edit any pre existing documents

Answer 1

Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

If you haven't already, I’d suggest is to uninstall any existing Office apps on your Mac to avoid conflict:

• Here are the steps: https://support.microsoft.com/office/uninstall-office-for-mac-eefa1199-5b58-43af-8a3d-b73dc1a8cae3

Then, to reinstall Microsoft Office:

• Go to https://account.microsoft.com/services
• Sign in using the same Microsoft account linked to your license.
• Find your Microsoft (license or subscription type) and click the "Install".
• That will download the installer for the Office apps, just run it and follow the steps.

If anything’s unclear or the "Install" option still doesn’t show, feel free to let me know. I’ll be happy to walk you through it!

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I really hope this information is helpful! Let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Regards,

John J.D.

Answer 2

On macOS, the most common reason for being unable to edit existing Word documents after purchasing Microsoft 365 is that the subscription or license does not include the desktop apps, or the apps are not properly activated.

For the tags given (Microsoft 365, Word, For home, macOS), check the following:

1. Confirm the subscription type
   • If the plan is Microsoft 365 Business Basic, it only includes web and mobile apps, not the full desktop apps. In that case, Word on the Mac will not be licensed for editing; use Word for the web instead, or upgrade to a plan that includes desktop apps (such as Microsoft 365 Family/Personal or a business plan with desktop apps).
2. Make sure the correct account is signed in and licensed
   • Open Word on the Mac.
   • Go to the account area (Word → About/Account) and verify that it is signed in with the same Microsoft account that has the active Microsoft 365 subscription.
   • If a different or old account is signed in, sign out and sign in with the account that owns the subscription.
3. If the apps won’t open or behave incorrectly on Mac
   • Fully remove the Office apps and their data:
     • Quit all Office apps.
     • In Finder → Applications, select all Microsoft 365 apps and move them to Trash.
     • In ~/Library/Containers/, delete the folders starting with:
       • com.microsoft.Word
       • com.microsoft.Excel
       • com.microsoft.Powerpoint
       • com.microsoft.Outlook
       • com.microsoft.OneNote
     • In ~/Library/Group Containers/, move to Trash (if present):
       • UBF8T346G9.ms
       • UBF8T346G9.Office
   • Then reinstall the Office apps from the Microsoft account services page and sign in with the subscription account.

If the subscription is Business Basic or another web-only plan, editing on the Mac desktop apps will not be available; editing must be done in the browser or by changing to a plan that includes desktop apps.

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References:

• Troubleshoot installing Office
• Download, install, or reinstall Microsoft 365 or Office 2024 on a PC or Mac
• Microsoft 365 subscription features aren't available in Office apps
• I purchased Office 365 business basic for my small business- I am the owner- I am unable to edit Word docs on my mac book - Microsoft Q&A
• Microsoft Office apps for Mac quit unexpectedly - Microsoft Q&A