MICROSOFT OFFICE 2021 not working on MAC

Prince Rathee 0 Reputation points
2026-10-26T08:30:46.16+00:00

I had bought Microsoft Office 2021 lifetime license in 2022 and have been using it since then, but on 13th October 2026, there was some change that there would be no further updates, et cetera, but I should be able to use my lifetime license right. But I'm not able to use it. It said that it was auto updated something to new version so I tried using the older version. I did not know how to do it. So I installed it from Microsoft account there. I found an option of installing and I installed the whole package and still it's not working on a Mac again, installing the same version, whatever it i asking for activation code. Why would I want to pay more when I have a lifetime License already?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | MacOS
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-26T08:31:08.9766667+00:00

    Office 2021 for Mac is a perpetual license, but support ended on October 13, 2026. After end of support, Microsoft no longer provides updates or technical support for Office 2021, and newer app versions can cause licensing or reduced-functionality issues.

    For this specific Mac issue, the supported facts in the available guidance are:

    1. Office 2021 can still be installed from the Microsoft account page under purchased products.
    2. Office 2021 for Mac is supported only on one of the three most recent macOS versions.
    3. Starting with newer Office for Mac builds, incorrect or unsupported license/update state can put apps into read-only or limited functionality mode.
    4. In similar reported cases for Office 2021 on Mac after the October 2026 support change, the accepted resolution was:
      • uninstall the current Office apps
      • install an older 16.114 build
      • open an Office app
      • go to Help > Check for Updates
      • in Microsoft AutoUpdate, turn off Automatically keep Microsoft apps up to date

    If the current install from the Microsoft account page keeps reinstalling the newer build and asks for activation again, the practical path is:

    1. Uninstall the current Office for Mac apps.
    2. Install this older build:
      • https://res.public.onecdn.static.microsoft/mro1cdnstorage/C1297A47-86C4-4C1F-97FA-950631F94777/MacAutoupdate/Microsoft_365_and_Office_16.114.26101123_BusinessPro_Installer.pkg?atp=ets
    3. Open Word or Excel.
    4. Select Help > Check for Updates.
    5. In Microsoft AutoUpdate, clear Automatically keep Microsoft apps up to date, then confirm Turn Off.

    If that build does not work, similar accepted guidance also referenced 16.113 as an alternative older build:

    • https://res.public.onecdn.static.microsoft/mro1cdnstorage/C1297A47-86C4-4C1F-97FA-950631F94777/MacAutoupdate/Microsoft_365_and_Office_16.113.26100421_Installer.pkg?atp=ets

    Important:

    • Turning off AutoUpdate avoids reinstalling the newer build that is triggering the license problem.
    • Office 2021 is out of support, so this is a workaround rather than a supported long-term fix.
    • If macOS is not within the three most recent versions, Office 2021 for Mac is not in a supported OS configuration.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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