Support for Office 2021 ended, cannot edit existing excel or word files

Question

Support for Office 2021 ended, cannot edit existing excel or word files

Brian McKerchar 50

Support for Office 2021 has ended and I can no longer edit existing Word or Excel files. How can this be corrected without upgrading to Microsoft 365?

Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-22T20:10:59.38+00:00

Same here and I def have valid 2021 license that shows up in ms account under subscriptions
Bulldog 5,400 Reputation points

2026-10-22T20:50:30.9466667+00:00

End of support means no more updates and no technical support from Microsoft, but the apps themselves still work. There's no need to upgrade (but you might want to.)

If you're having some kind of trouble with the software, there are no official solutions, but you should feel free to ask about it here because this is a user community. We've seen a lot of stuff.
Chris Lenik 10 Reputation points

2026-10-22T21:02:06.7633333+00:00

This is total BS that not only can i not use my paid for product/service, but they wont even offer support for it. Essentially forcing everyone to buy a new version we dont need or want. This should not be legal.
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-22T21:03:44.8+00:00

Thanks. Understood that 2021 should work fine, just no updates/etc and it worked fine yesterday. But today it complains. Tried reinstalling, running License Removal, but to no avail. I can see that I purchased the 2021 Home/Business license in my ms account, but when I launch Excel it just complains that this license cannot be found.
Hendrix-V 20,595 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-10-23T01:59:03.3266667+00:00
Hi Brian McKerchar,

Office 2021 reaching end of support does not automatically mean the applications stop working. Microsoft states that Office 2021 apps may continue functioning after October 13, 2026.

The symptoms you described match Microsoft’s documented reduced functionality mode on Mac - Update Microsoft 365 or Office on your macOS or iOS device.

Please try these steps:

Update macOS from System Settings > General > Software Update.

Open Word/Excel and choose Help > Check for Updates > Update All.

Restart the app and try editing your document again.

If it still happens, let us know the macOS version and the Office version/build shown under Word > About Word. That will help narrow down the next step without repeating troubleshooting you’ve already tried.
Brian McKerchar 50 Reputation points

2026-10-23T03:05:14.1766667+00:00
Hi Hendrix-V,

macOS is updated to the latest version - macOS Golden Gate 27.0.1

I updated all Microsoft apps yesterday

I restarted Excel, Word & my Mac, but still I cannot edit a document. Office version/build: Version 16.114.1 (26102031)

Interesting to note About Word & Excel states that the licence is not activated (please see attached image), but I have been editing & creating documents successfully since buying the licence for Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac.

The problem started yesterday after updating all apps.
Farisca U 5 Reputation points

2026-10-23T07:57:36.4466667+00:00

Hi Hendrix,

I have similar issue and just followed all your instruction. Sadly, i still cannot create/edit my word with my Office Home Business 2021 that I purchased in 2023. Could you please help mine?
Stefan Blom 356.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-10-23T17:13:47.71+00:00

Jennifer wrote (in a later deleted message):

I have been working with a bot for over an hour to try and get my 365 to work. Like others, I can not use my apps anymore. It is ridiculous. I was sent here since they could not help me and we exhausted all attempts to get it to work. I have a valid license. I think I have to buy an updated version so I can do what I need to do on my computer for the day. This is not fair. Please help.

@Jennifer

If you have Office 2021 (specifically Office Home & Student 2021, Office Home & Business 2021, or Office Professional 2021), see if you can activate by installing a slightly older version. Read the Accepted Answer from Rob P.

You mention Microsoft 365, and you should definitely be able to activate a subscription version, assuming that you have macOS 12 or later on your computer. For more, see https://www.brandwares.com/bestpractices/2023/03/most-recent-office-you-can-run-best-practices/.
Hendrix-V 20,595 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-10-24T00:22:34.8366667+00:00

Hi Brian McKerchar,

I'm relieved to know that you made a great decision and everything is good to go on your side. I hope the insights shared in the forum help address your concerns effectively.

