'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Fix Microsoft 365 Mac Installer Only Installing Defender
Question details
The user is attempting to install Microsoft 365 for Business on a Mac, but the installer only installs Microsoft Defender while omitting all other Office applications.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Installing Microsoft 365 for Business applications from the official installer package on a Mac computer.
- Observed behavior
- The installer completes successfully, but in the Customize screen, only Microsoft Defender is selectable. The other standard Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) are unavailable and do not install.
Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection and check your current macOS version by clicking the Apple menu and selecting 'About This Mac'.
Verify macOS Compatibility and Re-download the Installer
Office for Mac version 16.94 and later requires macOS Monterey 12 or newer. Ensuring your OS meets this requirement is the primary fix for apps missing from the installer.
When the Microsoft 365 installer detects an incompatible macOS version, it restricts the installation of unsupported apps. If your Mac is running an older OS, the installer will only offer apps that still support that version, such as Microsoft Defender.
Click the Apple menu () in the top left corner of your screen and select 'About This Mac' to view your current macOS version.
If your version is older than macOS Monterey 12, open 'System Settings' (or System Preferences), navigate to 'Software Update', and install the latest available macOS upgrade.
Navigate to the official Microsoft Office for Mac update history page in your web browser and download the most recent complete Microsoft 365 suite installer package.
Open the newly downloaded installer. Click through to the 'Customize' screen to verify that Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other apps are now selectable.
Install from a New Mac User Profile
If your macOS is fully updated but the installer still omits Office apps, user profile corruption or local permission errors might be blocking the installation.
Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Mac Experience
If you are facing compatibility issues with the Microsoft 365 installer on your Mac, or if your device cannot be upgraded to the latest macOS, WPS Office provides a lightweight, fast, and highly compatible alternative. It installs seamlessly without complex version restrictions.
- 1. Visit the WPS Office Website: Go to the official WPS Office website using your Mac's web browser.
- 2. Download for Mac: Click the 'Free Download' button to get the lightweight Mac installation package (.dmg).
- 3. Install and Use: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder to complete the installation in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Word, Excel, and PowerPoint unavailable in the Mac installer's Customize screen?
This usually happens when the Microsoft 365 installer detects that your macOS version is too old to support the latest Office applications. To prevent errors, it restricts the installation to only the apps that still support your OS version, such as Microsoft Defender.
What is the minimum macOS requirement for the latest Microsoft 365?
As of recent updates (version 16.94 and later), Microsoft 365 requires macOS Monterey 12 or a newer version to successfully install the standard Office suite on a Mac.
Can I install Microsoft 365 if my Mac cannot be updated to Monterey 12?
Yes, but you will not be able to use the latest installer. You must visit the Microsoft Office update history page and download an older installer package that is compatible with your specific macOS version.
Will downloading an older Office installer affect my subscription?
No, your Microsoft 365 subscription will still activate the older software. However, older versions will not receive the newest feature updates and may eventually lose security support.
