How to Update Microsoft 365 from 32-Bit to 64-Bit on Mac
Question details
The user needs to update Microsoft 365 or Office to the 64-bit version on a Mac to resolve file opening issues encountered after a recent macOS upgrade.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 / Office for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to open Office files directly from a USB flash drive or local storage after upgrading to a new macOS version.
- Observed behavior
- Office files fail to open because newer macOS versions do not support the older 32-bit versions of Office applications.
Ensure your Mac is connected to the internet and close any running Office applications. If you are trying to open files from a USB flash drive, copy them to your local Mac hard drive first to avoid read/write errors during the process.
Update Microsoft 365 using Microsoft AutoUpdate
The most straightforward way to transition from the 32-bit to the 64-bit version of Office is by using the built-in Microsoft AutoUpdate tool on your Mac.
Microsoft AutoUpdate automatically detects the required 64-bit architecture for modern macOS versions and upgrades your existing Office installation without deleting your files.
Before attempting to open or edit files, drag and drop your Excel and other Office documents from the USB flash drive directly to your Mac's local drive (such as the Desktop or Documents folder).
Open any existing Office application like Word or Excel. Click on 'Help' in the top Apple menu bar, and select 'Check for Updates' to open the Microsoft AutoUpdate utility.
Click the 'Update' button next to Microsoft 365 or Office 2016 (or later). Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the newest 64-bit version.
Once the installation is completely finished, click the Apple logo in the top left corner and select 'Restart' to ensure all system changes take effect properly.
Download and Install the Microsoft AutoUpdate Package Manually
If the built-in update tool is unresponsive, outdated, or fails to open, you can manually download the latest AutoUpdate package directly from Microsoft.
Switch to WPS Office for a Seamless Mac Experience
Avoid frustrating 32-bit to 64-bit update issues and compatibility errors with a modern, lightweight office suite. WPS Office is fully optimized for the latest macOS updates, natively supporting both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs out of the box.
- 1. Download the Mac version: Visit the official WPS website and click the download button for the Mac version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install the application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open your existing files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files without any formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my Office files on a USB drive fail to open on Mac?
Opening files directly from an external USB drive can occasionally trigger permission conflicts or read/write errors, particularly after a major macOS system upgrade. It is always best practice to copy the files to your local Mac storage before editing them.
How do I know if my Microsoft Office on Mac is 32-bit or 64-bit?
You can check this by clicking the Apple menu, selecting 'About This Mac', and clicking 'System Report'. Scroll down to the 'Software' section, click on 'Applications', locate your Office apps in the list, and check the '64-Bit (Intel)' column to see if it says 'Yes'.
Does updating to the 64-bit version of Office delete my existing files?
No, updating Microsoft 365 or Office 2016 through Microsoft AutoUpdate only replaces the application software files. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations stored on your Mac will remain completely unaffected.
