Office for Mac Issues

Fix Office for Mac Cannot Open Files After Version 16.9.1 Update

Amos Gikunda Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to open existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files on Mac after updating Office to version 16.9.1, encountering permission errors and recurring Grant Access prompts.

Fix Office for Mac Cannot Open Files After Version 16.9.1 Update

Product: Microsoft Office for Mac
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Attempting to open existing documents, spreadsheets, or presentations after a recent Microsoft Office update.
Observed behavior: The applications prompt the user to Grant Access or display file-format and permission errors, despite the files opening correctly in other apps like Finder or Numbers.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, ensure your macOS is updated to the latest version and verify whether the issue occurs with all local files or only specific documents stored on a corporate network drive.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable and Reinstall Conflicting Add-ins

Conflicts with third-party add-ins like Adobe Acrobat or BrightSlide often cause permission loops in Office for Mac after an update.

Certain third-party macros and add-ins, such as SaveAsAdobePDF.ppam, can trigger continuous macOS sandboxing requests, resulting in the Grant Access loop.

Open Add-ins menu

Launch Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. Go to the 'Insert' tab on the ribbon or the 'Tools' menu at the top, and select 'Add-ins'.

Disable active add-ins

Review the list of active add-ins, paying special attention to Adobe Acrobat or BrightSlide. Uncheck these add-ins to temporarily disable them.

Restart the application

Completely quit the Office application and reopen it. Try opening your existing files again.

Update or reinstall add-ins

If the files open normally, download and install the latest compatible versions of the problematic add-ins from their official developer websites.

Disable and Reinstall Conflicting Add-ins

Add-in Update Complete: Keeping third-party add-ins updated ensures compatibility with newer Microsoft Office releases.

Solution 2

Verify Mac File and Folder Permissions

Resetting macOS privacy permissions ensures Office has the necessary system rights to read and write your document files.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office to Open Your Files Seamlessly

If Microsoft Office for Mac continues to block your files with permission errors after updates, switch to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and hassle-free environment to view and edit all your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files natively on Mac.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the macOS installer.
2. Install and Launch: Complete the installation process and open WPS Office on your Mac.
3. Open your files directly: Drag and drop your existing Office files directly into the WPS workspace to open them instantly without permission errors.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Avoid complex 'Grant Access' permission loops and frequent add-in crashes.Lightweight installation that runs smoothly across all macOS versions.Free to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate tabbed interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Microsoft Word asking me to Grant Access on my Mac?

This usually happens due to macOS sandboxing rules or conflicting third-party add-ins (like Adobe Acrobat) that trigger repeated permission requests after an Office version update.

Will downgrading to an older Office version fix the 16.9.1 issue?

Downgrading to the previous stable version can bypass the bug temporarily. You can restore the older app version from a Time Machine backup or download a previous installer directly from the Microsoft release history page.

How do I know if my file is corrupted or if it is an app issue?

If the file opens successfully in other applications like Mac Preview, Apple Numbers, or WPS Office, the file data is intact. The issue is likely isolated to Microsoft Office's internal permissions or a faulty add-in.

Office App Problems