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Microsoft 365 Error Codes

Fix Microsoft 365 Excel Sign-In Error 135011 on Mac

Natalie TaylorNatalie Taylor Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

User is unable to sign into Microsoft 365 Excel on a new MacBook Pro due to multiple error codes.

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Excel Sign-In Error 135011 on Mac
Product
Microsoft 365 Excel
Device & OS
Mac
Scenario
Signing into Microsoft 365 Excel after transferring from a repaired PC to a new MacBook Pro.
Observed behavior
The sign-in process fails entirely, generating error codes 135011, 3399614467, and CAA20003, preventing the user from using the Excel application.
Before you start

Ensure you have your Microsoft 365 account credentials ready and an active internet connection before proceeding with the troubleshooting steps.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Account License and Test Web Access

Testing your account on the web version of Excel helps determine if the issue is specific to your Mac's desktop application or a broader account problem.

Before making system changes or contacting IT, it is important to verify that your Microsoft 365 subscription is active and properly assigned to your account.

1
Navigate to the Microsoft Portal

Open your preferred web browser and go to the official website at https://www.office.com.

2
Sign in to Your Account

Click the 'Sign in' button and enter your Microsoft 365 email address and password.

3
Test Excel for the Web

From the Microsoft 365 dashboard, click on the Excel icon on the left sidebar to see if you can open and edit spreadsheets online.

4
Verify Subscription License

Click your profile picture in the top right corner, select 'View account', navigate to 'Subscriptions', and ensure you have a license that includes the desktop version of Microsoft 365 Apps.

Verify Account License and Test Web Access
Temporary Workaround: If Excel for the web works successfully, you can use it to edit your urgent files while resolving the desktop application error.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office to Edit Spreadsheets on Your Mac

If you are locked out of Microsoft Excel due to device activation errors and need to work on your spreadsheets immediately, WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. It offers a familiar interface and seamless support for Microsoft Excel formats without requiring complex IT admin approvals.

  1. 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free Mac version and complete the standard installation process.
  2. 2. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch the WPS Office application, select 'Open', and choose your local .xlsx or .xls files to start editing immediately.
  3. 3. Save and Share: Save your progress locally in standard Excel formats so your colleagues can easily view the files later.
Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls, .csv) formats.Free to download and use on Mac with no activation errors.Lightweight software that runs smoothly on Mac operating systems.Familiar user interface makes switching incredibly easy and fast.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Microsoft error code 135011 mean?

Error code 135011 means that the device you are currently trying to use has been disabled or deleted by your organization's IT administrator in the Microsoft 365 Azure Active Directory (Microsoft Entra) device management system.

How can I check if I have the right Microsoft 365 license on Mac?

Log in to the Microsoft 365 portal at office.com, click on your profile picture at the top right, go to 'View account', and select the 'Subscriptions' tab to verify your assigned licenses and ensure it includes desktop applications.

Can I still edit my Excel files if my Mac is disabled by the admin?

Yes, you can use Excel for the web through your internet browser, which does not require device activation. Alternatively, you can use a free office suite like WPS Office to open and edit your local Excel files directly.