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Fix Microsoft 365 Installation Error on macOS 12 (MacBook Pro)
Question details
The user is unable to install Microsoft 365 desktop applications on a 2017 MacBook Pro running macOS 12.7 because the installer requires a newer operating system.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- macOS 12.7 (2017 MacBook Pro)
- Scenario
- Attempting to install Microsoft 365 desktop applications on an older Mac model that is capped at macOS 12.
- Observed behavior
- The installer blocks the installation, displaying an error message stating that macOS 13.0 or later is required to proceed.
Click the Apple menu and select 'About This Mac' to verify your exact macOS version and check if your device officially supports an upgrade to macOS 13 (Ventura).
Use Microsoft 365 Web Applications
If your Mac cannot be upgraded to macOS 13, you can still use your subscription by accessing the fully functional web versions of Office applications through your browser.
Microsoft provides comprehensive web-based versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These do not require any local installation and work perfectly on older versions of macOS as long as you have a modern web browser.
Launch Safari, Google Chrome, or Microsoft Edge on your Mac.
Go to the official Microsoft 365 portal at https://www.office.com.
Click the 'Sign In' button and enter the email and password associated with your Microsoft 365 subscription.
Use the left-hand sidebar to select the application you want to use (such as Word or Excel) and begin creating or editing your documents online.
Verify macOS Upgrade Eligibility
Double-check if your specific Mac model can actually be updated to macOS 13 to support the desktop installation.
Use WPS Office on Older Mac Devices
If your Mac cannot run the latest Microsoft 365 desktop apps and you prefer working offline rather than in a web browser, WPS Office is a highly compatible, lightweight alternative that supports older macOS versions seamlessly.
- 1. Download the Mac installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS version.
- 2. Install the application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open your files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office documents to continue working offline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft 365 require macOS 13 or later?
Microsoft officially supports only the three most recent major versions of Apple's macOS. This policy ensures optimal performance, strict security standards, and the ability to roll out new features efficiently.
Can I download an older desktop version of Microsoft 365 for macOS 12?
Yes, you can download older installer packages (such as version 16.77, which was the last update to support macOS 11 and 12) from the official Microsoft Office Mac update history page. However, these versions will no longer receive security or feature updates.
Do I lose any features when using the web version of Microsoft 365 instead of the desktop app?
The web versions cover the vast majority of essential features needed for everyday tasks. However, advanced functionalities like complex VBA macros, certain specialized formatting options, and offline access are only available in the desktop applications.