Hi Farisca U,

Since the original poster has confirmed the answer in this thread so you can follow the instructions to see if it works in your situation.
Farisca U 5 Reputation points

2026-10-24T09:20:27.7466667+00:00

Hello hendrix,

I assure you that I have followed the instruction more than 7 times and still unable to create/edit my word/excel/power point. Noting that you're microsoft external staff, could you please help mine? I also just sent report to microsoft a few minutes ago.
Stefan Blom 356.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-10-24T15:00:11.2133333+00:00

I have followed the instruction more than 7 times and still unable to create/edit my word/excel/power point.

@Farisca U

Which version of macOS do you have? The OS version is another factor which limits which Microsoft Office version & build you can run. See https://www.brandwares.com/bestpractices/2023/03/most-recent-office-you-can-run-best-practices/ .

You may want to start a separate thread for your question to discuss this in more detail. Use the Ask a question option.

Good luck.
Farisca U 5 Reputation points

2026-10-25T02:52:40.36+00:00

Hei @Stefan Blom ,

Of course mine is the Golden Gate 27.0.1. well noted to pursue separate thread
Stefan Blom 356.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-10-25T15:28:16.03+00:00

@Farisca U

The fact that you have the most current version of macOS is encouraging. It means that you should be able to work around the problem.

I don't know why version 16.113 of Office does not activate for you. You could try an even older version.

Note that the specific Office product name is also important. I don't think you have stated that here.

You need to have Office Home & Student 2021, Office Home & Business 2021, or Office Professional 2021. Other Office 2021 products may become unlicensed for other reasons, especially if you are trying to activate a volume license product as if it was intended for home use / consumer use.
mohammad radazad 0 Reputation points

2026-10-25T19:36:43.4966667+00:00

yes I have the same problem
Farisca U 5 Reputation points

2026-10-26T00:47:15.8666667+00:00

Hi @Stefan Blom thank you for your reply.

Mine is Office Home Business 2021 that I purchased in 2023. Sadly, after all the attempts that I follow from this thread, I still am unable to create/edit my office apps
Hendrix-V 20,595 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-10-28T02:48:34.54+00:00

Hi Farisca U,

I'm relieved to know that everything is good to go on your side. If you have any updates or further questions, please feel free to share them with us.
Stefan Blom 356.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-10-28T10:18:44.5966667+00:00

yes I have the same problem

@mohammad radazad

If the suggestions in this thread haven't helped, please start your own thread. Use the Ask a question option. Include the pieces of information that apply to your system (Office version, macOS version). Good luck.
Stefan Blom 356.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-10-28T10:27:09.1366667+00:00

Hi @Stefan Blom and all, just to share my updates because we are in this together (lol),

I settled my problem by installing the microsoft version 16.69.23070100 (the January 2023 version).

@Farisca U

I'm glad you were able to fix the problem by installing an older version. Thanks for the follow-up.

Answer accepted by question author

Rob P 145

Ok, after futzing on-and-off all day, I think I found the issue:

Mac Office version 16.114.1 is the culprit as going back one version to 16.114 works for a valid Office 2021 license

If I download 16.114.1 and install - it fails.

If I download 16.114 and install and let autoupdate run to get 16.114.1 - it fails

If I download 16.114 and install and do not run autoupdate - it works.

So download 16.114, install, and turn off 'Automatically keep Microsoft Apps up to date' in Microsoft AutoUpdate

Hope this works for everyone here!

All versions of Office can be found here https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdates/update-history-office-for-mac

Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-23T05:02:15.9366667+00:00

My theory is that 16.114.1 is Office 2024 and trying to run it with a 2021 license will get a license not found error, and 116.114 is the last version of Office 2021 so our 2021 licenses are valid for this version. Basically I am blaming autoupdate for installing a version that won't work.
Sofie B 0 Reputation points

2026-10-23T08:32:24.1666667+00:00

This fixed the issue, thank you! Not sure where to find the option to turn off the auto update though - where do I find Microsoft AutoUpdate?

Edit:

Never mind, I figured it out!

