Can't open a new word document

Question

Can't open a new word document

Jim Hynes 0

I installed Office in 2019. I had been using Word ever since. Suddenly and without warning I am now not able to open a new word document. Why? And how do I fix it?

Estrella721 45,815 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-21T22:52:04.8666667+00:00

Hi,

Is this a Microsoft 365 subscription or a one-time purchase license?

What is the exact error message you get when you open Word?

What version of macOS are you using (for example, Ventura 13, Monterey 12, Sonoma 14, or Sequoia 15)?

Answer recommended by moderator

0 additional answers

Your answer

Estrella721 45,815 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-21T22:52:04.8666667+00:00

Hi,

Is this a Microsoft 365 subscription or a one-time purchase license?

What is the exact error message you get when you open Word?

What version of macOS are you using (for example, Ventura 13, Monterey 12, Sonoma 14, or Sequoia 15)?

Answer 1

If you are running Big Sur or earlier, Microsoft has reduced Office to view-only status. Here is Microsoft's page announcing their abandonment of users on older Macs, with disingenuous advice about upgrading your macOS version: Update Microsoft 365 or Office on your macOS or iOS device

As alternatives to Office for Mac under Big Sur, you can use Word for the web or Google Docs. For desktop software, take a look at open-source LibreOffice, which has good compatibility with Office file formats.

If you're adventurous, Open Core Legacy Patcher allows you to run newer versions of macOS on older Macs. You can install up to Sequoia (Tahoe is not supported). I have a 2011 MacBook Pro running Sequoia and the current edition of Office.

If you are running Monterey or newer and are using Office 2021 or better, you may be experiencing a bug in a recent update. Please try the steps on this page: Unknown Error 0x0 or License not found error in Microsoft 365 or Office running on macOS