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I can access my Microsoft account but when I try to activate Word for Mac it does not allow me to sign in. I do not know why I can sign in in one place but cannot sign in in another place. How do I resolve?
Processes in Microsoft 365 for setting up Office apps, redeeming product keys, and activating licenses.
Could you add a bit more detail? Specifically, what exact error message Word shows, which macOS version you're using, and whether your Word for Mac is Microsoft 365 or a perpetual license.
Hello
In order to know what troubleshoot steps to take, I need more information.
What macOS version is this?
Did you purchase your Msft 365 from Microsoft or from Apple? It is not Office 2019, right?
Did it give 0x0 error?
hi Emily, the Mac OS is Ventura 13.7.8. The software was purchased from Microsoft. Home & Student 2021. I am not receiving a oxo message, this isue is that my Word, Excel I cannot save to. The fix is that I need to uninstall and reinstall an older version. But I need to sort out access to Microsoft before I can do this.
I need to uninstall Microsoft Office for Mac to downgrade to a version I can use. Wil I lose the mail files that I have saved to my hard drive? If so, how can i back them up?
No, you will not lose files.
I think the clean way is to use the same Microsoft account you used when you redeemed Office Home & Student 2021 and check its “Services & subscriptions” section to make sure the product is listed, and Word for Mac activates only from an account where that one‑time license appears.
Hi Emily, I have done all of this. It appears i will need to with for 30 days before attempting sign on again. This seems crazy to me as I have proof of purchase in front of me. Changing an email address doe not seem to be an uncommon thing to do. Maybe Microsoft can revisit this process. Is there anything I can do - can this issue be escalated? Or do I now need to wait a month? I am not sure most user can accept a month away from systems?
OK, then you are right; if your security info change is pending, leave it be. In 30 days it will update automatically. The important distinction is that Microsoft’s 30-day period does not normally happen merely because someone adds another phone number, email address, or Authenticator method. It is triggered when all previous security methods are removed/outdated and need updated.
Unfortunately no, it cannot be bypassed in any way, and no support can manually review it either.
I know 30 days is a long wait and you are not the only one who had run into this. In fact, Apple and Google also have similar policies when it comes to updating security info. But I am just here to tell you what's possible or not, sorry.
Hello,
You appear to be dealing with two separate issues.
Issue 1: Office 2021 on macOS Ventura
macOS Ventura 13 can only run an older compatible version of Office.
Microsoft ended support for Ventura after Office version 16.101, released in September 2025. Newer Office updates require macOS Sonoma 14 or later.
Since you have Office Home & Student 2021, first uninstall the current Office apps, then install version 16.101 using this installer:
After installation, try activating Office again with the Microsoft account originally associated with the Office 2021 license.
Issue 2: No access to the old email address
Is the inaccessible email address the Microsoft account associated with your Office 2021 purchase?
It is important to distinguish between the Microsoft account sign-in address and the recovery email address. Losing access to the email inbox does not necessarily mean the Microsoft account itself is unavailable.
Try signing in with the same Microsoft account and password. If Microsoft asks for a verification code, select Show more verification methods and check whether a phone number or alternate email address is available.
If you cannot access any of the listed verification methods, select I don’t have any of these. Microsoft will then allow you to replace the security information, but there is normally a 30-day waiting period before the new information becomes active.
This delay is a security measure designed to prevent someone from taking over an account by immediately replacing its recovery information. Unfortunately, Microsoft Support cannot bypass the waiting period.
Microsoft explains the process here:
Mac OS is Ventura 13.7.8. Using Office & Student 2021 activated in Aug 2023. One off licence. The error message is that the userid and password do mot match. Bu the same UserID and password gets me to this site. I have tried various means but Microsoft will not accept any credentials despite me having the licence in front of me. I also need to update the email address for the account - I purchased the software with an email address I no longer have access to. So any validation emails cannot be accessed, and M'Soft is not allowing me to change.