Fix 'Microsoft Word is Damaged and Cannot Be Opened' on Mac
Question details
The user is unable to launch Microsoft Word on a Mac because macOS displays an error stating the application is damaged, and a standard reinstall does not fix it.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- macOS Catalina
- Scenario
- Launching Microsoft Word to open or edit documents on macOS.
- Observed behavior
- A macOS warning prompt appears stating 'Microsoft Word is damaged and cannot be opened,' blocking the user from accessing the software.
Ensure you have your Microsoft account login credentials handy, as you will need them to reinstall and reactivate Office. Save any background work and ensure your Mac has a stable internet connection for downloading updates.
Perform a Clean Removal and Reinstallation of Microsoft Office
A simple drag-to-trash app deletion leaves behind corrupted preference files and group containers. A complete removal is required to fix the damaged error.
macOS keeps associated library files even after an app is deleted. If those files are corrupted, reinstalling the app will carry over the error.
Open Finder, navigate to the 'Applications' folder, and drag Microsoft Word to the Trash.
In Finder, press Command + Shift + G, type '~/Library', and press Return. Locate the 'Containers' folder and delete any folders named 'com.microsoft.Word'.
Navigate back to '~/Library', open the 'Group Containers' folder, and delete the folders starting with 'UBF8T346G9' (which are associated with Microsoft Office).
Restart your Mac, log in to your Microsoft account on the official website, download a fresh Office installer, and complete the installation.
Clear the Apple Quarantine Attribute via Terminal
macOS Gatekeeper sometimes falsely flags legitimate, freshly downloaded apps as damaged due to strict quarantine rules.
Update macOS and Check Gatekeeper Settings
System updates contain essential security certificate patches that prevent Gatekeeper from misidentifying Microsoft Word as a damaged app.
Use WPS Office as a Reliable Mac Alternative
If Microsoft Word continues to crash or display errors on your Mac, switch to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative that perfectly handles your documents without complex troubleshooting or heavy installations.
- 1. Download the Mac Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the version optimized for Mac.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Word Documents: Right-click any .doc or .docx file on your Mac, select 'Open With', and choose WPS Office to instantly resume your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Mac say Microsoft Word is damaged?
This error is typically triggered by macOS Gatekeeper detecting a missing or corrupted certificate, leftover corrupted preference files from a previous installation, or an incomplete software update.
Will deleting and reinstalling Word delete my documents?
No. Deleting the Microsoft Word application only removes the software itself. Your personal .docx documents are saved safely on your local drive or cloud storage and will remain intact.
Can I open my Word documents on Mac without Microsoft Word?
Yes. You can easily open, edit, and save your Word documents using highly compatible alternative software like WPS Office, without needing Microsoft Word installed on your Mac.
