Microsoft Office 2019 and 2021 for Mac shifting to “view-only” mode that prevents editing sparks major controversy

Microsoft says some Mac versions of Office 2019 and 2021 will become view-only after a certificate used for Microsoft 365 license checks expires.

Users on older macOS or iOS builds must update to the minimum supported version to keep editing; Office 2019 for Mac has little practical workaround.

Office 2021 and Microsoft 365 for Mac can avoid the restriction by updating on supported OS versions.

The change has drawn criticism because it can disable editing in paid, perpetual-license products and may push users toward subscriptions.