You just open one of the Office apps, click on "Help" on the top menu bar, and click on “Check for updates” - then you can see if any updates are available, and can also turn off the automatic updates (for all of the Office apps and not just the app, that you used to find the setting)
Brian McKerchar 50 Reputation points

2026-10-23T13:23:26.54+00:00

Whilst 16.114 has resolved my issue of not been able to edit Excel/Word files, if I turn off Microsoft AutoUpdate under Settings/Login Items & Extensions/Microsoft AutoUpdate, I get an annoying notification at the top of an Excel or Word file "Update Error: Open System Settings and allow 'Microsoft AutoUpdate' to run in the background." Is there a way to stop this annoying notification after turning off AutoUpdate in System Settings?
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-23T15:00:37.3233333+00:00

BrianK: I discovered that as well. Unfortunately, it looks like autoupdate still needs to run in the background to avoid getting the message you found. The turn off feature I mentioned is as SofieB mentions as shown here:
Dave Holliday 0 Reputation points

2026-10-23T15:58:59.6566667+00:00

Solution worked but like Brian above I now have the annoying notification error each time I open an office document. If anyone figures out how to disable this it would be appreciated
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-23T17:46:38.5766667+00:00

Dave H: You can remove this notification by turning on AutoUpdate at login via MacOS System Settings (note that this is from MacOS 15 and not MacOS 26/27 so it may look different). This should get rid of the message when opening an office document.
snam 0 Reputation points

2026-10-23T19:27:17.56+00:00

Hi everyone. Thank you Rob P. or the link. I downloaded the 16.114 package and installed it, but all the office apps are still v 16.114.1. Also, the AutoUpdate is turned off. Am I missing a step to get the v 16.114?

Thank you in advance for the help and guidance.
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-23T19:38:26.2766667+00:00

snam: Did you delete the original 16.144.1 files in Applications first? This is what I did when testing. I don't think the installer will overwrite newer versions with older versions.
Dave Holliday 0 Reputation points

2026-10-23T22:58:05.8533333+00:00

Rob P

If I turn back on Auto update wont it then update Word to the version I just deleted and bring back the licence problem or do I misunderstand something?
Dave Holliday 0 Reputation points

2026-10-23T23:02:55.33+00:00

snam I just deleted word, then did a custom install from the previous version to put back Word I now have a working 16.114 for word. All the other apps still seem fine at the current version. As Rob says I dont think the installer overwrites a newer version
snam 0 Reputation points

2026-10-23T23:17:20.43+00:00

THANK YOU!! You are right. The installer does not overwrite the newer version. MS Office 2021 fully works now with v16.114 on the Mac. Thank you.
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-24T01:03:50.7233333+00:00

Dave H: There are two things going on here. First is turning on autoupdate in the system settings which allows the app to run which office apparently needs to prevent the annoying message, and second, within the autoupdate app, there is the setting to automatically install the updates, which is what we want turned off.. This way the app runs, finds any updates, but doesn't install them so you will be at 16.114 forever which is what we want in the long run.
Farisca U 5 Reputation points

2026-10-25T04:45:16.1+00:00

Hi rob. Do you need to install microsoft license removal first before downloaded 16.114 version ann turnoff the autoupdate? I hve followed your tips but sadly doesnt work
Dave Holliday 0 Reputation points

2026-10-25T12:43:28.08+00:00

Hi Rob P
Thanks I had missed the step about disabling automatically install all sorted now
Jim Romano 0 Reputation points

2026-10-25T16:29:51.24+00:00

Rob, I tried installing the 16.114 update over the 16.114.1
I downloaded and It did the install but all apps still show version 16.114.1 so it did Not work.....Any Suggestions?
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T16:35:38.4066667+00:00

JimR: did you delete the original 16.114.1 apps first? Most installers won't overwrite a newer version with an older version. See above comments from snam as he had the same issue
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T16:39:59.3633333+00:00

FariscaU: I don't know if one needs to run ms license removal first, but I'm pretty sure I did that early on in my process as I was trying to figure things out. If you have a valid license this shouldn't matter as it will pick it up at some point. Another issue is to make sure you have deleted all the apps in Office 16.114.1 to make sure you are starting as clean as possible
Jim Romano 0 Reputation points

2026-10-25T17:32:24.9466667+00:00

Rob,
Could you explain how to remove previous apps, Trash? and where should I reinstall from, My original installer from 2023 or online, or ? I don't want to loose all my Outlook correspondances from many years...
Thanks
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T18:20:57.47+00:00

First just try moving them to Trash but the method I used was an app call AppCleaner from https://freemacsoft.net/appcleaner/ as there are more files installed than just the app itself. I think just moving to Trash works as someone else had the same issue here and I think he just moved things to Trash.

