Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac activation failed after macOS update – Unknown Error (0x0)

Question

I have a genuine Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac license linked to my Microsoft account.

Office was working perfectly until I installed the latest macOS update. After restarting the Mac, all Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) are stuck on "Activating..." and then display:

Unknown Error

The error code is: 0x0

Also it is showing No license was found for my provided email id.

My Microsoft account still shows that Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac is purchased and assigned to my account.

I have already tried the following:

• Restarted the Mac
• Reinstalled Microsoft Office
• Updated Office to the latest available version
• Signed out and signed back into the correct Microsoft account
• Verified my internet connection
• Removed and recreated activation credentials
• Tried activating multiple Office apps

Nothing has resolved the issue.

Please advise if this is a known compatibility issue with the latest macOS update or if there is a manual activation or licensing fix available.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Sincere apologies for the trouble you are having. I am seeing a lot of similar issues today, so something on the backend is causing this.

I'm going to run through a few steps with you. Some of these are diagnostic — they help me narrow down what's wrong, not fix it outright. So if nothing changes after a step, that's normal and expected, not a dead end. I'll keep going until we've got this resolved.

1. Is it MS office for Mac?
2. May I know the Mac version you are running?
3. Is it a Microsoft 365 subscription or an Office standalone?

Also check:

https://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftoffice/comments/1uvko1a/office_2021_for_mac_disabled_lifetime_license_now/

I look forward to hearing from you to get the results of the troubleshooting.

Standard 3rd party link disclaimer:

There may be links to non-Microsoft websites that provide accurate and safe information. Watch out for ads on websites frequently classified as PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). There is no need to buy paid products to fix your computers, as they sometimes do more harm than good.

Answer 2

Exactly the outcome I had [...]. 'We no longer provide support for Office for Mac 2019, therefore I cannot help resolve the issue. Can I help you with anything else?' This activation problem is only happening on the iMac and began a few days ago; Office (with 3 licences bought) on the MacBook is still working ok...

@Trevor

The updates in the middle of July changed a lot for people who run Office on a Mac. You now need an Office product which lets you activate at least release 16.83 (this excludes Office 2019). You also need macOS 12 or later to run Microsoft Office on your Mac.

For more, see John Korchok's article at https://www.brandwares.com/bestpractices/2023/03/most-recent-office-you-can-run-best-practices/ and the official documentation at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/lifecycle/officeinstall/update-m365-office-macos-ios .

Answer 3

Exactly the outcome I had yesterday.

'We no longer provide support for Office for Mac 2019, therefore I cannot help resolve the issue.
Can I help you with anything else?'

This activation problem is only happening on the iMac and began a few days ago; Office (with 3 licences bought) on the MacBook is still working ok...

Daylight robbery.

Answer 4

I reached out to Microsoft about this and this is what they came back with... sounds like day light robbery....

---

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Support. I'm Charles.  Please stay active on this chat and respond within 2-3 minutes to avoid disconnection. Kindly provide your phone number with the country code so we can reconnect if needed. How may I assist you today?

Bot WC said: Just checking in to see if we are still connected?

Bot WC said:

Just checking in to see if we are still connected?

Mallari - 11:40

You said: +44 07951 322 838 I keep getting this error when trying to activate office on my mac. Home & Business 2019 for Mac activation failed after macOS update – Unknown Error (0x0)

You said:

+44 07951 322 838 I keep getting this error when trying to activate office on my mac. Home & Business 2019 for Mac activation failed after macOS update – Unknown Error (0x0)

You said: Just checking in to see if we are still connected?

You said:

Just checking in to see if we are still connected?

11:41 - Sent

Bot WC said: I appreciate you for reaching out regarding the error you're encountering while trying to activate your Office Home & Business 2019 on your Mac. No worries, I'd be happy to take a closer look into this and provide the necessary information to help get this sorted out.

Bot WC said:

I appreciate you for reaching out regarding the error you're encountering while trying to activate your Office Home & Business 2019 on your Mac. No worries, I'd be happy to take a closer look into this and provide the necessary information to help get this sorted out.

Bot WC said: May I kindly ask what version is your macOS?

Bot WC said:

May I kindly ask what version is your macOS?

Mallari - 11:42

You said: It was already activated but since the 14th of July I have received the error. Looks like other people have too https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5946207/office-home-business-2019-for-mac-activation-faile One or more links in the message.

You said:

It was already activated but since the 14th of July I have received the error. Looks like other people have too https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5946207/office-home-business-2019-for-mac-activation-faile

You said: One moment please, just getting the version of my macOS one sec

You said:

One moment please, just getting the version of my macOS one sec

You said: It's a MacBookPro and the macOS is Thoe 26.5.1

You said:

It's a MacBookPro and the macOS is Thoe 26.5.1

11:43 - Sent

Bot WC said: I got it. Thank you for sharing that information with me, as well as the version of your MacBook.

