Cannot save existing excel or word files on my Mac

I understand what you mean.

Office 2019 for Mac can no longer be activated for full editing under the newer licensing requirements.

You can still use Word and Excel on the web for free with a Microsoft account here: https://m365.cloud.microsoft/

Your existing files can be opened and edited there without purchasing Microsoft 365.

Thank you for telling that. Another reason people like apple products better - you can still use even after no longer supported. Why Microsoft would take a features is crazy. We should still be able to use the product we bought even without their support. One day I was able to use, edit and then next day could not.

Apparently I have office 2019 even though it was installed in 2021. I trashed word and excel reinstalled and still cannot edit or save. The license is 16.78.3.

I installed 16.83 restarted my Mac and still cannot save, edit or create new documents.

Thank you for letting me know.

Microsoft ended support for Office 2019 for Mac in October 2023. Starting July 13, 2026, Office 2019 for Mac can enter reduced functionality mode, where you can open files but cannot create, edit, or save them. Microsoft states that reinstalling or updating Office 2019 will not resolve this. Reference https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/lifecycle/officeinstall/update-m365-office-macos-ios

At this point, the available options are:

• Use Word and Excel on the web for free at https://www.microsoft365.com
• Purchase a newer one-time Office version, such as Office 2024
• Use a Microsoft 365 subscription

Unfortunately, there is no activation or license-file reset that will restore Office 2019 for Mac to full functionality now.

Thanks!

Apparently I have office 2019 even though it was installed in 2021. I trashed word and excel reinstalled and still cannot edit or save. The license is 16.78.3.

@Mallorie Berger

I'm afraid Office 2019 is the problem here. It can no longer be activated under macOS.

You'll need a license which supports updating to at least version 16.83 of Office. (The operating system should be fine, since you have macOS Tahoe.)

If you can't get a newer version of Microsoft Office, you can try a third-party alternative, such as LibreOffice, which is open source. You can use it for free and file compatibility with Microsoft Office is generally good.

Apparently I have office 2019 even though it was installed in 2021. I trashed word and excel reinstalled and still cannot edit or save. The license is 16.78.3.