'%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 Office 2019 License Not Supported by Excel for Mac (Version 16.89.1)
Question details
The user is unable to use Excel for Mac with their Office 2019 license because the installed version (16.89.1) requires a Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Product
- Excel for Mac (Office 2019)
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Attempting to activate and use Excel on a Mac using a one-time purchase Office 2019 license after the software has been updated.
- Observed behavior
- Excel repeatedly prompts for a Microsoft 365 activation and rejects the valid Office 2019 license because the installed version (16.89.1) exceeds the maximum supported version (16.78.3).
Ensure you have your Microsoft account credentials ready and confirm that your account holds a valid Office 2019 for Mac license before proceeding with the uninstallation.
Downgrade to the Final Supported Version for Office 2019 (16.78.3)
Uninstall the newer, unsupported version of Office for Mac and install version 16.78.3, which is the last version to support the Office 2019 one-time license.
Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac reached the end of its update cycle, meaning licenses for this version only support up to build 16.78.3. If your Mac automatically updated Office to version 16.89.1 (or anything past 16.78.3), it transitions to requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription. Downgrading the software resolves this conflict.
Open Finder, navigate to the 'Applications' folder, and drag Microsoft Excel (along with other Office apps like Word and PowerPoint) to the Trash. Ensure you also remove the Microsoft library files from your Mac's Library folder to completely clear the 16.89.1 installation.
Download the official Microsoft Office version 16.78.3 installer package for Mac from the Microsoft update release history page. Run the .pkg file and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
Open Excel, click on the 'Help' menu in the top menu bar, and select 'Check for Updates'. Uncheck the option for automatic updates to prevent the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool from upgrading your software back to an unsupported version.
Switch to WPS Office for Mac – No Subscription Hassles
Tired of dealing with version conflicts and continuous prompts for Microsoft 365 activation? WPS Office is a highly compatible, free alternative to Microsoft Office that works seamlessly on macOS without strict licensing limits.
- 1. Download for Mac: Visit the official WPS website and download the macOS version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded package and drag WPS Office to your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing .xlsx files without worrying about activation errors or subscription pop-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Excel for Mac asking for a Microsoft 365 subscription when I bought Office 2019?
This happens if your Mac automatically updated Office to a version newer than 16.78.3. Versions 16.79 and above drop support for the Office 2019 license and require either a Microsoft 365 subscription or an Office 2021 license.
Will I lose my Excel files if I uninstall Office to fix the license issue?
No, uninstalling Microsoft Office applications does not delete your documents, spreadsheets, or personal files stored on your Mac. However, it is always a good practice to keep backups of important files.
How do I stop Office for Mac from updating to an unsupported version again?
After installing version 16.78.3, open any Office application like Excel, go to the 'Help' menu at the top, select 'Check for Updates', and turn off the automatic update feature.
