Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac to Enter Reduced Functionality Mode in 2026 After 2023 End of Support
Microsoft will disable editing and saving in Office 2019 for Mac next month after declining to renew a license certificate. Users must buy Office 2024 or a Microsoft 365 subscription to restore full access.
The VergeMicrosoft’s Office 2019 apps for Mac will stop allowing users to edit or save documents starting July 13, 2026, because the company is not renewing a certificate that validates Office licenses. The change will place Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote into reduced functionality mode, which permits opening files but blocks editing, saving, or creating new documents.
Office 2021 for Mac will enter the same mode on the same date.
Microsoft previously stated that “all your Office 2019 apps will continue to function” when it announced the end of support in 2023. ” Office 2019 for Mac reached end of support on October 10, 2023, and no longer receives updates. Microsoft said the certificate issue cannot be resolved by updating or reinstalling the apps because they cannot be brought to the required version.
Microsoft is issuing a certificate update for Office 2021, which remains supported until October 13, 2026. Office 2019 for Mac users have been advised to purchase Office 2024 or a Microsoft 365 subscription to regain full editing capability. Older versions of Microsoft 365 apps on Mac and iOS will also encounter the certificate problem, though a simple update will restore functionality for those users.
