Cannot save existing excel or word files on my Mac

I understand what you mean.

Office 2019 for Mac can no longer be activated for full editing under the newer licensing requirements.

You can still use Word and Excel on the web for free with a Microsoft account here: https://m365.cloud.microsoft/

Your existing files can be opened and edited there without purchasing Microsoft 365.

Thank you for telling that. Another reason people like apple products better - you can still use even after no longer supported. Why Microsoft would take a features is crazy. We should still be able to use the product we bought even without their support. One day I was able to use, edit and then next day could not.

Apparently I have office 2019 even though it was installed in 2021. I trashed word and excel reinstalled and still cannot edit or save. The license is 16.78.3.

I installed 16.83 restarted my Mac and still cannot save, edit or create new documents.

Thank you for letting me know.

Microsoft ended support for Office 2019 for Mac in October 2023. Starting July 13, 2026, Office 2019 for Mac can enter reduced functionality mode, where you can open files but cannot create, edit, or save them. Microsoft states that reinstalling or updating Office 2019 will not resolve this. Reference https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/lifecycle/officeinstall/update-m365-office-macos-ios

At this point, the available options are:

• Use Word and Excel on the web for free at https://www.microsoft365.com
• Purchase a newer one-time Office version, such as Office 2024
• Use a Microsoft 365 subscription

Unfortunately, there is no activation or license-file reset that will restore Office 2019 for Mac to full functionality now.

Thanks!

Apparently I have office 2019 even though it was installed in 2021. I trashed word and excel reinstalled and still cannot edit or save. The license is 16.78.3.

Thank you for sharing the screenshot.

Please try this:

• Close all Office apps.
• Open Finder > Applications.
• Move Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel to the Trash.
• Restart the Mac.
• Reinstall Office 2021 from: https://account.microsoft.com/services

Do not remove the Outlook or Library folders for now.

After reinstalling, open Word first. If it opens but still shows the 0x0 activation error, the next step is to remove the Office license files and reactivate Office 2021.

• Here are the steps: https://support.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-activation-licensing/how-to-remove-office-license-files-on-a-mac

Then, to reinstall Microsoft Office:

• Go to https://account.microsoft.com/services
• Sign in using the same Microsoft account linked to your license.
• Find your Microsoft Office 2021 and click the "Install".
• That will download the installer for the Office apps, just run it and follow the steps.

Let me know how it goes.

Thanks!