Bot WC said:

I got it. Thank you for sharing that information with me, as well as the version of your MacBook.

Bot WC said: There are some cases where activation issues may occur because Office Home & Business 2019 has already reached the end of mainstream support. Support for Office 2019 ended on October 14, 2025, although certain services and updates were extended through July 13, 2026.

Bot WC said:

There are some cases where activation issues may occur because Office Home & Business 2019 has already reached the end of mainstream support. Support for Office 2019 ended on October 14, 2025, although certain services and updates were extended through July 13, 2026.

Bot WC said: To better understand your situation, may I ask if you recently activated this Office 2019 license for the first time, or was it previously activated and working, and you're now trying to reactivate it?

Bot WC said:

To better understand your situation, may I ask if you recently activated this Office 2019 license for the first time, or was it previously activated and working, and you're now trying to reactivate it?

Mallari - 11:45

You said: it was previously activated and working but then it stopped, and it is asking me to reactivate. I try to do it and then receive the Unknown Error (0x0)

You said:

it was previously activated and working but then it stopped, and it is asking me to reactivate. I try to do it and then receive the Unknown Error (0x0)

You said: It stopped working on July 14th.

You said:

It stopped working on July 14th.

11:47 - Sent

Bot WC said: Please make a note of the Case number: 7105865848 for future reference which I have created for the current interaction.

Bot WC said:

Please make a note of the Case number: 7105865848 for future reference which I have created for the current interaction.

Mallari - 11:48

You said: ok thank you

You said:

ok thank you

11:48 - Sent

Bot WC said: I understand that the Office 2019 license was previously activated and working, but it is no longer functioning now. If you're attempting to reactivate the license, the issue may be related to the fact that Office 2019 has already reached the end of its support lifecycle and is gradually being phased out.

Bot WC said:

I understand that the Office 2019 license was previously activated and working, but it is no longer functioning now. If you're attempting to reactivate the license, the issue may be related to the fact that Office 2019 has already reached the end of its support lifecycle and is gradually being phased out.

Bot WC said: As a result, Microsoft no longer provides feature updates for Office 2019, and compatibility issues may arise over time, especially with newer versions of macOS. This can sometimes affect activation and overall functionality.

Bot WC said:

As a result, Microsoft no longer provides feature updates for Office 2019, and compatibility issues may arise over time, especially with newer versions of macOS. This can sometimes affect activation and overall functionality.

Bot WC said: While the license itself remains valid, the lack of ongoing support and updates may be contributing to the issue you're experiencing.

Bot WC said:

While the license itself remains valid, the lack of ongoing support and updates may be contributing to the issue you're experiencing.

Mallari - 11:49

You said: Well, how do we fix this? I can you give me a licence for a newer version for free then?

You said:

Well, how do we fix this? I can you give me a licence for a newer version for free then?

You said: Sorry, I meant "can you give me a licence for a newer version for free then?"

You said:

Sorry, I meant "can you give me a licence for a newer version for free then?"

11:51 - Sent

Bot WC said: I understand that you would like to continue using our services, and we'd be happy to help. As a courtesy, what we can only offer is a complimentary 3-month Microsoft 365 subscription token. This will allow you to continue using the latest Microsoft 365 applications and services while enjoying the benefits of an active subscription.

Bot WC said:

I understand that you would like to continue using our services, and we'd be happy to help. As a courtesy, what we can only offer is a complimentary 3-month Microsoft 365 subscription token. This will allow you to continue using the latest Microsoft 365 applications and services while enjoying the benefits of an active subscription.

Mallari - 11:52

You said: I do not want a subscription service... that makes no sense to me. I want a working version of microsoft on my machine so that I can continue working

You said:

I do not want a subscription service... that makes no sense to me. I want a working version of microsoft on my machine so that I can continue working

You said: and it seems Microsoft have caused this issue inentionally

You said:

and it seems Microsoft have caused this issue inentionally

You said: it's not fair because I have a working license.

You said:

it's not fair because I have a working license.

You said: so how do you rectify this issue so that I can continue working?

You said:

so how do you rectify this issue so that I can continue working?

You said: I am NOT paying for a subscription service after 3-months because I have a working license key

You said:

I am NOT paying for a subscription service after 3-months because I have a working license key

11:54 - Sent

Bot WC said: I completely understand your side of things, and I truly hear your concerns. If I were in your position, I would likely feel the same way. However, I would like to set the right expectations. Due to Office 2019 reaching the end of its support lifecycle, there may be compatibility and activation-related issues that can occur over time, especially as newer versions of operating systems are released. Since Office 2019 is now an older version of Office, it no longer receives the same level of support, updates, and improvements as newer Microsoft 365 products.

