Office Says "Unlicensed" or "Your Account Doesn't Allow Editing"

Learn what to do when Word, Excel, or PowerPoint says Unlicensed Product, opens files read-only, or says your account doesn't allow editing.

Common causes

Cause
Fix
Signed in with the wrong account, like a personal Microsoft account
Select File > Account, sign out, then sign in with your NCU account.
Your NCU license includes only the web and mobile apps (for example, adjunct faculty)
You're no longer enrolled or employed
Office access ends when you leave NCU.
The app needs to refresh its license
Close all Office apps, open one again, and sign in when asked.
You're signed in to Office on too many computers
Your license lets you sign in to the Office desktop apps on up to 5 computers at once. Go to myaccount.microsoft.com, select Office apps, and sign out of computers you no longer use.

Still seeing the message? Try repairing Office: How To: Repair Microsoft Office When an App Won't Open.

Get help

Still need help? Submit a request through Operating System or Software Support, call the IT Service Desk at 612.343.4170, or visit Miller Hall 226.