Outlook or other Microsoft 365 apps won't open on macOS

Issues

  • I can't open Outlook on my Mac; I get an error message.
  • Microsoft Word doesn't open on my Mac laptop.
  • I can't get Excel to open on my Bowdoin-issued Mac laptop.
  • I just updated Outlook on my Mac and now it won't open. How do I fix it?
  • My Microsoft 365 apps stopped opening after an update.

Environment

  • Students, staff, or faculty with a Bowdoin-issued Mac.
  • One or more Microsoft 365 (Office) apps that will not open, such as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, or OneNote, often after a recent update.

Resolution

A recent Microsoft 365 update can sometimes leave the Office apps in a state where they will not open. Reinstalling Microsoft Office 365 from Self Service replaces the affected apps with a fresh copy and resolves the problem.

Note: Reinstalling Microsoft Office 365 does not delete any of your data or documents.
  1. Make sure all of your Office apps are closed, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote.
  2. Open the Self Service app from your Applications folder.
  3. Search for Microsoft Office 365.
  4. Select Reinstall (or Install) under the logo.
  5. Wait a few minutes while Self Service removes the broken version of Office 365 and installs the newest version. A progress circle appears under the logo in the Self Service app.
  6. Once the link says Reinstall again, the installation is complete. Try opening one of your Office apps.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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