Microsoft Says These Office Apps Will Soon Lose Editing Support

Microsoft is preparing a major change for Office 2019 for Mac users. Starting July 13, 2026, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote will no longer allow users to create, edit, or save documents because of an expiring digital certificate used to validate the software license.



After the deadline, affected apps will enter what Microsoft calls "reduced functionality mode." Users will still be able to open, view, and print files, but editing and saving documents will stop working. The same restriction also applies to certain Microsoft Office apps on iPhone and iPad that cannot receive the required update.



Office 2019 for Mac Is Affected



Microsoft has already renewed the certificate, but the updated certificate is only available through newer software versions. Since Office 2019 for Mac reached end of support on October 10, 2023, it no longer receives updates and cannot be upgraded to the required version.



In its support document, Microsoft explains:




"Starting July 13, 2026, some users may notice that Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, or OneNote) can open and print files, but cannot edit, save, or create new files – called 'reduced functionality mode'."




Microsoft says users running supported versions of Microsoft 365 or Office 2021 can avoid the issue by updating their apps and operating systems. Mac users need version 16.83 or later on macOS 12 Monterey or newer, while iPhone and iPad users need app version 2.93 on iOS 17 or later.



What Office 2019 Users Can Do



Microsoft confirms that reinstalling Office 2019 will not solve the problem because the suite can no longer receive updates.




"Because Office 2019 cannot be updated to the required version, this issue cannot be resolved by updating or reinstalling Office 2019 for Mac."




Instead, Microsoft recommends using the free Microsoft 365 web apps through a browser or upgrading to a supported Microsoft 365 subscription. Users can also move to alternative productivity suites if they prefer not to subscribe.



Microsoft also reassures customers that their documents remain safe because the certificate only validates the software license and does not affect file security or stored data.