Microsoft 365 - Mac (Troubleshooting) "Your Account Doesn't Allow Editing on a Mac" Error
You may encounter an error when trying to edit Microsoft 365 files on your Mac device that stops you from being able to edit Word files. If you are UWM Faculty or Staff, please contact the UWM Help Desk. If you are a student, please try to log in and out of your Microsoft 365 account.
Full Error Message
“Your account pounce@uwm.edu doesn't allow editing on a Mac. To learn more, contact your admin about your Microsoft 365 plan."
Information about the error and how to address the issue:
From Microsoft "Starting July 13, 2026, Microsoft 365 subscribers on macOS, iPhone, and iPad, and those with non-subscription software, including Office 2021 or Office 2019 on macOS might notice that Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, or OneNote) can open and print files, but cannot edit, save, or create new files – called 'reduced functionality mode.' For most users, updating your OS and updating your apps will resolve it. "
The workflow can assist with steps needed to update macOS and M365 applications.
If you are UWM Faculty or Staff and are still having issues:
Please contact the UWM Help Desk at UWM Help Desk - Getting Help Page.
If You are a Student on a Personal Device:
- Sign out of your Microsoft 365 account on your Mac device and then sign back in.
- If re-logging into your account does not fix the error, you can reach out to a third-party technology repair (there may be a fee).
- You can contact Apple Support to try additional troubleshooting.