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I can no longer edit , save or print excel or word documents.
I purchased a (perpetual) license for Office 2019 in 2023 but lost functionality a couple days ago.
I've installed all available updates including the Mac OS but can't seem to restore the edit, save or print functionality.
It seems the only options being offered by Microsoft are to "upgrade" to a 365 subscription or purchase a license for Office 2024.
Microsoft still shows my perpetual license for Office 2019 being valid yet it's no longer usable for my purposes.
I understand Office 2019 is no longer "supported" and that's fine as long as it's functional.
What's the best way to get this functional again?
Thank you,
Ben
Processes in Microsoft 365 for setting up Office apps, redeeming product keys, and activating licenses.
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I have a current paid-up Microsoft 365 subscription and that still doesn't matter. One day Excel and Word were working great on my older Macs and the next day they didn't. MS's response is "no problem, just replace your computers!"
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When do we get our refund? I purchased Office 2019 for Mac so I wouldn't have to pay a monthly subscription. Why the F does Microsoft think purposely disabling the software is good customer service?
Hello,
Starting July 13, 2026, Office 2019 for Mac entered reduced functionality mode because its licensing certificate can no longer be updated. Office may still open documents, but it can no longer activate for editing, saving, or creating files.
Microsoft confirms that Office 2019 for Mac cannot be updated to the required version, and reinstalling Office 2019 will not resolve it.
The available options are:
Your existing documents are not deleted or damaged, but Office 2019 for Mac can no longer be restored to full editing mode through activation troubleshooting.
Subscribing to 365 or a purchasing a new version is not a solution if, like me, you have old Macs that can't run the newer versions.