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How to Reinstall the Desktop Version of Microsoft Word on Mac
Question details
The user needs to reinstall the desktop version of Microsoft Word on a Mac after it was accidentally uninstalled.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Reinstalling the Microsoft Word desktop application to regain access to the software using a personal or institutional account.
- Observed behavior
- The Word app was removed, and the user needs guidance on downloading and installing the full desktop version again, but faces issues with institutional account sign-in.
Before attempting to reinstall Microsoft Word, ensure you have your Microsoft account credentials ready and confirm whether your Office license is a personal subscription or managed by a school or workplace institution.
Reinstall via the Microsoft Services and Subscriptions Page
Use this official method to download the desktop version of Word if you have a functioning Microsoft account linked to an Office license.
This is the standard approach for reinstalling Office apps on a Mac. It ensures you download the correct version tied to your active subscription.
Open a web browser on your Mac and navigate to the official Microsoft Services and Subscriptions portal.
Log in using the Microsoft account or institutional email address that is associated with your Microsoft 365 or Office license.
Locate your Office subscription in the list of services and click the 'Install' button to download the Mac installer package (.pkg file).
Double-click the downloaded file in your Mac's Downloads folder and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Contact Your IT Administrator for Account Access
Follow this step if you cannot sign in with your institutional email address to download the software.
Install Microsoft Word via the Mac App Store
An alternative method to quickly download the Word application directly from Apple's ecosystem.
Try WPS Office for Mac as a Lightweight Alternative
If you are struggling to restore your institutional account or cannot reinstall Microsoft Word, WPS Office provides a free, highly compatible, and easy-to-use alternative for Mac users.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the Mac version for free.
- 2. Install the software: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Open your documents: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word documents to continue working without formatting issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there no 'Install' button on my Microsoft Services and Subscriptions page?
This usually means the account you signed in with does not have an active license that includes the desktop versions of Office apps. For institutional accounts, you may only have a web-only license (like A1). Contact your IT administrator to request an upgrade.
Can I download Microsoft Word on Mac without downloading Excel and PowerPoint?
Yes. If you use the Mac App Store, you can search for and download Microsoft Word as a standalone application without having to install the entire Office suite.
What should I do if my Mac says the Microsoft Word installer is from an unidentified developer?
If you downloaded the installer from the official Microsoft website, this is likely a Mac security setting. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security on your Mac, scroll down to the Security section, and click 'Open Anyway' next to the installer prompt.
