Office for Mac Issues

Fix Office 2021 Cannot Open Files After Upgrade on Mac

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 9, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user is unable to open existing Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents in Office 2021 after replacing Office 2016.

How to Fix Office 2021 Cannot Open Files After Upgrading on Mac

Product: Microsoft Office 2021
Device & OS: MacBook Air (macOS)
Scenario: Attempting to access previously created documents locally after completing a software upgrade from Office 2016 to Office 2021.
Observed behavior: Files fail to open, displaying an error message stating that the document was deleted or is not accessible.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and your Microsoft account login credentials handy, as you may need to verify your account and sync status.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Microsoft Account and Restore OneDrive Sync

Check your Microsoft account sign-in status and ensure your OneDrive files are properly synced to your new Office installation.

Upgrading to Office 2021 often disrupts the connection to your local OneDrive cache. If your files were originally saved to the cloud, the local shortcuts may appear deleted or inaccessible until OneDrive is fully resynced using the correct account.

Verify Online Access

Open a web browser, navigate to OneDrive.com, and sign in with the Microsoft account used to purchase Office 2021. Check if your documents can be opened in the online viewer.

Re-install OneDrive on Mac

If the files are safe online, download and install the OneDrive desktop application on your MacBook Air.

Sign In and Sync

Sign into the OneDrive app with your Microsoft account and allow it time to synchronize your cloud files to your Mac's local storage.

Open Files Locally

Once the sync is complete, open Office 2021 (Word, Excel, or PowerPoint) and try opening the synchronized local copies.

Verify Microsoft Account and Restore OneDrive Sync

Account Verification: Always ensure the Microsoft account you are signing into exactly matches the one tied to your Office 2021 purchase.

Solution 2

Check macOS File and Folder Permissions

Grant your updated Office applications the necessary permissions to access files stored on your Mac.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Mac as a Seamless Alternative

If you continue experiencing file access errors, cloud sync issues, or activation problems with Microsoft Office 2021, try WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative that lets you open and edit your existing local files instantly without mandatory cloud sign-ins.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of WPS Office.
2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install it on your MacBook Air.
3. Open Your Files: Right-click the inaccessible Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file, select 'Open With', and choose WPS Office to edit your document.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Lightweight installation optimized for MacBook Air and Apple SiliconFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate interfaceEdit local files instantly without complex cloud sync requirements

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Office 2021 say my document is deleted or inaccessible?

This error typically occurs if the file was stored in OneDrive but hasn't finished syncing to your new Office 2021 installation, or if local file paths changed during the upgrade from Office 2016.

Do I need to uninstall Office 2016 before using Office 2021 on Mac?

Yes, it is highly recommended to completely remove Office 2016 applications and run the Microsoft License Removal Tool before installing Office 2021. Keeping older files can cause licensing conflicts and file access errors.

How can I check if my files were permanently deleted?

Log into OneDrive.com via your web browser. If your files were synced to the cloud, they will be visible there. You can also check your Mac's Trash bin to ensure they weren't accidentally deleted locally during the upgrade.

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