Microsoft Is Killing Office 2019 for Macs: Here's How to Keep Your Files Editable

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Microsoft officially dropped support for Office 2019 for Mac in October 2023. Apple users could still use the included apps; they just didn't get new security and feature updates. That’s changing next month, however.

Starting July 13, Office 2019 apps will be left in a somewhat dormant state on Macs, iPhones, and iPads. You’ll be able to open and print files, but not edit, save, or create new files.

Microsoft says this "reduced functionality mode" will also be activated for those running older versions of Microsoft 365 and Office 2021 on unsupported macOS or iOS devices.

Starting July 13, Microsoft 365 and Office 2021 will only be supported on macOS 12 (Monterey) or later and iOS 17 or later. You’ll also have to update your Office suite to at least version 16.83 on Macs and version 2.93 on iPhones. Steps to update your device and the Office suite can be found on Microsoft’s support page.

As for those using Office 2019 on Apple devices, updating the software won’t be enough. You will also need to purchase a Microsoft 365 subscription or Office 2024 to retain full editing access to your files. If your Apple device can’t be updated beyond macOS 11 (Big Sur) or iOS 16, there’s only one final option left: Use the free version of Microsoft 365 on the web.

For now, Android and Windows don't need to worry. “This certificate expiration only applies to Office and Microsoft 365 apps on macOS and iOS. Windows and Android are not affected.”

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To recap, here’s what Apple users can do to edit their Office files once Microsoft’s reduced functionality mode gets activated on July 13, 2026:

If you're using Office 2019:

Option 1: Upgrade your Mac to macOS 12 or later and your iPhone to iOS 17 or later, then switch to Microsoft 365 or purchase Office 2024.
Option 2: Use Microsoft 365 on the web for free if you can't update your devices.

If you're using Microsoft 365 or Office 2021:

Option 1: Ensure your Mac is running macOS 12 or later and your iPhone is running iOS 17 or later. Then update Office to version 16.83 on Mac and version 2.93 on iPhone.
Option 2: Use Microsoft 365 on the web for free if you can't update your devices.

Note that you can always transfer and open the file on a different compatible device using a portable drive or cloud storage service. You could also just email the file and open it on a compatible device as a last resort.