Fix Microsoft 365 Apps Disappearing or Failing to Install on Mac
Question details
The user needs to restore Microsoft 365 Family applications that disappear after restarting their Mac and resolve installation failures on secondary Mac devices.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Family
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Attempting to install or use Microsoft 365 applications on a Mac, or transferring a family subscription to a secondary Mac device.
- Observed behavior
- The Microsoft 365 applications vanish from the Applications folder after the Mac shuts down or restarts. Additionally, the installation process fails on secondary devices, often due to corrupted leftover files or an unsupported macOS version.
Ensure you have your Microsoft account login credentials handy and verify that your current macOS version is supported by the latest Microsoft 365 installer.
Perform a Clean Uninstallation and Reinstall Microsoft 365
Use this method to remove corrupted configuration files and hidden container data that cause Office apps to disappear after a reboot.
Simply dragging the Microsoft Word or Excel icons to the Trash does not fully remove the software. Remaining container files in your Mac's Library can conflict with new installations, causing apps to behave erratically or disappear entirely upon restart.
Open Finder and navigate to the 'Applications' folder. Locate all Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and OneDrive), select them, and drag them to the Trash.
In Finder, press 'Command + Shift + G' to open the 'Go to Folder' window. Type '~/Library/Containers' and press Return. Find and delete folders associated with Microsoft (e.g., com.microsoft.Word, com.microsoft.Excel, com.microsoft.Powerpoint).
Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'Restart' to clear any cached memory and finalize the removal process.
Go to www.office.com and sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your Microsoft 365 Family subscription. Click 'Install Office' in the top right corner to download the latest installer package, then run the installer.
Verify macOS System Requirements
Check this if your installation fails immediately or blocks you from running the downloaded installer package.
Try WPS Office for Mac When Microsoft 365 Fails to Install
If your Mac's operating system is no longer supported by Microsoft 365, or if you are tired of troubleshooting complex installation errors, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. It installs in seconds and runs smoothly on both newer and older macOS versions.
- 1. Download the Mac Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the 'Free Download' button specifically designed for macOS.
- 2. Install the Application: Locate the downloaded .dmg file in your Downloads folder, double-click it, and drag the WPS Office icon into the Applications folder.
- 3. Open and Enjoy: Navigate to your Applications folder or Launchpad, click on WPS Office, and immediately start creating or editing your documents without requiring a complex subscription setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my Microsoft 365 apps disappear after restarting my Mac?
This usually occurs due to corrupted installation files, improper application shortcuts, or conflicts within the Mac's hidden Library containers. Performing a complete manual uninstallation and clearing out the '~/Library/Containers' folder before reinstalling resolves this behavior.
How do I share my Microsoft 365 Family subscription with another Mac?
The primary account holder must sign in to their Microsoft account at office.com and send a sharing invitation via email or link. The recipient must open the link on their Mac, sign in with their own personal Microsoft account, and click 'Install Office'.
What should I do if my Mac OS is not supported by Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 only supports the three most recent major versions of macOS. You can either upgrade your Mac's operating system through System Preferences, use Microsoft Office Online via your web browser, or switch to a highly compatible alternative like WPS Office.
