Office for Mac Issues

Fix Microsoft Word Read-Only Issues on macOS 10.15.7

Olivia Miller Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to edit Word documents using Microsoft 365 on macOS 10.15.7, as the application forces files into read-only mode.

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Word Read-Only Issues on macOS 10.15.7

Product: Microsoft 365 / Microsoft Word
Device & OS: macOS 10.15.7
Scenario: Attempting to activate editing features in Microsoft 365 Word on an older Mac that cannot be upgraded to a more recent macOS version.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Word opens all documents in read-only mode and refuses to enable editing due to OS compatibility limits and licensing verification issues.

Before you start

Log in to your Microsoft 365 account via a web browser to verify that your subscription is active and specifically includes a desktop application license.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove Existing License Files and Reactivate

Clear out old or corrupted Office license files to force the application to fetch fresh permissions from your Microsoft account.

If you are assigned a valid desktop license but remain stuck in read-only mode, outdated license files may be causing a conflict. Removing these files allows a clean reactivation on your Mac.

Close all Office apps

Ensure Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are completely closed on your Mac.

Run the License Removal Tool

Download the official Microsoft License Removal Tool for Mac, open the package, and follow the on-screen prompts to clear your license data.

Sign in and reactivate

Open Microsoft Word and sign in with your active Microsoft 365 credentials to reactivate the software and restore editing capabilities.

Remove Existing License Files and Reactivate

Version Limitations: Since macOS 10.15.7 is no longer supported by current Microsoft 365 updates, you may be restricted to using an older build of Office (such as 16.66) for activation to succeed.

Solution 2

Use Microsoft Word for the Web

Bypass desktop operating system restrictions by using the browser-based version of Microsoft Word, which requires no local installation.

Solution 3

Check Your Desktop License Assignment

Confirm that your specific Microsoft 365 plan actually includes rights to install and use desktop applications.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Word Documents on Older Macs with WPS Office

If Microsoft 365 no longer supports your Mac's operating system, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and reliable alternative. You can seamlessly create, edit, and save documents without worrying about forced OS upgrades or read-only errors.

1. Download for Mac: Visit the WPS Office website and download the Mac installer file.
2. Install the software: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
3. Start editing: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing documents to continue editing with full formatting support.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsSupports a wide range of older macOS versions smoothlyLightweight installation with a familiar, easy-to-use interfaceFree to use for all essential document editing tasks

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft 365 require the latest macOS versions?

Microsoft maintains a strict policy of only supporting the three most recent major versions of macOS. This ensures that their applications can fully utilize the latest security protocols, performance enhancements, and system features.

Will buying a Microsoft 365 Family subscription fix the read-only issue on macOS 10.15.7?

A Family subscription does include desktop licenses, but it does not bypass macOS system requirements. You would still need to rely on an older, unsupported version of Office (like 16.66) to edit files on macOS Catalina.

How do I know if my Microsoft 365 plan includes desktop apps?

You can verify this by logging into your Microsoft 365 account online, navigating to 'View account', and checking the 'Subscriptions' page. Look for a line that specifically mentions 'The latest desktop version of Office'.

Can I use an older version of Office on my current Mac?

Yes, you can install older builds of Office that are compatible with macOS 10.15.7, provided you have a valid Microsoft 365 license. However, these versions will not receive new feature updates or critical security patches.

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