Fix Word for Mac Mail Merge Sending Only the First Email
Question details
User needs to resolve Word for Mac mail merge sending only the first email after an Office update, specifically in Word for Mac and Outlook for Mac version 16.39.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac and Microsoft Outlook for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- User is performing an email mail merge from Word for Mac through Outlook for Mac to multiple recipients.
- Observed behavior
- Only the first recipient receives the mail merge message; later recipients do not receive it.
Before applying the workaround, check your current Word for Mac and Outlook for Mac version numbers and close both applications. This helps you confirm you are on the affected 16.39 version and safely replace the app files.
Revert Word and Outlook for Mac to Version 16.38 and Pause Automatic Updates
Use this solution when you have confirmed that Word for Mac and Outlook for Mac are on the affected 16.39 version and need to restore mail merge delivery immediately.
The 16.39 Office update introduced the mail merge issue. Reverting to the previous version restores expected mail merge behavior while Microsoft prepares a permanent fix.
Open Word for Mac or Outlook for Mac, click the application menu, select About Word or About Outlook, and confirm the version is 16.39.
From the Word and Outlook application menus, click Quit Word and Quit Outlook, then verify that neither app is running before continuing.
Open Finder, go to Applications, find Microsoft Word and Microsoft Outlook, and move both apps to Trash. Do not delete your documents, .docx files, or Outlook profile data.
Download and install Word for Mac and Outlook for Mac version 16.38 from an official Microsoft source or your organization's approved software portal.
Open any Office for Mac app, go to Help > Check for Updates, select Advanced, and turn off automatic updates so the apps remain on 16.38 until a fix is confirmed.
Submit Feedback and Monitor Microsoft's Fix Before Updating
Use this follow-up solution after reverting to 16.38, so you can report the issue and know when a later Office for Mac version is safe to install.
Use WPS Office as a Free Alternative for Mac Mail Merge Workflows
If the Word for Mac and Outlook for Mac mail merge bug keeps interrupting your workflow, WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative. It supports Word-compatible mail merge documents, opens and saves .docx and other Microsoft Office formats, and offers a familiar Office-style interface for seamless migration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word for Mac mail merge send only the first email?
A known Office update issue affects Word for Mac and Outlook for Mac version 16.39. In that version, the first recipient receives the mail merge message but later recipients do not. You can confirm your version under the application menu in About Word or About Outlook.
How do I revert Word and Outlook for Mac from 16.39 to 16.38?
Quit both applications, open Finder > Applications, move Microsoft Word and Microsoft Outlook to Trash, and reinstall version 16.38 from an official Microsoft source. Do not delete your documents or Outlook profile data.
Should I disable automatic updates after reverting to 16.38?
Yes. Open any Office for Mac app, go to Help > Check for Updates, select Advanced, and turn off automatic updates temporarily. This keeps the apps on 16.38 until Microsoft confirms a fixed version.
Can WPS Office open mail merge documents created in Word for Mac?
WPS Office Writer can open .docx mail merge documents and provides document creation and merge tools. It is free, lightweight, and compatible with Microsoft Word formats, making it a practical alternative while Microsoft fixes the issue.
How will I know when Microsoft fixes the Word for Mac mail merge issue?
Submit feedback in Word and Outlook through Help > Feedback or Contact Support, and monitor Microsoft's official support thread for the 16.39 mail merge issue. Only update to a newer version after Microsoft posts a confirmed fix.
