Word "reduced functionality mode"?

Question

Word "reduced functionality mode"?

Lesia Perritt 0

Since July 16, 2026, I can no longer create Word doc. on OS 11.7.11. How do I access Word "reduced functionality mode"?

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Answer recommended by moderator

EmilyS_726 27,470 Volunteer Moderator

If your macOS is below 12, Office products will now enter reduced functionality mode. In other words, the OS is too old to receive the licensing update the Office now requires.

Reduced functionality mode means you can open and print files, but you cannot edit, save or create new files. You don'thave to do anything to enter this mode. It should already enter this mode automatically.

This is an update that occured on July 13th and Microsoft shared it here: https://support.microsoft.com/office/update-microsoft-365-or-office-on-your-macos-or-ios-device-f418ae5d-bb5f-4078-b3d9-9340f5dd084e

If your device cannot update its OS to at least 12, your options will be: Use the web version or an alternative like LibreOffice. And you want to cancel your subscriptions.

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2 additional answers

Answer 1

Deb M 0

My device cannot update OS. What exactly is Libreoffice? I need urgently to update an important Word document. So how do I transfer my Word documents to this and will my document’s settings remain the same. OR is this suggestion to use Libreoffice only for creating new documents? Thanks

Stefan Blom 351.1K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-06T17:10:27.06+00:00

My device cannot update OS. What exactly is Libreoffice? I need urgently to update an important Word document. So how do I transfer my Word documents to this and will my document’s settings remain the same. OR is this suggestion to use Libreoffice only for creating new documents? Thanks

@Deb M

LibreOffice is an open source software suite which can create and edit Word documents. You can use it for free. File compatibility is generally good (but not 100%). For more, see https://www.libreoffice.org/ .

If you need further assistance from your fellow users in Q&A, please start your own thread. Use the Ask a question option (see the screen shot below).

Answer 2

Following a certificate update in mid July, you must have at least macOS Monterey on your Mac to run Microsoft Office. See https://www.brandwares.com/bestpractices/2023/03/most-recent-office-you-can-run-best-practices/ .

You may also be interested in the overview at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-apps/mac/certificate-update-mac-ios (primarily written for admins but still relevant reading).