can't access microsoft 365 on one of two home computers

Question

can't access microsoft 365 on one of two home computers

Anthony McClellan 0

I have purchased and installed Microsoft office on a new Mac that I recently purchased. All of my microsoft office documents are on an older Mac, when I try to activate my account I receive a message "denied", yet have no trouble on the new Mac

John Jefferson Doyon 89,190 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-10-06T04:07:58.61+00:00
Hi, @Anthony McClellan

To help narrow down the issue:

What is the exact product shown under https://account.microsoft.com/services?

What is the full "denied" message you see on the older Mac? A screenshot would help.

What macOS version is installed on the older Mac?

Any additional info about the issue you can provide will be helpful in diagnosing and resolving the issue.

Thanks!

1 answer

Your answer

John Jefferson Doyon 89,190 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-10-06T04:07:58.61+00:00

Hi, @Anthony McClellan

To help narrow down the issue:

What is the exact product shown under https://account.microsoft.com/services?

What is the full "denied" message you see on the older Mac? A screenshot would help.

What macOS version is installed on the older Mac?

Any additional info about the issue you can provide will be helpful in diagnosing and resolving the issue.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi, Anthony McClellan

The key detail is whether you purchased a Microsoft 365 subscription or a one-time Office license. Microsoft 365 allows use on multiple devices, while a one-time Office purchase covers one computer.

Here are some suggestions you can try:

Open Services & subscriptions and sign in with the account used for your purchase. Check the exact product listed. If it is a one-time purchase already used on the new Mac, that same license cannot cover both computers.

If you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription, sign out of Office on the older Mac, then sign back in with the account that owns the subscription.

If activation still fails, close all Office apps on the older Mac and run the Office License Removal Tool. Have your account password ready, since it removes all Office licenses on that Mac. Reopen Word, sign in again, then restart after activation.

If it still says “denied,” please share the complete error message, product name, and older Mac’s macOS version. Hide your email address and any product key.