macOS error when opening files with Word: user does not have access privileges

Anonymous
2024-12-06T15:39:32+00:00

I am trying to open .docx files with Word through the "File -> Open..." or "File -> Open Recent" menus. However, every time I do this Word asks to grant access to the file location. After selecting the correct location on disk, Word freezes briefly before asking to grant access again and then eventually I get an error message stating: "Word cannot open the document: user does not have access privileges".

I get similar error messages when doing opening files from Word's welcome screen, as well as when opening files in Excel or Powerpoint. However, everything works smoothly when I open Word, Excel, or Powerpoint files from a Finder window by clicking on the file or when I open files stored in OneDrive.

I have checked my security settings in "System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Full Disk Access" and Word is set to have full disk access. I am running Word Version 16.91 (24111020) on a MacBook Pro 14" 2021 M1 Pro with macOS Sonoma 14.7.1. I installed my copy of Word via the Mac App Store. I also tried to re-install it from the Office 365 website and the issue persists.

Can anyone please help me sort out this issue? Thank you.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | MacOS

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John Korchok 237K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2024-12-08T17:19:59+00:00

Please try creating a new user in System Settings>User & Groups. Then sign into that user account and see if the problem persists. If it goes away, there is an issue with the Office information in your regular user account. If the issue continues, try uninstalling following these instructions, then reinstall from the Services & subscriptions page of your Microsoft account.

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-12-06T18:26:53+00:00

    The issue appears for files stored in my User folder or in iCloud's Desktop and Documents folders. It does not happen for files stored on One Drive.

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  2. John Korchok 237K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2024-12-06T17:01:57+00:00

    Are you storing files inside your User folder, or some other location on your hard disk?

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