Can't edit or type in Word doc because the function is locked

Question

All of a sudden today, I can't edit a word doc or type in an existing or new document on my MacBookPro. The bottom of the document says "you can't make this change because the function is locked."

Answer 1

Hi, Elaine Leitner

This usually means Word for Mac has lost its activation status, so it opens documents in read-only mode. It can happen after an update or when Word is signed in with an account that does not hold the license.

Here are some suggestions you can try:

Open Word, select Word > Sign Out, quit Word completely, reopen it, and sign in with the Microsoft account used to purchase or receive Microsoft 365.

Check Services & subscriptions and confirm that Microsoft 365 is active under that same account. Seeing the free web apps alone does not confirm an active desktop license.

If the subscription was purchased through Apple, open App Store > your name > Account Settings > Subscriptions and confirm it is active. Then return to Word and use Restore Purchase, if shown.

In Word, select Help > Check for Updates, install available updates, and restart the Mac.

If it remains locked, run the Office license removal tool, restart the Mac, and sign in again.

If it still fails, please confirm the macOS version, the Microsoft 365 plan, and whether it was purchased from Microsoft or Apple.

Thank you for your patience in reading, I hope this information has been helpful to you. 

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Answer 2

Elaine, what is your macOS version?

Also, are you on a Microsoft 365 personal or family subscription? Is your subscription purchased from Microsoft or from Apple?