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Fix Microsoft 365 Installation Error on Unsupported macOS
Question details
The user is unable to install Microsoft 365 on their MacBook because their current macOS version is incompatible with the software requirements.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to install or update Microsoft 365 applications on an Apple Mac device.
- Observed behavior
- The installation process is blocked, returning an error message stating that the current macOS version is unsupported or incompatible.
Before proceeding, check your current macOS version by clicking the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting 'About This Mac' to confirm if a system update is required.
Update macOS to a Supported Release
Updating your Mac to one of the three most recent versions of macOS will resolve compatibility errors and allow Microsoft 365 to install.
Microsoft 365 for Mac requires one of the three most recent major versions of macOS to install and receive ongoing feature and security updates. If your Mac is running an older version, the installer will automatically block the process to prevent software conflicts.
Click the Apple menu in the corner of your screen and choose 'System Settings' (or 'System Preferences' on older macOS versions).
Navigate to 'General' in the sidebar and click 'Software Update' to allow your Mac to check Apple servers for available newer versions.
Click 'Update Now' or 'Upgrade Now' and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the supported macOS release.
Once the macOS update is fully complete and your Mac has restarted, download the Microsoft 365 installer from your Microsoft account again and proceed with the installation.
Switch to WPS Office for Older Mac Hardware
If your Mac hardware cannot be upgraded to the latest macOS required by Microsoft 365, WPS Office is an excellent free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that works seamlessly on a wide range of older macOS versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which macOS versions are currently supported by Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 for Mac is supported on the three most recent major versions of Apple's macOS. When Apple releases a new major macOS version, Microsoft drops support for the oldest version and only supports the newest and the previous two versions.
What happens to Microsoft 365 if I don't update my macOS?
If you remain on an unsupported macOS version, you will not be able to install new Microsoft 365 apps. If you already have the apps installed, they will continue to function but will no longer receive any security patches or feature updates.
Can I install an older version of Microsoft 365 on my unsupported Mac?
While it is technically possible to download older installation packages for Office that match your macOS version, Microsoft does not provide security updates for them. This can leave your system vulnerable to security risks and bugs.
Why does Microsoft 365 strictly require a newer macOS?
Microsoft aligns its app development with Apple's operating system updates to ensure the Office suite can utilize the latest security frameworks, privacy controls, and performance enhancements available on modern Macs.
