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How to Fix Microsoft 365 Update Problems on a Mac
Question details
The user is unable to update Microsoft 365 on an iMac due to an error stating the macOS is too old, and is encountering roadblocks regarding administrator privileges.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Personal
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to install routine updates for Microsoft 365 applications on an iMac running what is believed to be the latest available macOS.
- Observed behavior
- The update fails with an error claiming the Mac operating system is too old for updates, and the installation process halts by requesting administrative privileges that the user does not have.
Ensure you know the username and password for the administrator account on your Mac, and verify your current macOS version by clicking the Apple menu and selecting 'About This Mac'.
Reinstall Microsoft AutoUpdate and Grant Administrator Privileges
Fixing the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool itself and ensuring it has the correct system permissions is the most effective way to resolve Mac update errors.
Often, the Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) tool becomes corrupted or outdated, leading to false errors about macOS compatibility. Manually updating this tool usually resolves the update block.
Navigate to the official Microsoft release history page using your web browser and download the latest version of the Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) package for macOS.
Open the downloaded installer file. When macOS prompts you that the installation requires administrator privileges, enter the username and password of an admin account on your Mac.
Open Finder, go to the Applications folder, launch any Office application like Word, click 'Help' in the top menu bar, and select 'Check for Updates' to trigger the newly installed AutoUpdate tool.
Click the Apple menu and select 'Restart' to reboot your iMac, ensuring all background update services initialize correctly.
Verify macOS Compatibility with Microsoft 365
Check that your macOS version meets the minimum requirements for the latest Microsoft 365 updates to rule out genuine hardware limitations.
Try WPS Office for Mac
If you are restricted by macOS update limitations, compatibility issues, or administrator privilege roadblocks with Microsoft 365, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative. It offers a lightweight, fast, and highly compatible productivity suite for Mac users.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the macOS installation package.
- 2. Install the application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Open and edit files: Launch WPS Office from your Launchpad to instantly open and edit your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft 365 say my Mac is too old for updates?
Microsoft 365 only supports the three most recent major versions of macOS. If your iMac hardware does not support updating to one of these three newer operating systems, Microsoft will block new feature updates, even if you are on the latest version available for your specific Mac model.
How do I get administrator privileges on my Mac to install updates?
You need to log in with an account that has 'Admin' rights. You can check your account type by going to System Settings > Users & Groups and looking for 'Admin' under your username. If you are a standard user, you must ask the primary Mac administrator to enter their credentials when the installation prompts for it.
Can I use Microsoft 365 Personal on multiple Macs?
Yes, a Microsoft 365 Personal subscription allows you to install and sign in to Office applications on up to five devices simultaneously, which can include multiple Macs, PCs, tablets, and mobile phones.
What should I do if Microsoft AutoUpdate is stuck or fails to load?
Open the Activity Monitor from your Utilities folder, locate 'Microsoft AutoUpdate', and force quit the process. Then, download the latest AutoUpdate installer directly from Microsoft's release history page and install it over the existing version.