Bot WC said:

I completely understand your side of things, and I truly hear your concerns. If I were in your position, I would likely feel the same way. However, I would like to set the right expectations. Due to Office 2019 reaching the end of its support lifecycle, there may be compatibility and activation-related issues that can occur over time, especially as newer versions of operating systems are released. Since Office 2019 is now an older version of Office, it no longer receives the same level of support, updates, and improvements as newer Microsoft 365 products.

Mallari - 11:56

You said: That means nothing to me. Get me a working version of Microsoft for MAC that does not require a subscription service then.

You said:

That means nothing to me. Get me a working version of Microsoft for MAC that does not require a subscription service then.

You said: This is Microsoft's fault and they need to rectify for the clients that are on Office 2019

You said:

This is Microsoft's fault and they need to rectify for the clients that are on Office 2019

You said: You cant tell me to just buy a new product or subscribe because I have already gor a Microsoft product. That comes across like day light robbery and a potential legal case.

You said:

You cant tell me to just buy a new product or subscribe because I have already gor a Microsoft product. That comes across like day light robbery and a potential legal case.

You said: It's making me feel sick to be honest, and I can neither get work done while I have an ACTIVE LICENSE! This is insane.

You said:

It's making me feel sick to be honest, and I can neither get work done while I have an ACTIVE LICENSE! This is insane.

11:59 - Sent

Bot WC said: I truly understand your frustration, and I completely understand where you're coming from. If there were more options available on my end, I would certainly do everything I could to help.

Bot WC said:

I truly understand your frustration, and I completely understand where you're coming from. If there were more options available on my end, I would certainly do everything I could to help.

Bot WC said: However, due to Office 2019 already reaching the end of its support lifecycle, our available options are limited. At this time, the best option we can provide is a complimentary 3-month Microsoft 365 subscription token.

Bot WC said:

However, due to Office 2019 already reaching the end of its support lifecycle, our available options are limited. At this time, the best option we can provide is a complimentary 3-month Microsoft 365 subscription token.

Bot WC said: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer a replacement for the Office 2019 license itself, as that version is no longer supported. Because it is an older product, there are limitations in terms of troubleshooting, updates, and support going forward.

Bot WC said:

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer a replacement for the Office 2019 license itself, as that version is no longer supported. Because it is an older product, there are limitations in terms of troubleshooting, updates, and support going forward.

Mallari - 12:01

You said: That's not helpful. Can you escalate the issue, please? It does not seem you can do anything about it... 3-months free subscription means nothing to me.

You said:

That's not helpful. Can you escalate the issue, please? It does not seem you can do anything about it... 3-months free subscription means nothing to me.

12:02 - Sent

Bot WC said: I completely understand you on this and please remain on the chat session while my supervisor will connect on the chat session.

Bot WC said:

I completely understand you on this and please remain on the chat session while my supervisor will connect on the chat session.

Mallari - 12:03

You said: Ok, thanks.

You said:

Ok, thanks.

12:03 - Sent

Bot WC said: Please bear with me, my supervisor is connecting on the chat.

Bot WC said:

Please bear with me, my supervisor is connecting on the chat.

Mallari - 12:07

You said: ok

You said:

ok

12:07 - Sent

Bot WC said: "Erese joined chat"

Bot WC said: Erese has joined conversation.

Erese has joined conversation.

You said: Hello

You said:

Hello

12:11 - Sent

Bot WC said: Hi, Jonathan, this is Erese Joel Jr, one of the supervisors of Microsoft.

Bot WC said:

Hi, Jonathan, this is Erese Joel Jr, one of the supervisors of Microsoft.

Bot WC said: Seems like you're having an issue with your Office 2019 for your Mac?

Bot WC said:

Seems like you're having an issue with your Office 2019 for your Mac?

Erese - 12:12

You said: Correct

You said:

Correct

You said: Please read through the conversation to understand what the issue is and then can you provide a solution, please?

You said:

Please read through the conversation to understand what the issue is and then can you provide a solution, please?

12:12 - Sent

Bot WC said: I already read your conversation, Jonathan. I just wanted to set your proper expectation, that Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac is no longer supported on the latest macOS versions. Activation failures like "Unknown Error (0x0)" are expected after recent updates because Microsoft has ended support for Office 2019. The recommended solution is to upgrade to a supported Office version, such as Microsoft 365 or Office 2021 for Mac.

Bot WC said:

I already read your conversation, Jonathan. I just wanted to set your proper expectation, that Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac is no longer supported on the latest macOS versions. Activation failures like "Unknown Error (0x0)" are expected after recent updates because Microsoft has ended support for Office 2019. The recommended solution is to upgrade to a supported Office version, such as Microsoft 365 or Office 2021 for Mac.

