Troubleshooting: Your Microsoft Office account doesn't allow editing on a Mac

This article describes how to fix a MacOS issue where Microsoft Office documents are in view only mode.

Problem/Question

Unable to edit Microsoft Office documents on a MacOS device managed by the university.

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Overview

Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and other Office documents can be opened but display a pale yellow banner displaying an error: "View only Your account xxxxx@umich.edu doesn't allow editing on a Mac. To learn more, contact your admin about your Office plan."

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Solution

• Exit all office applications
• Open Finder > Applications > Utilities > Service Provider Support

• Browse all > Office 365 license removal tool > Remove

• Open Office and sign in

• Make sure other Office applications work

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For additional information, check these categories in the Knowledge Base:

How to Obtain Microsoft Office 365 for Free

Mac OS - Adding a Network Printer

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Still Need assistance? See the following related services:

List links to related Service Catalog categories.

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