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How to Run the Windows Version of Microsoft 365 on a Mac
Question details
The user needs to install and operate the Windows version of Microsoft 365 apps on an Apple Silicon Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- macOS and Windows 11
- Scenario
- Running Windows-specific Microsoft Office applications on an Apple Silicon Mac via virtualization.
- Observed behavior
- Opening Microsoft Office files outside the virtual machine defaults to launching the native macOS version of the applications instead of the desired Windows version.
Ensure you have a fully functioning Windows 11 virtual machine installed on your Apple Silicon Mac (using software like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion) and an active Microsoft 365 subscription.
Install Microsoft 365 Directly Inside the Windows Virtual Machine
To use the Windows versions of Office apps, you must download and install them entirely within the Windows virtual environment rather than from macOS.
Because the macOS and Windows versions of Microsoft 365 are separate installations, setting up Office on your Mac does not automatically install it in your virtual machine. You must treat the virtual machine as a separate PC.
Launch your virtualization software and start the Windows 11 environment on your Mac.
Open a web browser from within the Windows 11 environment and navigate to https://www.office.com.
Log in using the Microsoft account associated with your active Microsoft 365 subscription.
Click the 'Install apps' button to download the Microsoft 365 installer for Windows. Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation inside the virtual machine.
To ensure you are using the Windows versions, always open Word, Excel, or other Office programs from the Windows Start menu inside the virtual environment rather than double-clicking files in the macOS Finder.
Try WPS Office for Mac Without Needing a Virtual Machine
Avoid the hassle, battery drain, and performance overhead of running a Windows virtual machine just for Office tasks. WPS Office provides a fully featured, lightweight, and native Mac experience that gives you a unified interface similar to the Windows environment.
- 1. Download WPS Office for Mac: Visit the official WPS website and download the native macOS installation package.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Edit Files Seamlessly: Launch WPS Office and open your Microsoft Office documents directly, without booting up a virtual machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my Excel files open in the Mac version instead of the Windows virtual machine?
When you open a file from the macOS Finder, the system defaults to the native Mac applications. To use the Windows version, you must open the application from within your Windows virtual machine first, and then open your file from there.
Do I need a separate Microsoft 365 subscription for the Windows virtual machine?
No, a single Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription allows you to install Office applications across multiple devices and operating systems, including both your native macOS and the Windows virtual machine simultaneously.
Can I run Windows versions of Office natively on an Apple Silicon Mac without a virtual machine?
No, Apple Silicon Macs cannot run Windows applications natively. You must use virtualization software, such as Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion, to run the Windows version of Microsoft 365.
