How to Fix the Grant File Access Error in Word for MacOS

The sudden appearance of the Grant File access prompt is caused by a conflict between MacOS sandboxing security and third-party add-ins loading alongside Microsoft 365 and Office. When you launch Word , the application attempts to load startup scripts. If you have Adobe Acrobat installed, it places templates like linkCreation.dotm and AcrobatUtils.script in Word's startup folder

Why Does Word Demand Grant File Access on MacOS?

Recent updates to MacOS strictly regulate which folders applications can read. Because Word tries to execute a script created by Adobe, the system intercepts it and demands your permission. Unfortunately, granting access often results in an endless loop. This severely disrupts users who need reliable access to Word for education or business. Resolving this requires manually bypassing the broken script to stop the Grant File access loop

Stop the Grant File Access Loop

Follow these Word actions for the Grant File Access Error in Word for MacOS in order. The key interface checkpoint is Finder on MacOS workspace.

1. Force quit Word if it is currently frozen on the Grant File access popup by pressing Command + Option + Esc , selecting Microsoft Word, and clicking Force Quit
2. Open the Finder application on your Mac
3. On the top menu bar, click Go and select Go to Folder... (or press Shift + Command + G )
4. Paste the following exact directory path into the search box and press Return : ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Startup/Word/
5. Locate the files named linkCreation.dotm and/or AcrobatUtils.script
6. Select these files, drag them to the Trash , and empty the Trash
7. Relaunch Microsoft Word. The startup folder is now clear of the conflicting add-in, and the permissions popup will no longer appear

Alternative Workaround: Modify Full Disk Access

• Open the Apple Menu and select System Settings .
• Navigate to Privacy & Security in the left sidebar.
• Scroll down and click on Full Disk Access .
• Toggle the switch next to Microsoft Word to the "On" position (you may need to authenticate with your Mac password or Touch ID).
• Restart Word to see if the Grant File access loop is bypassed. Note: This reduces the sandboxing security of your application and should only be used if the primary add-in removal fails.

How to Verify the Word Result

The workflow is complete only after this confirmation: Relaunch Microsoft Word. The startup folder is now clear of the conflicting add-in, and the permissions popup will no longer appear If the expected state is missing, revisit The file named in Finder on MacOS workspace.

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For local work related to the Grant File Access Error in Word for MacOS, WPS Office is a free Microsoft Office-compatible alternative. It cannot repair a proprietary Word service, add-in, account, or Windows/macOS installation state, so use the verified Microsoft procedure above for the original fault.

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Word FAQs About the Grant File Access Error in Word for MacOS

Why can't I just click "Grant Access" to dismiss the popup in Word?

Due to a sandboxing bug between newer MacOS versions and outdated Adobe Acrobat add-ins, clicking "Grant Access" fails to write the proper permissions to the com.microsoft.Word container. The system denies the request silently, causing the popup to loop endlessly until you force quit the app and manually delete the script.

Is the AcrobatUtils.script a virus or a legitimate request?

It is a legitimate script generated by Adobe Acrobat when it installs its PDF-maker add-in into Microsoft 365 and Office. However, because it resides in a secure user folder and is executed indirectly, MacOS flags it as a security anomaly, triggering the broken permission loop.

Will reinstalling Microsoft Word for MacOS fix the Grant File access error?

No. Reinstalling the application via the App Store or Microsoft installer usually leaves your user library files (including the Group Containers folder) intact. The broken linkCreation.dotm file will still be there, and the error will persist. You must manually delete the startup files.

How can I reliably convert documents to PDF for education without this Adobe add-in?

You do not need the Adobe add-in to save PDFs. You can use the native MacOS print dialog (File > Print > Save as PDF) directly in Word. Alternatively, you can use WPS Office, which features a robust, built-in PDF toolkit that doesn't trigger third-party sandboxing errors.