Unable to activate word on my iMac M1 (2021)

John 20 Reputation points
2026-09-07T09:22:44.8733333+00:00

I have a Microsoft 365 account which I use on my Microsoft laptop and my iMac M1 (2021).

All works fine on the laptop, but although Excel works on the iMac, Word only opens in view mode with a banner along the top saying "Activate Microsoft 365 to create and edit". When I click on the activate button on the righthand side of the bar nothing happens.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | MacOS
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Answer accepted by question author
GsN5034 - IA 76,465 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-09-07T10:00:21.2966667+00:00

Hello,

If you’re running the latest version of macOS and the Microsoft 365 apps but still see an “Activation” error, first make sure your subscription is active under your Microsoft account here.

https://account.microsoft.com/services

If the subscription is active, use the Microsoft Office License Removal Tool here to completely remove any previous Office license files from your Mac, then reactivate Office 365 apps using your Microsoft account.

How to remove Office license files on a Mac

Let me know if you still need more help.

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