Office 2024, Office 2019 and Microsoft 365 on a Mac: What Changed and What to Do

If you use Microsoft Office on a Mac, there are three ways to have it. You can subscribe to Microsoft 365, buy Office 2024 once, or keep an older version such as Office 2019. Since July 2026, the older versions have had a bigger problem than their age. This guide explains what changed, what each option costs in Australia and how to get a Mac working again.

What changed on 13 July 2026

Since 13 July 2026, some Office apps on a Mac can open and print files but cannot edit, save or create them. This is reduced functionality mode. It affects Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote.

Older Office builds can no longer confirm their licence. Recent versions already contain the fix, while older versions may open and print files but cannot edit, save or create them. Microsoft says this is not a security vulnerability and no customer data is at risk.

It affects Microsoft 365 subscribers on Mac, iPhone and iPad, and also people with a one-time purchase, including Office 2021 and Office 2019 on a Mac. On a Mac, Microsoft 365 apps older than version 16.83 are affected. Your files are not lost. You can still open them.

How to check which version you have

Open Word and choose Word, then About Word. If it shows Microsoft 365, you have a subscription. If it shows Office 2021 or Office 2019, you have a one-time purchase.

How to fix it

For most people, updating fixes it. Do the two steps in this order.

1. Update macOS first. Microsoft says you need macOS 12 Monterey or later. Choose Apple menu, then System Settings, then General, then Software Update.
2. Open any Office app, choose Help, then Check for Updates. If Microsoft AutoUpdate opens, choose Update or Update All. Restart the app when it finishes.

If your Mac cannot run macOS 12 or later, it cannot take the update. Your options then are the web versions of the Office apps for light use, or planning a replacement Mac.

Office 2019 on a Mac

Support for Office 2019 for Mac ended on 10 October 2023. It no longer gets security updates, and Microsoft no longer supports it connecting to Microsoft 365 services such as Exchange Online, SharePoint and OneDrive. If the update steps above do not work for your Office 2019, ask us before you spend money. We can check what will work on your Mac.

Microsoft’s upgrade options are Microsoft 365, or Office 2024 for Mac. If you switch, remove the old Office 2019 licence with Microsoft’s License Removal Tool, open an Office app and sign in with the account for your new Office, then choose Help, then Check for Updates. You do not need to remove the apps themselves.

Your options and what they cost

Microsoft 365 is a subscription. You always get the latest features, fixes and security updates, plus support, and you can use the apps on several devices. Business and home prices are in our guides to choosing a Microsoft 365 plan and to Microsoft 365 at home.

Office 2024 is a one-time purchase for one PC or Mac. Office Home 2024 costs A$219¹, is for non-commercial use and includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. Office Home & Business 2024 is A$379¹ and adds Outlook. There is no upgrade path, so the next major version would be full price. Microsoft says support for Office 2024 runs until October 2029.

Office in a browser is an option for light use, through a Microsoft account. It is not the same as the desktop apps.

Which should you choose?

For most people, Microsoft 365 is the simplest choice. It keeps itself up to date, works across your devices and avoids the licensing problem that caught older versions. Office 2024 suits someone who wants to pay once, uses one Mac and does not need cloud features. Either way, avoid staying on Office 2019.

Keep macOS current too

Microsoft supports Microsoft 365, Office 2024 and Office 2021 for Mac on the three most recent versions of macOS. When a new version of macOS comes out, Microsoft removes support for the oldest one. If you stay on an unsupported version, the apps still work but stop getting updates, including security updates.

After a major macOS upgrade, update your Office apps straight away. Our guide to macOS 27 Golden Gate explains which Macs can run it. If your apps will not open at all, see Microsoft 365 apps not opening on a Mac.

Need a hand?

A quick check of your Mac and your version of Office can save a lot of frustration. See our Mac Support & Setup service, or contact Your Mac Tech.

1. Prices shown are current as at August 2026.