Permission & Access Issues

How to Fix the Additional Permissions Required Message for Office Files

Aamir Naveed Akram Sep 27, 2026 874 views

Question details

Users are encountering an error message requesting additional permissions when trying to open Microsoft Office files or hyperlinks, and clicking to grant access fails to resolve the issue.

How to Fix the 'Additional Permissions Required' Message for Office Files

Product: Microsoft Office
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Opening a file directly from local storage or clicking a hyperlink within an existing Office document.
Observed behavior: The application displays a prompt stating 'Additional permissions are required to access the following files', but selecting the file through the prompt does not successfully grant access.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, ensure your macOS and Microsoft Office applications are updated to their latest versions, as Apple frequently releases security patches that resolve underlying sandbox and permission conflicts.

Solution 1Recommended

Grant Access to Linked Files via macOS Finder

Use this method if the error occurs when clicking a hyperlink within a document, which triggers macOS sandboxing rules.

Apple's macOS utilizes a security feature called sandboxing. This restricts applications like Word or Excel from secretly accessing files outside their designated folders without your explicit consent. When opening a linked file, Office must request this permission.

Review the requested file path

When the 'Additional permissions required' dialog box appears, take note of the exact file path listed in the prompt.

Select the file in Finder

Click the 'Select' button provided at the bottom of the prompt. This action will automatically open a macOS Finder window.

Navigate and grant access

Navigate to the exact folder and file requested in the initial prompt. Highlight the target file and click the 'Grant Access' button to approve the system permissions.

Grant Access to Linked Files via macOS Finder

macOS Security Guidelines: If you move the main document and its linked files to the same folder before linking them, macOS is less likely to trigger this permission prompt in the future.

Solution 2

Open the Document via OneDrive on the Web

Use this approach if the permission error occurs when opening the file itself and local access remains blocked.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience on Mac

Tired of dealing with persistent macOS sandboxing restrictions and permission loops in Microsoft Office? Try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for Mac users, allowing you to open, edit, and share documents without frustrating local permission blocks.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the installation package designed for macOS.
2. Install the software: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
3. Open your files directly: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) without dealing with complex permission prompts.

Seamless format compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPointLightweight architecture that avoids heavy macOS sandboxing permission loopsFree core features with no mandatory subscription requiredFamiliar user interface for a quick and easy transition

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Office keep asking for additional permissions on my Mac?

This is a direct result of Apple's macOS sandboxing feature. Sandboxing restricts applications from accessing files outside their designated containers (like your Desktop or Downloads folder) without your explicit consent. Office must ask for permission every time it needs to access a linked or external file.

Does this file permission error happen in Windows as well?

Generally, no. The 'Additional permissions required' prompt and the subsequent failure to grant access is a known behavior tied specifically to macOS security policies and how Office for Mac communicates with the Apple file system.

How can I permanently stop these permission prompts for linked files?

To reduce these prompts, keep all linked files (such as inserted images or referenced spreadsheets) in the exact same folder as the main document. Grouping them together in a shared location within your user directory helps macOS automatically recognize and grant the necessary access rights.

Document & File Issues