Microsoft Office 2019 and 2021 for Mac Will Lose Editing After July 13
The change effectively breaks the core functionality of software sold as a perpetual license, and Microsoft has removed earlier language that said the apps would 'continue to function' after support ended.
Reporting from 1 sources: GIGAZINE.
Microsoft Office 2019 and 2021 for Mac will enter read-only mode after July 13, 2026, due to expiring digital certificates. Users can view but not edit or save files. Office 2019 for Mac has no update path, sparking backlash over the change to a one-time purchase product.
Microsoft Office 2019 and 2021 for Mac will lose editing and saving capabilities after July 13, 2026, when digital certificates used for license validation expire. Affected apps-Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote-will enter a read-only mode. On macOS, version 16.83 is required to avoid the change; on iOS, version 2.93. Office 2021 for Mac and Microsoft 365 subscribers can update to a compatible build, but Office 2019 for Mac cannot reach the minimum version due to a product cap. Microsoft's support documentation says updating or reinstalling Office 2019 for Mac will not help. The company previously stated that Office 2019 apps would 'continue to function' after support ended, but that wording was removed from the support page as of May 2026. Microsoft began emailing affected customers in mid-May with a free trial offer for Microsoft 365 Personal that requires a payment method and auto-converts to a paid subscription.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.