The message means that either the account isn’t licensed for desktop editing, or the license hasn’t been activated correctly. This often happens because of an expired or missing Microsoft 365 license, especially if using a school or work account. Common reasons include signing in with the wrong account, license setup problems, or issues after moving to a new Mac. Also, using multiple accounts at once or having outdated software can cause this problem. In this article, we will discuss different ways to solve this error.
1. Ensure You Have the Correct License
Before doing anything else, make sure your Microsoft 365 subscription has the right license for desktop editing. Without it, you can only view files and can’t make changes. Checking your license first can save time, as license issues often cause this error. If you don’t have the right license, contact your admin for the correct one. Otherwise, proceed as follows:
2. Uninstall and Reinstall Office 365
Reinstalling Office 365 can fix many issues by starting fresh. Uninstalling removes any broken or old files that might be causing problems. A new installation resets settings, accounts, and licenses, and ensures you have the latest version.
3. Activate Office
Activating Office links your Microsoft 365 subscription to your account and device. Without it, you can only view files. Signing in with a licensed account enables full features, including editing.
