Fix Microsoft 365 Requires macOS 11 on an Older iMac
Question details
The user is unable to install a recently purchased Microsoft 365 subscription on an older iMac because the installer mandates macOS 11.0 or newer.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS Catalina
- Scenario
- Attempting to install Microsoft 365 desktop applications on an older Mac that currently runs macOS Catalina.
- Observed behavior
- The installation process blocks the user with an error stating that macOS 11.0 or later is required to proceed.
Click the Apple menu and select 'About This Mac' to check your exact Mac model year, which determines if your hardware officially supports upgrading to macOS 11 (Big Sur) or newer.
Upgrade your iMac to macOS 11 Big Sur or Later
Upgrading your operating system allows you to install the latest version of Microsoft 365 and receive ongoing security updates.
Microsoft requires macOS 11.0 or later to install the latest versions of Microsoft 365 apps. If your Mac hardware supports it, upgrading the operating system is the best and most secure path forward.
Verify your iMac model in 'About This Mac' to ensure it supports macOS Big Sur (typically 2014 models and newer). Back up your important files using Time Machine before proceeding.
Go to System Preferences > Software Update and install any pending updates for your current macOS Catalina.
Open the Mac App Store, search for 'macOS Big Sur' (or Monterey/Ventura if supported), and click 'Get' to download the installer.
Follow the on-screen prompts to upgrade your OS. Once running macOS 11 or later, download and install your Microsoft 365 package again.
Install an Older macOS Catalina Compatible Version (16.65)
If your iMac cannot be upgraded to macOS 11, you can install an older, static version of Office that remains compatible with macOS Catalina.
Use WPS Office as a Lightweight Alternative for Older Macs
If your older iMac cannot run Microsoft 365, WPS Office provides excellent performance and high compatibility without demanding the latest macOS version. It's a highly capable, lightweight suite that breathes new life into older hardware.
- 1. Visit the Official Website: Open Safari or any browser and go to the official WPS Office website.
- 2. Download for Mac: Click the 'Free Download' button to get the macOS installation file.
- 3. Install and Launch: Open the downloaded .dmg file, drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder, and launch it to start creating documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the newest macOS my older iMac can run?
Compatibility varies by hardware year. Generally, iMacs from 2014 and later support macOS 11 Big Sur. You can check your model under the Apple menu > 'About This Mac' and compare it with Apple's official macOS compatibility list.
Can I use Microsoft 365 online if I can't install the desktop apps?
Yes. If your Mac cannot run the required macOS version, you can log in to office.com using a web browser to access the web-based versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Is it safe to use Office version 16.65 on macOS Catalina?
While it functions perfectly for creating and editing documents, version 16.65 is no longer supported by Microsoft, meaning it will not receive patches for newly discovered security vulnerabilities.
Why does Microsoft force macOS updates for Office?
Microsoft officially supports only the three most recent major versions of macOS. When Apple releases a new macOS, the oldest of the three loses Microsoft support to ensure modern features and security protocols can be utilized.
