How to Install Office 2019 on macOS 10.13.6 High Sierra
Question details
The user needs to install Microsoft Office 2019 on an older Mac running macOS 10.13.6 (High Sierra) despite current installer version restrictions.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS 10.13.6 High Sierra
- Scenario
- Installing the Office 2019 suite on an older macOS version after current Microsoft releases dropped support for it.
- Observed behavior
- Current releases of Office 2019 and Microsoft 365 require macOS 10.14 or later, resulting in an error when trying to install on macOS 10.13.6.
Ensure you have a valid Microsoft Office 2019 license and stable internet connection before downloading the installer package.
Download and Install Office Build 16.42
Since newer versions of Office require macOS 10.14 or later, you must download the October 2020 build (version 16.42), which is the last version to support macOS 10.13.6.
Microsoft raised the minimum OS requirement for Office for Mac to macOS 10.14 (Mojave). To bypass installation errors on macOS 10.13.6, using an older but officially supported build is required.
Obtain the Microsoft Office 16.42 installer package directly from the official Microsoft CDN link (version 16.42.20101102).
Locate the downloaded .pkg file in your Mac's Downloads folder and double-click to launch the installation wizard.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install the Office suite onto your Mac's hard drive.
Open any installed application, such as Word or Excel, and sign in with the Microsoft account associated with your Office 2019 license to activate.
Disable Microsoft AutoUpdate
Prevent Microsoft AutoUpdate from attempting to install newer, incompatible versions of Office once build 16.42 is installed.
Try WPS Office for Older Macs
If you are struggling with Microsoft Office compatibility and system requirements on macOS High Sierra, WPS Office provides an excellent free alternative. It offers powerful productivity tools without strict OS version limitations.
- 1. Visit the WPS website: Go to the official WPS Office website on your Mac.
- 2. Download the app: Click the 'Free Download' button to get the latest macOS installer.
- 3. Install and launch: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder, then launch it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I install the latest Office 2019 on my Mac running High Sierra?
Microsoft continuously updates Office 2019, and recent builds require macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or newer. Because macOS 10.13.6 (High Sierra) is older, it is no longer supported by the latest Microsoft installers.
Is it safe to use an older build of Office 2019?
Yes, it is safe as long as you download the older build (like version 16.42) directly from official Microsoft servers or authorized CDN links. You should avoid third-party software sites.
Will my current Office license activate an older build?
Yes, your Microsoft 365 or Office 2019 license will activate an older build provided your account holds a valid license for the respective product tier.