Bot WC said: The best recommended troubleshooting steps I could provide for you is the following: Sign out of all Office apps, restart your Mac, and sign in again with your licensed Microsoft account. Remove and re-add your Office license using Microsoft’s official license removal tool for Mac. If activation still fails, Office 2019 cannot be activated on the latest macOS. Upgrading is required for continued use.

Bot WC said:

The best recommended troubleshooting steps I could provide for you is the following: Sign out of all Office apps, restart your Mac, and sign in again with your licensed Microsoft account. Remove and re-add your Office license using Microsoft’s official license removal tool for Mac. If activation still fails, Office 2019 cannot be activated on the latest macOS. Upgrading is required for continued use.

Erese - 12:16

You said: Yeah that's Microsoft's fault... not mine... I am not spending money on a fault that is not mine. How can you rectify this issue?

You said:

Yeah that's Microsoft's fault... not mine... I am not spending money on a fault that is not mine. How can you rectify this issue?

You said: Give me a free subscription key for that version of Office?

You said:

Give me a free subscription key for that version of Office?

You said: I have tried that already and it does not work.

You said:

I have tried that already and it does not work.

You said: I still receive the same issue.

You said:

I still receive the same issue.

You said: and error code

You said:

and error code

12:18 - Sent

Bot WC said: I understand how frustrating this situation is, especially since the activation issue happened after a macOS update and you feel it’s not your fault. Unfortunately, Microsoft can’t provide a free subscription key or replacement license for Office 2019 for Mac. Office 2019 has reached its end of support, and activation problems are common on newer macOS versions. The best way forward is to upgrade to a supported Office version, like Microsoft 365 or Office 2021 for Mac. I know this isn’t the answer you were hoping for, and I wish there were a way to offer a free solution, but Microsoft’s policy doesn’t allow for free keys or exchanges for unsupported products. If you have a one-time license and downloaded Office from the Mac App Store, please uninstall those apps and reinstall Office directly from Microsoft to make sure everything is compatible.

Bot WC said:

I understand how frustrating this situation is, especially since the activation issue happened after a macOS update and you feel it’s not your fault. Unfortunately, Microsoft can’t provide a free subscription key or replacement license for Office 2019 for Mac. Office 2019 has reached its end of support, and activation problems are common on newer macOS versions. The best way forward is to upgrade to a supported Office version, like Microsoft 365 or Office 2021 for Mac. I know this isn’t the answer you were hoping for, and I wish there were a way to offer a free solution, but Microsoft’s policy doesn’t allow for free keys or exchanges for unsupported products. If you have a one-time license and downloaded Office from the Mac App Store, please uninstall those apps and reinstall Office directly from Microsoft to make sure everything is compatible.

Erese - 12:20

You said: Sure.

You said:

Sure.

You said: Sounds like day light robbery.

You said:

Sounds like day light robbery.

12:21 - Sent

Bot WC said: I hear your frustration, and I understand how disappointing this must feel. Microsoft’s policy on unsupported products can be tough, especially when the issue wasn’t caused by anything you did. If you’d like, I can help you explore upgrade options. Please let me know how you’d like to proceed, and I’ll do my best to support you.

Bot WC said:

I hear your frustration, and I understand how disappointing this must feel. Microsoft’s policy on unsupported products can be tough, especially when the issue wasn’t caused by anything you did. If you’d like, I can help you explore upgrade options. Please let me know how you’d like to proceed, and I’ll do my best to support you.

Erese - 12:23

You said: Can you escalate this further, please?

You said:

Can you escalate this further, please?

You said: It's not fair and you can understand the reasons why so plase help try fix the issue.

You said:

It's not fair and you can understand the reasons why so plase help try fix the issue.

You said: Without suggesting things that I have already tried.

You said:

Without suggesting things that I have already tried.

12:23 - Sent

Bot WC said: I understand how unfair this feels, and I truly wish there were more options to resolve the issue. Unfortunately, there is no further escalation available for your case. Microsoft’s policy does not allow for exceptions or free replacements for unsupported products like Office 2019 for Mac. If you need continued access, the best path forward is to upgrade to a supported Office version. If you have any other questions or need help with the upgrade process, I’m here to assist.

Bot WC said:

I understand how unfair this feels, and I truly wish there were more options to resolve the issue. Unfortunately, there is no further escalation available for your case. Microsoft’s policy does not allow for exceptions or free replacements for unsupported products like Office 2019 for Mac. If you need continued access, the best path forward is to upgrade to a supported Office version. If you have any other questions or need help with the upgrade process, I’m here to assist.