As for what to use as an installer, if you use the original installer you will only have that version available as you can't use update to go higher. Depending on how old that is that may be undesirable. I'd suggest just downloading the 16.114 version from the ms website https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdates/update-history-office-for-mac and go from there
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T18:27:32.65+00:00

--To follow up, since you are using Outllook, I'm not sure if you delete that if that will delete all your old email. Yikes. That is a good question as I don't know where the actual email is stored. In a logical world it wouldn't but then again this is ms. I'd keep the current version of Outlook as is, delete the rest, and then when running the installer do a custom install and do not pick Outlook just in case.
Jim Romano 0 Reputation points

2026-10-25T18:28:50.4666667+00:00

Ok, so after I use Appcleaner or move the apps to the trash and use the 16.114 update, that will give me the full apps back?
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T18:30:10.1766667+00:00

--see https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/lifecycle/officeinstall/uninstall-office-for-mac for info on what it says about Outlook data
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T18:31:19.5233333+00:00

It should, yes. that is the exact process I used. but just move to Trash first before using Appcleaner
Larry 0 Reputation points

2026-10-25T18:59:02.8333333+00:00

Thank you Rob. You saved my weekend. I have spend hours over the last few days going down endless rabbit holes and your fix worked perfectly. Now I just need to remove an issue with Outlook that I must have caused today trying endless ways of resolving the Office issue (lost all my 'On my Computer' emails and now have an Inbox of 15,000 emails which seem to be every email that I haver had for the last three years which downloaded from the server!).
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T19:13:20.51+00:00

Larry: no problem! I know that sinking feeling when something worked the day before and then it doesn't...
Jim Romano 0 Reputation points

2026-10-25T21:37:02.6966667+00:00

Rob P,

OK!!! Super Thanks, I deleted each app to trash (actually one at a time) and installed the downloaded update 16.114 and it all worked, INCLUDING Outlook, which kept all my emails/files. The auto update app keeps popping up even after unchecking it in System Settings, so I just quit it...small inconvenience for getting all my apps back.

Thankyou much!
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T21:44:54.34+00:00

JimR- Great! I was worried a bit about Outlook myself but glad it worked out. You can fix the autoupdate thing by following the screenshots above in the thread. Basically turning on autoupdate in system settings, but turning off the 'automatically keep Microsoft apps up to date'. annoying that that app has to always be running, but we are preventing it from actually updating so we are stuck on 16.114 forever.
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T21:54:35.4133333+00:00

JimR- Actually it looks like MS fixed the autoupdate issue. Now when I run autoupdate, it tells me there are no updates available - before it would mention that 16.114.1 is available. Still, I'm keeping automatically update off
Jim Romano 0 Reputation points

2026-10-25T22:17:01.09+00:00

Rob P.

Very good, I just checked and you're right. Nice tip!
Should I update that Teams App?
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T23:54:31.5633333+00:00

Short answer is I don't know. It is probably okay, but if the old one still works then I'd let it be.
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-29T11:45:17.1966667+00:00
For anyone who is still following this thread, Microsoft has fixed this issue on their end. Microsoft Office version 16.114.3 has resolved the licensing problem with Office 2021 for Mac and it is safe to have autoupdate install it:

A previous update inadvertently disabled Office 2021 for existing users. This update resolves the issue and fully restores functionality for affected customers.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdates/release-notes-office-for-mac

I let autoupdate do its thing and installed this version for all of my Office products and they all behave as they used to. I still have 'Automatically keep Microsoft apps up to date' turned off in AutoUpdate though so I can first verify that any new update won't break things again...
Jim Romano 0 Reputation points

2026-10-29T15:11:49.08+00:00

Rob P,

Questionable?
Since "Support for Office 2021 ends on October 13, 2026, after which it stops receiving security updates"
Does updating to 11.116.3 bring any advantages, and hypothetically will it keep updating beyond this update?
maybe app updates only?
Your opinion is highly desired...

