Unable to Activate Office 2024

Matthew McArthur 20 Reputation points
2025-10-02T19:48:51.3233333+00:00

I use a Mac.

A couple days ago I purchased Office 2024 online on my Microsoft account. I installed the applications.

When I try to use the applications, it is stuck in read-only mode and states that I do not have a license to use the applications.

I have spent SEVERAL HOURS trying to use the online self help options and get in touch with any customer support but nothing is working.

I am very frustrated as this feels like a COMPLETE waste of $190 CAD. I wish I could get the office apps to work on my computer and I don't understand why this feels like pulling teeth when I paid good money for this.

Screen Shot 2025-10-02 at 3.44.10 PM

Screen Shot 2025-10-02 at 3.26.09 PM

Screen Shot 2025-10-02 at 3.24.32 PM

Screen Shot 2025-10-02 at 3.45.38 PM

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | iOS
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Ivan B 127K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-10-03T00:32:12.62+00:00

Hi ,

In this case, I know that there are conditions for a refund for the Office 365 subscription. In this situation, I recommend contacting Microsoft support via chat to see if a refund is possible. I cannot say for sure.

The best way to contact Microsoft using the Home chat, access the link below and write "Office" below there will be a Contact Support option.

Enter your details to open the chat and a Microsoft agent will come to assist you.

https://support.microsoft.com/home/contact

If this helped, please confirm the answer or not to help other users if it helped.

Thanks

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  1. Ivan B 127K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-10-03T00:23:28.8666667+00:00

    Hi ,

    Unfortunately, version 2024 can't be used with this version; there's a 2021 version.

    https://officecdn.microsoft.com/pr/C1297A47-86C4-4C1F-97FA-950631F94777/MacAutoupdate/Microsoft_365_and_Office_16.89.24091630_Installer.pkg

    However, since the license is for 2021, it won't activate a 2024 license. I'm not sure, but you can test it.

    If it doesn't work, unfortunately, due to the 2024 version you purchased, you need to have Mac OS version 13 or later.

    Give feedback if the information was useful or not.

    Thanks

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  2. Ivan B 127K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-10-02T20:30:09.04+00:00

    Hi ,

    Well, do the following: uninstall Microsoft Office from your Mac.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/uninstall-office-for-mac-eefa1199-5b58-43af-8a3d-b73dc1a8cae3

    You'll restart your Mac and go to the website to download the Office 2024 Home version.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/download-install-or-reinstall-microsoft-365-or-office-2024-on-a-pc-or-mac-4414eaaf-0478-48be-9c42-23adc4716658#installsteps=install_on_a_mac

    Make sure you only have it installed on your Mac; you can't use another Office version simultaneously, such as one on a PC or another on a Mac.

    Give feedback if the information was useful or not.

    Thanks

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