All word documents are opening in compatibility mode on Mac

Julie 0 Reputation points
2026-01-27T02:39:44.34+00:00

Using a Mac. Someone sent me a word doc created using Google docs and copilot. Since opening, everything is opening in compatibility mode.

I've cleared cache, restarted computer, checked preferences, saved as docx, renamed normal.dotm and still having issues. Help!

Running Tahoe 26.2

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For business | MacOS

Locked Question. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer recommended by moderator
John Korchok 236.1K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2026-01-27T02:44:35.5533333+00:00

Try creating a new user account (System Settings>Users & Groups), signing in to that, then testing if the problem still exists. If it goes away, it's an issue with the user profile part of your Office installation.

If the issue still exists, or you'd rather not move your user data to a new profile, try uninstalling Office following these steps: Uninstall Office for Mac Then reinstall from the Subscriptions page of your Microsoft account.

Was this answer helpful?

1 person found this answer helpful.

1 additional answer

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anna 0 Reputation points
    2026-06-25T14:55:18.49+00:00

    Hi, I've done all these suggestions - still everything is opening in compatibility mode

    Was this answer helpful?