JimR

3 additional answers

Your answer

Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-22T20:10:59.38+00:00

Same here and I def have valid 2021 license that shows up in ms account under subscriptions
Bulldog 5,400 Reputation points

2026-10-22T20:50:30.9466667+00:00

End of support means no more updates and no technical support from Microsoft, but the apps themselves still work. There's no need to upgrade (but you might want to.)

If you're having some kind of trouble with the software, there are no official solutions, but you should feel free to ask about it here because this is a user community. We've seen a lot of stuff.
Chris Lenik 10 Reputation points

2026-10-22T21:02:06.7633333+00:00

This is total BS that not only can i not use my paid for product/service, but they wont even offer support for it. Essentially forcing everyone to buy a new version we dont need or want. This should not be legal.
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-22T21:03:44.8+00:00

Thanks. Understood that 2021 should work fine, just no updates/etc and it worked fine yesterday. But today it complains. Tried reinstalling, running License Removal, but to no avail. I can see that I purchased the 2021 Home/Business license in my ms account, but when I launch Excel it just complains that this license cannot be found.
Hendrix-V 20,595 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-10-23T01:59:03.3266667+00:00

Hi Brian McKerchar,

Office 2021 reaching end of support does not automatically mean the applications stop working. Microsoft states that Office 2021 apps may continue functioning after October 13, 2026.

The symptoms you described match Microsoft’s documented reduced functionality mode on Mac - Update Microsoft 365 or Office on your macOS or iOS device.

Please try these steps:

Update macOS from System Settings > General > Software Update.

Open Word/Excel and choose Help > Check for Updates > Update All.

Restart the app and try editing your document again.

If it still happens, let us know the macOS version and the Office version/build shown under Word > About Word. That will help narrow down the next step without repeating troubleshooting you’ve already tried.
Brian McKerchar 50 Reputation points

2026-10-23T03:05:14.1766667+00:00

Hi Hendrix-V,

macOS is updated to the latest version - macOS Golden Gate 27.0.1

I updated all Microsoft apps yesterday

I restarted Excel, Word & my Mac, but still I cannot edit a document. Office version/build: Version 16.114.1 (26102031)

Interesting to note About Word & Excel states that the licence is not activated (please see attached image), but I have been editing & creating documents successfully since buying the licence for Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac.

The problem started yesterday after updating all apps.
Farisca U 5 Reputation points

2026-10-23T07:57:36.4466667+00:00

Hi Hendrix,

I have similar issue and just followed all your instruction. Sadly, i still cannot create/edit my word with my Office Home Business 2021 that I purchased in 2023. Could you please help mine?
Stefan Blom 356.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-10-23T17:13:47.71+00:00

Jennifer wrote (in a later deleted message):

I have been working with a bot for over an hour to try and get my 365 to work. Like others, I can not use my apps anymore. It is ridiculous. I was sent here since they could not help me and we exhausted all attempts to get it to work. I have a valid license. I think I have to buy an updated version so I can do what I need to do on my computer for the day. This is not fair. Please help.

@Jennifer

If you have Office 2021 (specifically Office Home & Student 2021, Office Home & Business 2021, or Office Professional 2021), see if you can activate by installing a slightly older version. Read the Accepted Answer from Rob P.

You mention Microsoft 365, and you should definitely be able to activate a subscription version, assuming that you have macOS 12 or later on your computer. For more, see https://www.brandwares.com/bestpractices/2023/03/most-recent-office-you-can-run-best-practices/.
Hendrix-V 20,595 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-10-24T00:22:34.8366667+00:00

Hi Brian McKerchar,

I'm relieved to know that you made a great decision and everything is good to go on your side. I hope the insights shared in the forum help address your concerns effectively.

Hi Farisca U,

Since the original poster has confirmed the answer in this thread so you can follow the instructions to see if it works in your situation.
Farisca U 5 Reputation points

2026-10-24T09:20:27.7466667+00:00

Hello hendrix,

I assure you that I have followed the instruction more than 7 times and still unable to create/edit my word/excel/power point. Noting that you're microsoft external staff, could you please help mine? I also just sent report to microsoft a few minutes ago.
Stefan Blom 356.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-10-24T15:00:11.2133333+00:00

I have followed the instruction more than 7 times and still unable to create/edit my word/excel/power point.

