how can I activate Microsoft365 in MS Word on MacBook

เพียงหทัย หาญสุวรรณ 40 Reputation points
2026-08-30T09:05:58.97+00:00

I can't activate my Microsoft365 personal in MS Word as I try, it show as ERROR: 0x0. My MS Word is Ver.16.77.1 and my MacBook is MacOs Big sur 11.7.11. I've paid the subscription and I have a rights to use it until 7/11/2025. even I can use in any other mobile device but I prefer to use it with my MacBook.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | Other | MacOS
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Answer accepted by question author
DaveM121 929.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-08-30T09:41:43.38+00:00

If your version of MacOS is Big Sur, then the error you are seeing is caused by an update on the 13th of July, many people are seeing the exact same error (0x0) if you are unable to upgrade your MacOS to a newer compatible version (12 or above), your Office apps will go into Read Only mode, on the link below the full details on that update are provided.

https://support.microsoft.com/office/update-microsoft-365-or-office-on-your-macos-or-ios-device-f418ae5d-bb5f-4078-b3d9-9340f5dd084e

If you are unable to upgrade your version of MacOS, your only options are yo either use the free online version of the Office apps, or use a 3rd party Office suite like the free LibreOffice, that would be compatible with your existing Office documents and will work on MacOS Big Sur.

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Answer accepted by question author
Bence Weiszmann 1,560 Reputation points
2026-08-30T09:21:15.39+00:00

Dear @เพียงหทัย หาญสุวรรณ

According to Microsoft, macOS 12 (Monterey) or later and Office version 16.83 or later are now required.

Microsoft also specifically mentions the “Unknown Error 0x0” issue on macOS. The recommended solution is to update macOS first and then update the Office apps.

If your Mac supports macOS 12 or later, I would recommend upgrading macOS and then checking for Office updates through Help > Check for Updates in Word.

You can find Microsoft's guidance here:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/lifecycle/officeinstall/update-m365-office-macos-ios

If your Mac cannot be upgraded to macOS 12 or later, you can use Microsoft 365 on the web or continue using it on another supported device.

I hope this helps.

Best regards,

Bence

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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-30T09:06:17.0066667+00:00

    On macOS Big Sur 11.7.11, Microsoft 365 for Mac can enter reduced functionality mode because the OS is too old to receive the licensing update that Office now requires. In that state, Word may show error 0x0, and activation on that Mac will not complete even if the subscription is active.

    What can be done:

    1. Confirm the subscription is active under the same Microsoft account used in Word.
    2. If the Mac cannot be upgraded to macOS 12 or later, use Microsoft 365 for the web on that Mac, or use the subscription on another supported device.
    3. If the Mac can be upgraded, upgrade macOS first, then open Word and sign in again to activate.

    For normal activation on a supported macOS version:

    1. Open Finder > Applications.
    2. Open Microsoft Word.
    3. In the What's New window, select Get Started.
    4. On Sign in to activate Office, select Sign in.
    5. Enter the email address for the Microsoft 365 subscription, select Next, then enter the password.
    6. If the license is valid, Office activates and Start Using Word appears.

    If activation is still attempted on a supported macOS version, these documented checks can help:

    1. Make sure internet access works in Safari or another browser.
    2. Reset Office credentials: open Spotlight > Keychain, search for Office, and delete the data license file.
    3. Run the Microsoft 365 Activation troubleshooter.
    4. If Word keeps asking to activate after activation, quit Word and reopen it. If the prompt continues, open Keychain, search for Office, delete the data license file, and run the license removal tool.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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