9 Solutions to Fix Microsoft Word Not Allowing Editing on Mac

ByJim Miller

Microsoft Word is a powerful tool for creating and editing documents on Mac. However, sometimes you may encounter issues that prevent you from editing your Word documents. This can be frustrating and hinder your productivity. In this article, we will discuss nine effective solutions to fix Microsoft Word not allowing editing on Mac.

1. Close Microsoft Word on Another Computer

If you have a Word document open on another computer or Mac, it may prevent you from editing the same document on your current Mac. To resolve this issue, simply close the Microsoft Word window on the other computer and try editing the document again.

2. Check Network Connection

Ensure that you have a stable and active internet connection when editing Word documents on your Mac. If you are using cloud services like OneDrive, Dropbox, or Box to save and sync your files across devices, an internet connection is necessary to save your edits in real-time. If you are experiencing Wi-Fi issues on your Mac, refer to our troubleshooting guide for solutions.

3. Save the File on Mac and Make Changes

If you are unable to edit a Word file on your Mac, try saving the file locally on your Mac and making changes without an internet connection.

  1. Open the read-only Word file on your Mac.
  2. Click on “File” at the top and select “Save a Copy.”
  3. Rename the Word file and save it to a local folder.

Once you have saved the file locally, close Microsoft Word and reopen the file to make edits without any permission issues.

4. Disable Always Open As Read-Only

If you have enabled the “Always Open as Read-Only” option in Microsoft Word, you may encounter errors when editing a document. To fix this, follow these steps:

  1. Launch Microsoft Word and click on “File” in the menu bar.
  2. Disable the checkmark beside “Always Open As Read-Only.”

5. Authenticate Your Account

If you have recently changed your Microsoft account password, you need to authenticate your account on your Mac to allow editing in Word.

  1. Launch Microsoft Word on your Mac and click on “Word” in the top left corner.
  2. Select “Sign out.”
  3. Sign in with your updated Microsoft account details and try editing again.

If you don't see the Word editing features for your account, update your license by clicking on “Word” at the top and selecting “Update License.” Sign in with your Microsoft account details to register your Mac.

6. Check Your Microsoft 365 Plan

If you are a Microsoft 365 subscriber, ensure that your subscription is active and your payment method is up to date.

  1. Visit your Microsoft account on the web and sign in.
  2. Select “Services & Subscriptions” at the top.
  3. Check your Microsoft 365 subscription details.
  4. If your subscription has expired, go to “Payment & Billing” and add your latest credit card information.

7. Receive a File With Editing Permission

If you are unable to edit a Word file that was sent to you, it may be because the file has view-only permission. Ask the sender to resend the file or share a new file with editing permission.

8. Run the License Removal Tool

If you have switched from a one-time purchase to a Microsoft 365 subscription, you may encounter editing errors if your Office copy is still using the license from the one-time purchase. Microsoft provides a license removal tool to fix this issue.

  1. Download the license removal tool from Microsoft and open it.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions and enter your Mac password when prompted.
  3. After the tool removes the licenses, select “Close.”
  4. Open any Microsoft 365 app, sign in with your account details, restart your Mac, and try editing a Word file.

9. Update Microsoft Word

Microsoft regularly releases updates for Word on Mac, which include bug fixes and new features. If you are experiencing editing issues, make sure you have the latest version of Word installed from the Mac App Store.

By following these solutions, you should be able to resolve the issue of Microsoft Word not allowing editing on your Mac. Remember to keep your Microsoft account and subscription details up to date and ensure a stable internet connection. Happy editing!