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Office 2019 for Mac is no longer a supported path for full editing on a new Mac in this scenario.
Supported facts from Microsoft:
- Office 2019 for Mac support ended on October 10, 2023.
- Build 16.78 is the last build that supports Office 2019 license types.
- On newer macOS/Office combinations, Office can enter reduced functionality mode, where files can be opened and printed but cannot be edited or saved.
- Microsoft states that for Office 2019 for Mac, the option is to upgrade to Microsoft 365 or Office 2024 for Mac.
If upgrading to a newer version is chosen, Microsoft says there is no need to remove the Office apps. Only the old Office 2019 license needs to be removed:
- Run the License Removal Tool: Download and run the License Removal Tool
- Open any Office app and sign in with the account for the new purchase.
- In the app menu, select Help > Check for Updates.
If Office was installed from the Mac App Store, that can also cause a license mismatch because the Mac App Store Office apps are not compatible with Office 2019 licenses.
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