When attempting to open Microsoft WORD and Powerpoint on my Apple MAC computer I get an error message about getting permissions

Question

When attempting to open Microsoft WORD and Powerpoint on my Apple MAC computer I get an error message about getting permissions

laurabrezinski-3234 20

When attempting to open Microsoft WORD and Powerpoint on my Apple MAC computer I get an error message about getting permissions. I've consulted with Apple business and they confirmed I've done all the correct steps on the MAC side such as given all Microsoft files permission to edit all office files. Removed and reinstalled Microsoft Office, checked all permission and security settings are all correct.

Charles Kenyon 160K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-12-08T19:42:58.3333333+00:00

Hi Laura,

What is the source of the files?

Try starting the application (Word/Powerpoint) and then opening the files from within the application.

Is this all files?

Please provide your Mac OS name and version number as well as your Office version number.
laurabrezinski-3234 20 Reputation points

2025-12-08T20:36:38.9566667+00:00

You are way behind in my troubleshooting, this does not work. I have the latest greatest of MAC and Office.
Charles Kenyon 160K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-12-10T15:37:10.5333333+00:00

You are way behind in my troubleshooting, this does not work. I have the latest greatest of MAC and Office.

Please, nevertheless, provide your Mac OS name and version number as well as your Office version number. There are a surprising number of "latest" versions out there and it does make a difference.

1 answer

Your answer

Charles Kenyon 160K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-12-08T19:42:58.3333333+00:00

Hi Laura,

What is the source of the files?

Try starting the application (Word/Powerpoint) and then opening the files from within the application.

Is this all files?

Please provide your Mac OS name and version number as well as your Office version number.
laurabrezinski-3234 20 Reputation points

2025-12-08T20:36:38.9566667+00:00

You are way behind in my troubleshooting, this does not work. I have the latest greatest of MAC and Office.
Charles Kenyon 160K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-12-10T15:37:10.5333333+00:00

You are way behind in my troubleshooting, this does not work. I have the latest greatest of MAC and Office.

Please, nevertheless, provide your Mac OS name and version number as well as your Office version number. There are a surprising number of "latest" versions out there and it does make a difference.

Answer 1

Dear @laurabrezinski-3234

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A Forum!

Based on your description, may I know that if the error message was “Word cannot open the document: user does not have access privileges” on your Mac? If yes, so this issue is often linked to Finder permissions or temporary issues with Office.

Also, could you please confirm the following:

Are you encountering this issue with multiple files or just a single file?
Could you share a screenshot of the error message that appears when you try to open the file?

Because this is a public forum, so I suggest that you will send these supported documents to the Private Messages in this thread to protect your personal data. Your cooperation will help me provide the most accurate and effective solution (see image below).

User's image

Meanwhile, I found these troubleshooting ideas that you can try to see if they can help:

1.Check your file permissions:

Right-click the file > Get Info > check Sharing & Permissions.
Make sure your account has Read & Write access.

User's image

2.If the file is locked, you can unlock it. Go to the Get Info section, uncheck Locked.

3.Change the ownership if it's necessary. If you are not the owner, click the lock icon > enter your admin passwords > modify permissions.

User's image

4.You can use the “Open and Repair” function: please go to Word for Mac > choose File > Open > select the file > click the up and down arrow next to Open > choose Repair.

User's image

5.You can copy the file to another location. Move it to the Desktop or a personal folder.

I hope this information can give you more insights in this case and please feel free to give any feedback in comment section. Wish you a pleasant day!

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

TiNo-T 9,570 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-09T23:26:13.7366667+00:00

Dear @laurabrezinski-3234,

It’s been a while, so I just wanted to check in and see how things are progressing with this issue.

Have you had a chance to review the responses provided?

Any updates you can share would be greatly appreciated.
TiNo-T 9,570 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-12T02:16:38.06+00:00

Dear @laurabrezinski-3234,

I’m following up to check whether you’ve had an opportunity to review the response provided.

And if you found my answer helpful in any way, I kindly invite you to mark it as the Accepted Answer or leave an upvote. Once marked, it will automatically be pinned to the top. Since many other users also search for information in this community, your valuable contribution will help them easily find the right channel and useful insights more quickly.

Thank you very much, and I wish you a great day.

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When attempting to open Microsoft WORD and Powerpoint on my Apple MAC computer I get an error message about getting permissions

1 answer

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