How to edit and create new documents in word.

The behavior indicates that the Word apps on the devices are not currently activated with an account that has a qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription, or that the apps are associated with a different/old account. In that state, Word runs in reduced functionality mode: documents can be opened and viewed, but not edited or created.

Use these steps to restore full editing:

1. Confirm the subscription type

• Sign in to the account portal in a web browser and verify that the active subscription is Microsoft 365 Personal or Family (or another plan that includes desktop/mobile Office apps).
• If the subscription is Microsoft 365 Basic or only shows free web apps, that plan does not include desktop apps like Word. In that case, only the web versions (Word for the web) will allow editing.

2. Make sure the apps are signed in with the correct account

• On Windows or Mac:
  1. Open Word.
  2. Go to File > Account (or Office Account).
  3. If a different account is shown, sign out of it.
  4. Select Sign In and enter the same personal Microsoft account that shows the active subscription in the browser.
• On Android:
  1. Open the Office/Word app.
  2. Go to the Account or profile section.
  3. Remove any old or work/school accounts that no longer have a subscription.
  4. Add and sign in with the personal Microsoft account that has the active subscription.

3. Ensure the apps can reach Microsoft 365 for activation

• The apps must connect to the internet periodically to validate the subscription. If they cannot connect for more than 39 days, they go into reduced functionality mode and show unlicensed or sign-in prompts.
• Connect the device to the internet, open Word, and stay signed in with the correct account so the apps can reactivate.

4. If still unable to edit after signing in

• Check whether Word is opening documents in view-only mode:
  • In Word for the web, use the mode menu in the upper-right corner and switch from Viewing or Reviewing to Editing.
  • If Editing is not available, the document may be restricted or shared as view-only; request edit permission or open in the desktop app (if the subscription supports it).
• If the subscription shown in the browser is Basic, or the account shows a Free badge, the desktop/mobile apps will remain in reduced functionality mode. In that case:
  • Use the free web apps by signing in to Microsoft365.com and selecting Word.
  • Or upgrade to a plan that includes full desktop apps (for example, Microsoft 365 Personal or Family) so that Word on the devices can be fully activated.

Once Word is properly signed in with an account that has an active Personal/Family subscription and the device has connected to the internet, editing and creating documents will be restored.

References:

• Sign in to Microsoft 365
• What's the difference between a paid Microsoft 365 subscription and the free web apps?
• What's the difference between a Microsoft 365 subscription and free web apps
• A subscription notice appears when I open a Microsoft 365 application
• I am unable to open and create documents - Microsoft Q&A
• No access to word - Microsoft Q&A
• Enable editing in your document