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How to Fix Excel for Mac Workbook Protection AADSTS90072 Error
Question details
Users need to resolve an authentication error that prevents them from enabling workbook protection on Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to enable workbook protection on a file associated with a personal Microsoft account or an encryption tenant.
- Observed behavior
- Excel displays the AADSTS90072 error code, blocking the user from successfully applying or managing workbook protection.
Before proceeding, copy your exact error message and verify whether the affected workbook is saved on a personal Microsoft account or a business tenant.
Seek Assistance from Microsoft Support or Azure Q&A
Because this error involves Microsoft Entra ID and backend file encryption, it requires specialized account support from Microsoft.
The AADSTS90072 error is a server-side authentication and tenant issue. It typically occurs when a personal account interacts with features requiring specific encryption or organizational Microsoft Entra ID configurations.
Take a screenshot or write down the exact AADSTS90072 error message and correlation ID displayed in Excel for Mac.
Visit the official Azure Microsoft Q&A forum or the Microsoft Support website through your web browser.
Create a new support ticket or forum post, providing the complete error code and explicitly confirming that the workbook belongs to a personal account rather than a corporate tenant.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Account Authentication Errors
Tired of dealing with complex Entra ID errors, tenant configurations, and AADSTS90072 issues on your Mac? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and familiar alternative that lets you protect your workbooks locally without relying on complicated cloud authentication systems. Enjoy seamless migration and perfect format compatibility.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for Mac for free from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Open your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing .xlsx file without worrying about tenant authentication.
- 3. Apply Local Protection: Navigate to the Review tab and click 'Protect Workbook' to secure your file using a straightforward local password.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the AADSTS90072 error mean in Excel for Mac?
This is an authentication error related to Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD). It usually indicates a conflict between a personal Microsoft account and an organizational encryption policy when trying to protect a cloud-synced workbook.
Can I bypass the AADSTS90072 error by reinstalling Microsoft Office?
Standard Office reinstallation or repair tools usually do not resolve this issue because it is a server-side authentication problem, not a local software corruption. You must resolve it through Microsoft Support.
Does this error affect locally saved workbooks?
This error primarily triggers when the workbook is synced with OneDrive or SharePoint, as the workbook protection attempts to interact with Microsoft's cloud encryption infrastructure.
