Office for Mac Issues

How to Fix Word for Mac Sign-In After Leaving a Company

Khadija Khan Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to sign into Microsoft Word on a Mac because the application repeatedly prompts for a previous employer's account credentials.

Fix Word for Mac Sign-In After Leaving a Company

Product: Microsoft Word for Mac
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Attempting to sign in with a new personal or student account after changing jobs or leaving an organization.
Observed behavior: Word for Mac ignores new login attempts and continuously requests the former employer's account due to cached old Office license files.

Before you start

Ensure you have your new personal or student Microsoft 365 account credentials ready, and close all Microsoft Office applications on your Mac before proceeding.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Official Microsoft License Removal Tool

The most effective way to clear old employer credentials is by using Microsoft's official license removal tool to reset the activation state.

Microsoft provides a dedicated tool for Mac users to completely wipe old Office licenses without having to uninstall the application.

Download the tool

Visit the official Microsoft Support website and download the Office License Removal Tool for Mac.

Run the installer

Open the downloaded .pkg file and follow the on-screen instructions to run the license removal process.

Restart and sign in

Once the tool finishes, open Microsoft Word. You will now be prompted to sign in fresh. Enter your new personal or student Microsoft 365 account credentials.

Use the Official Microsoft License Removal Tool

Data Safety: Running the license removal tool only deletes activation files. Your local Word documents and templates will not be affected.

Solution 2

Manually Clear Office Credentials from Keychain Access

If the removal tool fails, you can manually delete cached Microsoft credentials from your Mac's Keychain.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Mac as a Hassle-Free Alternative

Tired of dealing with complex license removals and sign-in loops? WPS Office for Mac provides a lightweight, robust alternative that doesn't force strict subscription account blocks.

1. Download the installer: Visit the WPS Office website and download the Mac version.
2. Install the application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
3. Open your documents directly: Launch WPS Office and open your existing .docx files immediately without complex activation loops.

No complicated license removal or account sign-in loops to worry aboutFully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel, and PowerPoint filesLightweight application that runs seamlessly on macOSFree to download and use for essential office tasks

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word for Mac keep asking for my old company email?

Mac stores your previous Office license and account credentials in the system's Keychain and hidden library folders. Even if you log out of the application, these cached files force Word to request the old account until they are properly removed.

Will removing the Office license delete my saved documents?

No. Removing the license files only clears the activation status and account login cache. Your local documents, files, and folders remain completely untouched and safe.

Can I use my new personal Microsoft account without reinstalling Office?

Yes. By using the license removal tool or clearing your Mac's Keychain, you simply reset the activation state. When you open Word again, you can sign in with your personal account without needing to reinstall the entire application.

What if the license removal tool doesn't work on my Mac?

If the automated tool fails, you can manually delete the cached credentials through the Mac Keychain Access utility, or ensure that you have administrative privileges enabled on your Mac user account before running the tool.

Office App Problems