can't use Microsoft Office 365 on my MacBook Air 11"

TH ENG 0 Reputation points
2026-08-18T04:21:03.8866667+00:00

can't use Microsoft Office 365 on my MacBook Air 11".

MacBook Air (early 2014): MacOS BigSur Version 11.7.11, 4GB Memory.

Already tried to uninstall all Microsoft Office and reinstall with version 16.77 & unclick auto software update. Unfortunately, when want to open excel or word to activate account, error code: 0x0.

Pls advise.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | Other | MacOS
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Answer recommended by moderator
John Korchok 235.9K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2026-08-18T04:37:41.14+00:00

If you are running Big Sur or earlier, Microsoft has reduced Office to view-only status. Here is Microsoft's page announcing their abandonment of users on older Macs, with disingenuous advice about upgrading your macOS version: Update Microsoft 365 or Office on your macOS or iOS device

As alternatives to Office for Mac under Big Sur, you can use Word for the web or Google Docs. Both of these are underpowered

For desktop software, with more capabilities, take a look at open-source LibreOffice, which has good compatibility with Office file formats.

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  1. TH ENG 0 Reputation points
    2026-08-18T04:28:37.1566667+00:00

    AI Answer:

    macOS Big Sur 11.7.11 is below the required macOS 12 level for the current Microsoft 365 for Mac licensing update. On Macs below macOS 12, Office can enter reduced functionality mode, and the 0x0 activation error can occur even after reinstalling Office.   
    [---]

    MacBook Air (early 2014): MacOS BigSur Version 11.7.11, 4GB Memory.

    can u confirm whether my system above can upgrade to MacOS 12 and above?

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-18T04:21:17.42+00:00

    macOS Big Sur 11.7.11 is below the required macOS 12 level for the current Microsoft 365 for Mac licensing update. On Macs below macOS 12, Office can enter reduced functionality mode, and the 0x0 activation error can occur even after reinstalling Office.

    Since Office was already uninstalled and reinstalled and AutoUpdate was disabled, the supported next check is:

    1. Confirm whether the Mac can be upgraded to macOS 12 or later.
    2. If it can, upgrade macOS first, then open Finder > Applications > Microsoft AutoUpdate and install all Office updates.
    3. After updates complete, launch Word or Excel again and sign in with the Microsoft account that has the Microsoft 365 subscription.

    If the Mac cannot be upgraded beyond Big Sur 11.7.11, reinstalling Office 16.77 is not expected to restore activation on this device. In that case, the practical options are:

    • Use Microsoft 365 for the web.
    • Use Microsoft 365 on another device that supports macOS 12 or later.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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