@Farisca U

Which version of macOS do you have? The OS version is another factor which limits which Microsoft Office version & build you can run. See https://www.brandwares.com/bestpractices/2023/03/most-recent-office-you-can-run-best-practices/ .

You may want to start a separate thread for your question to discuss this in more detail. Use the Ask a question option.

Good luck.
Farisca U 5 Reputation points

2026-10-25T02:52:40.36+00:00

Hei @Stefan Blom ,

Of course mine is the Golden Gate 27.0.1. well noted to pursue separate thread
Stefan Blom 356.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-10-25T15:28:16.03+00:00

@Farisca U

The fact that you have the most current version of macOS is encouraging. It means that you should be able to work around the problem.

I don't know why version 16.113 of Office does not activate for you. You could try an even older version.

Note that the specific Office product name is also important. I don't think you have stated that here.

You need to have Office Home & Student 2021, Office Home & Business 2021, or Office Professional 2021. Other Office 2021 products may become unlicensed for other reasons, especially if you are trying to activate a volume license product as if it was intended for home use / consumer use.
mohammad radazad 0 Reputation points

2026-10-25T19:36:43.4966667+00:00

yes I have the same problem
Farisca U 5 Reputation points

2026-10-26T00:47:15.8666667+00:00

Hi @Stefan Blom thank you for your reply.

Mine is Office Home Business 2021 that I purchased in 2023. Sadly, after all the attempts that I follow from this thread, I still am unable to create/edit my office apps
Hendrix-V 20,595 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-10-28T02:48:34.54+00:00

Hi Farisca U,

I'm relieved to know that everything is good to go on your side. If you have any updates or further questions, please feel free to share them with us.
Stefan Blom 356.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-10-28T10:18:44.5966667+00:00

yes I have the same problem

@mohammad radazad

If the suggestions in this thread haven't helped, please start your own thread. Use the Ask a question option. Include the pieces of information that apply to your system (Office version, macOS version). Good luck.
Stefan Blom 356.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-10-28T10:27:09.1366667+00:00

Hi @Stefan Blom and all, just to share my updates because we are in this together (lol),

I settled my problem by installing the microsoft version 16.69.23070100 (the January 2023 version).

@Farisca U

I'm glad you were able to fix the problem by installing an older version. Thanks for the follow-up.
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-23T05:02:15.9366667+00:00

My theory is that 16.114.1 is Office 2024 and trying to run it with a 2021 license will get a license not found error, and 116.114 is the last version of Office 2021 so our 2021 licenses are valid for this version. Basically I am blaming autoupdate for installing a version that won't work.
Sofie B 0 Reputation points

2026-10-23T08:32:24.1666667+00:00

This fixed the issue, thank you! Not sure where to find the option to turn off the auto update though - where do I find Microsoft AutoUpdate?

Edit:

Never mind, I figured it out!

You just open one of the Office apps, click on "Help" on the top menu bar, and click on “Check for updates” - then you can see if any updates are available, and can also turn off the automatic updates (for all of the Office apps and not just the app, that you used to find the setting)
Brian McKerchar 50 Reputation points

2026-10-23T13:23:26.54+00:00

Whilst 16.114 has resolved my issue of not been able to edit Excel/Word files, if I turn off Microsoft AutoUpdate under Settings/Login Items & Extensions/Microsoft AutoUpdate, I get an annoying notification at the top of an Excel or Word file "Update Error: Open System Settings and allow 'Microsoft AutoUpdate' to run in the background." Is there a way to stop this annoying notification after turning off AutoUpdate in System Settings?
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-23T15:00:37.3233333+00:00

BrianK: I discovered that as well. Unfortunately, it looks like autoupdate still needs to run in the background to avoid getting the message you found. The turn off feature I mentioned is as SofieB mentions as shown here:
Dave Holliday 0 Reputation points

2026-10-23T15:58:59.6566667+00:00

Solution worked but like Brian above I now have the annoying notification error each time I open an office document. If anyone figures out how to disable this it would be appreciated
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-23T17:46:38.5766667+00:00

Dave H: You can remove this notification by turning on AutoUpdate at login via MacOS System Settings (note that this is from MacOS 15 and not MacOS 26/27 so it may look different). This should get rid of the message when opening an office document.
snam 0 Reputation points

2026-10-23T19:27:17.56+00:00

Hi everyone. Thank you Rob P. or the link. I downloaded the 16.114 package and installed it, but all the office apps are still v 16.114.1. Also, the AutoUpdate is turned off. Am I missing a step to get the v 16.114?

