Word document will not allow me to open a new document

On Mac, this can happen when Word is in reduced functionality mode or the Microsoft 365 install/license state is not fully working.

Try these steps in order:

1. Check whether Word can open but not create files
   • If Word opens and can print files but cannot edit, save, or create new files, that matches reduced functionality mode.
   • Microsoft notes this can occur on macOS and points to updating Microsoft 365 or Office on the device.
2. Refresh the Microsoft 365 license in Word
   • Open Word.
   • In the macOS menu bar, select Word > About Word > More Info… > Refresh License.
   • Close open documents and fully restart Microsoft 365 apps.
3. Confirm the apps are installed from the Microsoft account that owns the subscription
   • Go to Services & subscriptions.
   • Sign in with the Microsoft account used to set up Microsoft 365.
   • Find the Office/Microsoft 365 product and select Install.
   • Reinstall if needed.
4. Update Office for Mac
   • Microsoft recommends checking for recent installation or activation issues on Mac if the problem continues.
5. If Word opens files only as read-only
   • If the document is stored in OneDrive and storage is full, Word may not let the document be saved until storage is available.
   • Check OneDrive free space from the OneDrive icon > Manage storage.

If the issue is specifically that clicking New Document in Word does nothing or Word opens but no blank document can be created, the most likely supported causes in the available guidance are activation/license state or reduced functionality mode.

References:

• Fixes or workarounds for recent issues in Word for Mac
• Cannot start Office apps after Office activation
• Why did my file open read-only?
• I just installed Microsoft 365 Personal but cannot write or save - Microsoft Q&A
• What to try if you can't install or activate Office for Mac