Paolo Redaelli personal blog

Ethics, Proprietary software, Yet another reason to avoid, Yet another reason to avoid Microsoft

Just use LibreOffice!

The Lunduke Journal 9 @LundukeJournal This is outrageous and infuriating. On July 13, 2026 Microsoft is intentionally bricking Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac. It's important to note that this is not "Subscription-based Software". This is purchased software. Mac users bought a "permanent" license for Microsoft Office 2019 (for a one-time price of $149.99), with the understanding that they then can use that software forever. But, in a little over a month, Microsoft will be putting that purchased software into "reduced functionality mode"... prohibiting all users from creating new documents or editing existing ones. There is absolutely no excuse for this sort of deeply unethical behavior from @Microsoft.
© Important A licensing update for Microsoft 365 apps on macOS and iOS takes effect on July 13, 2026. Devices that aren't updated to a supported app version enter reduced functionality mode, where users can open and view files but can't edit, save, or access full features. Administrators should ensure that all managed macOS and iOS devices run the versions needed to keep Microsoft 365 apps fully functional after July 13, 2026. This issue only affects macOS and iOS devices. Windows and Android devices aren't affected.
Update Microsoft 365 or Office on your macOS or iOS device » Applies To Summary Starting July 13, 2026, some users may 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". This happens when support for Microsoft Office apps is no longer continued for older operating systems or devices. This issue affects both Microsoft 365 subscribers on macOS, iPhone, and iPad, and those with non-subscription software, including Office 2021 or Office 2019 on macOS. For most users, updating your OS, and updating your apps will resolve it.

“You’ll own nothing and you’ll be happy”

Those are the moment I’m happy not to use proprietary software.

Sources:

  1. Office 2019 for Mac Goes Read-Only on 13 July 2026 – TidBITS
  2. Microsoft Office 2019 and 2021 for Mac view-only conversion (2026)
  3. Microsoft is killing Office 2019 for Mac and iPhone, and you

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