Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac to Enter Read-Only Mode July 13
Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac users will face reduced functionality starting July 13 due to an expiring digital license. Affected applications will become read-only, preventing file creation or editing. Microsoft recommends updating to Microsoft 365 or Office 2021/2024 for continued productivity.
Key points
- Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac will shift to read-only mode on July 13 due to an expiring digital license.
- Users will only be able to open and print files, unable to edit, save, or create new documents.
- This affects Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote versions of Office 2019 for Mac.
- Microsoft has ceased support for Office 2019 since October 10, 2023, preventing updates.
- Users can maintain full functionality by subscribing to Microsoft 365 or purchasing Office 2021/2024.
Starting July 13, Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac will enter a "reduced functionality mode" where users can only open and print files. Microsoft attributes this change to an expiring digital license, an issue that impacts older versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote on Macs.
This means users will be unable to create new documents, edit existing ones, or save changes after this date. The functionality limitation applies to both subscription and non-subscription versions of Office 2019. Microsoft officially ended support for Office 2019 on October 10, 2023, meaning the software cannot be updated to resolve this certificate issue.
To continue using Office applications with full editing capabilities, Microsoft suggests either subscribing to Microsoft 365 or purchasing a newer version like Office 2021 or Office 2024. Alternatively, users can access basic versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for free through a web browser with a Microsoft account.
Sources
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