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why can't i use word after the most recent update ?

After I updated my mac i am no longer able to open word. I was able to prior to the update. The icon has a white circle with a line through it

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Aug 16, 2020 2:56 PM

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Posted on Aug 16, 2020 2:59 PM

Older versions of Word aren't compatible with macOS Catalina.


If you have an early version of Office for Mac 2016, you can update it at no charge. However note that connecting to Microsoft 365 services using Office 2016 for Mac is not supported by Microsoft after October 13, 2020. See: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office365/troubleshoot/administration/office-2016-for-mac-64-bit-upgrade


If you have Office for Mac 2011 or earlier, you can either subscribe to Microsoft 365 or you can make a one-time purchase. See: https://products.office.com/en-us/buy/compare-microsoft-office-products-for-mac?ms.officeurl=mac-compare-redir


Or use the free Microsoft Office on the web: https://products.office.com/en-us/free-office-online-for-the-web


Or Google Docs: https://www.google.com/docs/about/


Other options include using the free and very good Libre Office https://www.libreoffice.org/


or Apple's Pages and Numbers

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Aug 16, 2020 2:59 PM in response to AGrippo

Older versions of Word aren't compatible with macOS Catalina.


If you have an early version of Office for Mac 2016, you can update it at no charge. However note that connecting to Microsoft 365 services using Office 2016 for Mac is not supported by Microsoft after October 13, 2020. See: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office365/troubleshoot/administration/office-2016-for-mac-64-bit-upgrade


If you have Office for Mac 2011 or earlier, you can either subscribe to Microsoft 365 or you can make a one-time purchase. See: https://products.office.com/en-us/buy/compare-microsoft-office-products-for-mac?ms.officeurl=mac-compare-redir


Or use the free Microsoft Office on the web: https://products.office.com/en-us/free-office-online-for-the-web


Or Google Docs: https://www.google.com/docs/about/


Other options include using the free and very good Libre Office https://www.libreoffice.org/


or Apple's Pages and Numbers

Aug 16, 2020 3:35 PM in response to FoxFifth

I do not know what version or year I have of the office. The serial # for my mac is C0********3QH. Maybe that will help, Is there's a way to find out what year I have? Does this mean I will not be able to retrieve my old documents? I Thought once you purchase Office that was it? Why would I ave to purchase again? I would have ever done the new updated that does no support the old office. I tried calling the customer service number twice waiting over a our each time. I feel like I am not understanding


[Personal Information Edited by Moderator]

Aug 16, 2020 3:35 PM in response to AGrippo

Microsoft (like most other software companies) does not offer unlimited free updates for their product (unless you pay for a subscription to Microsoft 365).


There is no way to tell what version you have based on the serial number of your Mac. You may be able to guess by knowing approximately when you bought it.


You can open your old documents using a newer version of Office or using any of the other free products I listed in my first response. Microsoft Office on the web will likely be most compatible but the free LibreOffice is very good and very compatible.

Aug 16, 2020 3:41 PM in response to AGrippo

Your Office documents are independent of the 32-bit/64-bit application issue, and will open just fine in the 64-bit version of Office 2016 for Mac (retired Oct/2020), Office 2019 for Mac, Microsoft 365 (subscription), and the free, LibreOffice Suite.


Microsoft retired Office 2011 for Mac in Oct 2017, so if that was your single purchase, it is no longer in effect for new Microsoft versions that I mentioned above that run on Catalina. Software has a shelf life, and new versions cost money.


You can no longer reinstall Office 2011 for Mac on earlier versions of macOS because Microsoft has deactivated those license servers.


I have asked the hosts to remove your serial number as that is private information, and we are not Apple Support.

Aug 17, 2020 9:48 AM in response to AGrippo

I too am sure that you likely have an older non-compatible version of Word installed. If you wish to see what version it is, you can open your Applications folder, single click on the Word icon and then either right click or use the Get Info tab in the File menu. This will open a window which will display the information you want.

why can't i use word after the most recent update ?

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