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Microsoft 365 Updates Not Installing on an Older Mac
Question details
The user is unable to install Microsoft 365 updates on an older Mac and needs to understand the cause or how to request a refund.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- macOS 12.7.6
- Scenario
- Attempting to download and install the latest Microsoft 365 application updates on a 2015 Mac.
- Observed behavior
- The updates fail to install because the newer versions of Microsoft 365 require a newer macOS version than the 2015 Mac hardware can support.
Verify your exact macOS version and hardware model by clicking the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting 'About This Mac'.
Contact Microsoft Support for a Refund or Subscription Update
Since Microsoft 365 updates require the latest macOS versions, older Macs may be permanently unsupported. Use this method to request a refund or manage your subscription directly with Microsoft.
Microsoft typically only supports the three most recent major versions of macOS. Once a Mac is too old to upgrade to these OS versions (like many late-2015 models), it stops receiving Office updates.
If you are paying for a subscription that you can no longer fully utilize, you can contact Microsoft's billing department to review your account, cancel the subscription, or request a refund.
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft Support contact page at https://support.microsoft.com/home/contact.
Click on the 'Get help' button, then select the 'Contact Support' option at the bottom of the page.
From the product dropdown menu, choose 'Microsoft 365 and Office' to route your query to the correct department.
Select 'Manage My Subscription' as your issue category. You will then be provided with options to chat with a support agent or request a callback during their specific operating hours.
Use WPS Office on Your Older Mac
If your older Mac can no longer run the latest Microsoft 365 updates, WPS Office is a perfect alternative. It is highly compatible with older macOS versions while maintaining robust support for all modern Office file types. Enjoy a lightweight, fast, and free productivity suite without needing to buy a new computer.
- 1. Download the Installer: Go to the official WPS website and download the Mac version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install on Your Mac: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations without losing any formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft 365 stop supporting older Macs?
Microsoft’s policy is to support only the three most recent major versions of Apple's macOS. When Apple releases a new macOS, the oldest of the three drops off Microsoft’s supported list. If your older Mac hardware cannot install newer macOS updates, it cannot receive new Microsoft 365 updates either.
Can I still use my current version of Office on my old Mac?
Yes, if you already have Microsoft 365 or Office 2019/2021 installed, the applications will continue to function. However, they will no longer receive new features, bug fixes, or important security updates.
Is it possible to force a macOS upgrade on an unsupported Mac?
While there are third-party tools (like OpenCore Legacy Patcher) that allow installing newer macOS versions on unsupported hardware, they are not officially supported by Apple. Using them can lead to performance issues or system instability, so it is generally not recommended for primary work computers.
How do I manually cancel my Microsoft 365 subscription?
Log in to your Microsoft account online, navigate to the 'Services & subscriptions' section, locate your active Microsoft 365 subscription, and click 'Manage'. From there, you can select the option to cancel the subscription or turn off recurring billing.
