Technology

Microsoft Reduced Functionality on macOS, iPhone, and iPad

Last modified 8/25/2026

Some users running Microsoft 365 or Office applications on older or unsupported versions of MacOS, iOS, or iPadOS may find that Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, or OneNote can open, view, and print existing files but cannot edit, save, or create new files. Microsoft refers to this as reduced functionality mode.

  • Who is Affected?

This issue is specific to Apple devices running Microsoft 365 or Office applications.

DeviceMinimum Operating SystemMinimum Microsoft 365 app version
MacMacOS 12 (Monterey) or laterVersion 16.83 or later
iPhone/iPadiOS/iPadOS 17.0 or laterVersion 2.93 or later

Microsoft's requirements are subject to change as newer operating systems are released. Microsoft generally supports Microsoft 365 applications on the three most recent major versions of MacOS.


  • What Will I see?

If your device or Microsoft 365 applications do not meet the required versions, you may notice that:

  • Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, or OneNote can open existing files.
  • Files can be viewed or printed.
  • You cannot edit existing files.
  • You cannot save changes.
  • You cannot create new files.
  • Microsoft 365 may indicate that the application is operating in reduced functionality mode. 



Troubleshooting Steps

  • Update MacOS


  1. Select the Apple menu.
  2. Select System Settings.
  3. Select General.
  4. Select Software Update.
  5. Install any available updates.

Your Mac must be capable of running macOS 12 (Monterey) or later to meet Microsoft's minimum requirement for this change.

If your Mac cannot be upgraded to macOS 12 or later, the computer may not be able to run a Microsoft 365 application version that meets the new requirement.


  • Update iPhone or iPad

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select General.
  3. Select Software Update.
  4. Install any available iOS or iPadOS updates.

Your device must be running iOS/iPadOS 17.0 or later to meet Microsoft's minimum operating system requirement for this change.


  • Update Microsoft 365 on MacOS

  1. Open a Microsoft 365 application such as Word or Excel.
  2. In the macOS menu bar, select Help.
  3. Select Check for Updates.
  4. Microsoft AutoUpdate will open.
  5. Select Update or Update All.
  6. Allow the updates to complete.
  7. Quit and reopen the Microsoft 365 application.

If the application continues to operate in reduced functionality mode, completely quit the application and reopen it. If necessary, sign out of your Microsoft account within the application, restart the Mac, and sign back in.



Alternative: Use Microsoft 365 on the Web

If your Mac or mobile device cannot be updated to the required operating system, you may still be able to access Microsoft 365 services through a web browser.

Illinois State University provides Microsoft 365 access to students, faculty, and staff. ISU's Microsoft 365 services include web versions of applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.

Visit Microsoft 365 at Illinois State University and sign in with your ISU credentials.

Important: Do Not Delete Your Files

This change does not mean that your OneDrive files or other Microsoft 365 data have been deleted. Microsoft states that no user data is lost as a result of the reduced functionality issue.

Do not delete or move your files as a troubleshooting step.

Additional Information: 

How to Get Help

Technical assistance is available through the Illinois State University Technology Support Center at:


Feedback

To suggest an update to this article, ISU students, faculty, and staff should submit an Update Knowledge/Help Article request and all others should use the Get IT Help form.

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