Thank you in advance for the help and guidance.
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-23T19:38:26.2766667+00:00

snam: Did you delete the original 16.144.1 files in Applications first? This is what I did when testing. I don't think the installer will overwrite newer versions with older versions.
Dave Holliday 0 Reputation points

2026-10-23T22:58:05.8533333+00:00

Rob P

If I turn back on Auto update wont it then update Word to the version I just deleted and bring back the licence problem or do I misunderstand something?
Dave Holliday 0 Reputation points

2026-10-23T23:02:55.33+00:00

snam I just deleted word, then did a custom install from the previous version to put back Word I now have a working 16.114 for word. All the other apps still seem fine at the current version. As Rob says I dont think the installer overwrites a newer version
snam 0 Reputation points

2026-10-23T23:17:20.43+00:00

THANK YOU!! You are right. The installer does not overwrite the newer version. MS Office 2021 fully works now with v16.114 on the Mac. Thank you.
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-24T01:03:50.7233333+00:00

Dave H: There are two things going on here. First is turning on autoupdate in the system settings which allows the app to run which office apparently needs to prevent the annoying message, and second, within the autoupdate app, there is the setting to automatically install the updates, which is what we want turned off.. This way the app runs, finds any updates, but doesn't install them so you will be at 16.114 forever which is what we want in the long run.
Farisca U 5 Reputation points

2026-10-25T04:45:16.1+00:00

Hi rob. Do you need to install microsoft license removal first before downloaded 16.114 version ann turnoff the autoupdate? I hve followed your tips but sadly doesnt work
Dave Holliday 0 Reputation points

2026-10-25T12:43:28.08+00:00

Hi Rob P
Thanks I had missed the step about disabling automatically install all sorted now
Jim Romano 0 Reputation points

2026-10-25T16:29:51.24+00:00

Rob, I tried installing the 16.114 update over the 16.114.1
I downloaded and It did the install but all apps still show version 16.114.1 so it did Not work.....Any Suggestions?
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T16:35:38.4066667+00:00

JimR: did you delete the original 16.114.1 apps first? Most installers won't overwrite a newer version with an older version. See above comments from snam as he had the same issue
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T16:39:59.3633333+00:00

FariscaU: I don't know if one needs to run ms license removal first, but I'm pretty sure I did that early on in my process as I was trying to figure things out. If you have a valid license this shouldn't matter as it will pick it up at some point. Another issue is to make sure you have deleted all the apps in Office 16.114.1 to make sure you are starting as clean as possible
Jim Romano 0 Reputation points

2026-10-25T17:32:24.9466667+00:00

Rob,
Could you explain how to remove previous apps, Trash? and where should I reinstall from, My original installer from 2023 or online, or ? I don't want to loose all my Outlook correspondances from many years...
Thanks
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T18:20:57.47+00:00

First just try moving them to Trash but the method I used was an app call AppCleaner from https://freemacsoft.net/appcleaner/ as there are more files installed than just the app itself. I think just moving to Trash works as someone else had the same issue here and I think he just moved things to Trash.

As for what to use as an installer, if you use the original installer you will only have that version available as you can't use update to go higher. Depending on how old that is that may be undesirable. I'd suggest just downloading the 16.114 version from the ms website https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdates/update-history-office-for-mac and go from there
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T18:27:32.65+00:00

--To follow up, since you are using Outllook, I'm not sure if you delete that if that will delete all your old email. Yikes. That is a good question as I don't know where the actual email is stored. In a logical world it wouldn't but then again this is ms. I'd keep the current version of Outlook as is, delete the rest, and then when running the installer do a custom install and do not pick Outlook just in case.
Jim Romano 0 Reputation points

2026-10-25T18:28:50.4666667+00:00

Ok, so after I use Appcleaner or move the apps to the trash and use the 16.114 update, that will give me the full apps back?
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T18:30:10.1766667+00:00

