Microsoft Office 2021 users on Apple devices face read-only restrictions post-support. A workaround lets them regain full access to their perpetual licenses.
Perpetual license definition
A perpetual license allows users to purchase software once and use it indefinitely, as opposed to subscription-based models where payment is required regularly.Microsoft Office 2021 and its support end
Microsoft Office 2021, a productivity suite released five years ago, was sold with a perpetual license. However, official support for this version ends on October 13, 2026, after which users may face restrictions.Office 2021 limitations on Apple devices
After the end of support, users on Apple devices like Mac, iPhone, or iPad may encounter a message requiring activation of Microsoft 365 to create or edit documents, effectively limiting functionality to viewing and printing.Workaround to restore full Office 2021 features
A method to restore full functionality of Office 2021 on a Mac involves disabling automatic updates, removing the application, cleaning residual files, and reinstalling the correct version of the software.Steps to disable automatic updates
To prevent Microsoft from restricting access, users must disable automatic updates through the Microsoft AutoUpdate program and adjust settings in macOS to prevent background activity by the same tool.Removing Office 2021 applications
Users are advised to delete Office 2021 applications from their Mac’s Applications folder and use Microsoft’s official cleanup tool to remove leftover files and settings.Reinstalling the correct Office 2021 version
Microsoft provides specific versions of Office 2021 for Mac, including version 16.113.4, which should be downloaded and installed following the provided instructions to ensure compatibility.Reactivating the perpetual license
After reinstalling Office 2021, users must log in with the Microsoft account associated with their perpetual license. If the login prompt does not appear, signing out and relaunching the application should trigger it.Alternative solutions available
Users can consider newer versions of Office with perpetual licenses, such as Office 2024, or open-source alternatives like LibreOffice for continued use without subscription fees.
