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Fix Microsoft 365 for Mac Installer Skipping Office Applications
Question details
The user is attempting to install Microsoft 365 on a Mac, but the installer bypasses core applications like Word and Excel.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Running the Microsoft 365 Business installer package on a Mac device.
- Observed behavior
- The installer automatically marks Word, Excel, and other Office applications as 'Skip' in the customize menu, resulting in only Microsoft Defender being installed.
Ensure you have administrator credentials for your Mac, as making changes to user profiles and running installers requires admin privileges.
Verify macOS Version and Redownload the Installer
Check that your Mac meets the minimum operating system requirements for the latest Microsoft Office build, as outdated macOS versions will cause the installer to skip unsupported apps.
The latest versions of Microsoft 365 for Mac (such as version 16.94 and later) strictly require macOS Monterey 12 or newer. If your operating system is older, the installer recognizes the incompatibility and skips the applications.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'About This Mac'. Verify that your OS is macOS Monterey 12 or later.
If your macOS meets the requirements, visit the Microsoft Office for Mac update history page (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdates/update-history-office-for-mac) and download a fresh installer package.
Open the downloaded package using an administrator account. Proceed through the setup and check the 'Customize' step to ensure Word and Excel are now available for installation.
Test Installation with a New macOS User Profile
If the macOS version is correct but the applications are still skipped, your current user profile settings may be corrupted and interfering with the installation.
Try WPS Office for Mac When Microsoft 365 Fails to Install
If your Mac's operating system is too old to support the latest Microsoft 365 updates or you cannot bypass the installation errors, WPS Office provides a powerful, free alternative. It is highly compatible with macOS and lets you handle your documents without heavy hardware requirements.
- 1. Download the Mac installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer designed for macOS.
- 2. Install the application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open your files instantly: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files with zero compatibility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Office for Mac installer say 'Skip' next to Word and Excel?
This happens when your Mac is running an operating system version that is older than the minimum requirement for the Office build you are trying to install. For newer versions, macOS Monterey 12 or later is required.
How do I find out which macOS version my device is currently running?
Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'About This Mac'. A window will appear displaying your current macOS version and system details.
Can I install an older version of Microsoft 365 if my Mac cannot be updated?
Yes, you can browse the official Microsoft Office for Mac update history page to find and download older installer versions that are compatible with older macOS versions like Big Sur or Catalina.
Will creating a new macOS user profile delete my personal files?
No, creating a new user profile only adds an additional account to your Mac. Your personal files on your original profile remain completely safe and untouched.