--see https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/lifecycle/officeinstall/uninstall-office-for-mac for info on what it says about Outlook data
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T18:31:19.5233333+00:00

It should, yes. that is the exact process I used. but just move to Trash first before using Appcleaner
Larry 0 Reputation points

2026-10-25T18:59:02.8333333+00:00

Thank you Rob. You saved my weekend. I have spend hours over the last few days going down endless rabbit holes and your fix worked perfectly. Now I just need to remove an issue with Outlook that I must have caused today trying endless ways of resolving the Office issue (lost all my 'On my Computer' emails and now have an Inbox of 15,000 emails which seem to be every email that I haver had for the last three years which downloaded from the server!).
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T19:13:20.51+00:00

Larry: no problem! I know that sinking feeling when something worked the day before and then it doesn't...
Jim Romano 0 Reputation points

2026-10-25T21:37:02.6966667+00:00

Rob P,

OK!!! Super Thanks, I deleted each app to trash (actually one at a time) and installed the downloaded update 16.114 and it all worked, INCLUDING Outlook, which kept all my emails/files. The auto update app keeps popping up even after unchecking it in System Settings, so I just quit it...small inconvenience for getting all my apps back.

Thankyou much!
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T21:44:54.34+00:00

JimR- Great! I was worried a bit about Outlook myself but glad it worked out. You can fix the autoupdate thing by following the screenshots above in the thread. Basically turning on autoupdate in system settings, but turning off the 'automatically keep Microsoft apps up to date'. annoying that that app has to always be running, but we are preventing it from actually updating so we are stuck on 16.114 forever.
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T21:54:35.4133333+00:00

JimR- Actually it looks like MS fixed the autoupdate issue. Now when I run autoupdate, it tells me there are no updates available - before it would mention that 16.114.1 is available. Still, I'm keeping automatically update off
Jim Romano 0 Reputation points

2026-10-25T22:17:01.09+00:00

Rob P.

Very good, I just checked and you're right. Nice tip!
Should I update that Teams App?
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-25T23:54:31.5633333+00:00

Short answer is I don't know. It is probably okay, but if the old one still works then I'd let it be.
Rob P 145 Reputation points

2026-10-29T11:45:17.1966667+00:00

For anyone who is still following this thread, Microsoft has fixed this issue on their end. Microsoft Office version 16.114.3 has resolved the licensing problem with Office 2021 for Mac and it is safe to have autoupdate install it:

A previous update inadvertently disabled Office 2021 for existing users. This update resolves the issue and fully restores functionality for affected customers.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdates/release-notes-office-for-mac

I let autoupdate do its thing and installed this version for all of my Office products and they all behave as they used to. I still have 'Automatically keep Microsoft apps up to date' turned off in AutoUpdate though so I can first verify that any new update won't break things again...
Jim Romano 0 Reputation points

2026-10-29T15:11:49.08+00:00

Rob P,

Questionable?
Since "Support for Office 2021 ends on October 13, 2026, after which it stops receiving security updates"
Does updating to 11.116.3 bring any advantages, and hypothetically will it keep updating beyond this update?
maybe app updates only?
Your opinion is highly desired...

JimR

Answer 1

Stefan Blom 356.4K MVP Volunteer Moderator

Support for Office 2021 has ended and I can no longer edit existing Word or Excel files. How can this be corrected without upgrading to Microsoft 365?

Over the past days there have been multiple reports that Office 2021 may refuse to activate on macOS. It is not yet known if this is a temporary glitch with the activation servers or if Microsoft has made some changes to the licensing of Office 2021.

0 comments

Answer 2

Hi @Stefan Blom and all, just to share my updates because we are in this together (lol),

I settled my problem by installing the microsoft version 16.69.23070100 (the January 2023 version).

My account has multiple license (Office Home Business 2021 and Office Home Student 2019), when I reinstall the 6 October/older version, it keeps shows that I have to purchase the latest microsoft license.

Thus, install the January 2023 version, using my Office Home Student 2019 instead of Home Business 2021, and it works!

I know it is ridiculous for microsoft to do this to the ones who has perpetual license.

I hope y'all have a great day!

Answer 3

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