'%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)
How to Uninstall Older Office Versions Without Removing Microsoft 365 on Mac
Question details
The user wants to remove outdated versions of Microsoft Office from their MacBook without disrupting their active Microsoft 365 installation or subscription.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 / Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Managing multiple Office application installations on a Mac after upgrading to a new Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Observed behavior
- The older version of Office remains installed on the MacBook alongside the new Microsoft 365 applications, requiring manual removal.
Verify which exact versions of Office are currently installed on your MacBook by checking 'About Microsoft Excel' before deleting any application files.
Manually Uninstall Older Office Applications
Manually moving the outdated Office applications to the Trash ensures that your current Microsoft 365 apps remain completely untouched.
Installing a newer version of Office does not automatically remove the older version on macOS. You must manually uninstall the outdated applications.
Rest assured, removing these old application files will not cancel or negatively affect your Microsoft 365 subscription.
Open the 'Applications' folder on your Mac and look for the specific outdated Office apps (e.g., Microsoft Word 2011 or 2016) distinct from your Microsoft 365 apps.
Select the older applications, right-click, and choose 'Move to Trash'. Be careful not to select the applications associated with your new Microsoft 365 installation.
Right-click the Trash icon on your Dock and select 'Empty Trash' to permanently remove the old software.
Update Microsoft AutoUpdate First
Ensure your system's update utility is current so your Microsoft 365 apps don't accidentally try to update the old software.
Switch to WPS Office for a Clutter-Free Experience
Avoid the hassle of managing multiple versions of Microsoft Office. WPS Office provides all essential office tools—Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheets—within a single, lightweight application for your Mac, offering seamless migration and a familiar UI.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the WPS Office website and download the Mac installer.
- 2. Install the app: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open your files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office documents without any formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will uninstalling an older version of Office cancel my Microsoft 365 subscription?
No, your Microsoft 365 subscription is tied to your Microsoft account, not the local application files. Uninstalling the old software from your Mac will not affect your subscription.
How can I tell which version of Excel I am currently using on my Mac?
Open Microsoft Excel, click on 'Excel' in the top macOS menu bar, and select 'About Microsoft Excel'. A dialog box will appear displaying the exact version number and your license type.
Why didn't Microsoft 365 automatically remove my old Office version during installation?
On macOS, installing a newer version of Microsoft Office does not automatically overwrite or delete older standalone versions (like Office 2016). They coexist in your Applications folder until you manually remove them.
Can I keep both versions of Office on my Mac?
Yes, it is technically possible to keep both versions installed. However, it can cause file association conflicts and take up unnecessary disk space, so manually removing the older version is highly recommended.
