'%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 Use an Existing Microsoft 365 Subscription on a New MacBook
Question details
The user wants to know if they can use their current Microsoft 365 subscription, originally used on a Windows laptop, on a newly purchased MacBook without repurchasing.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Mac, Windows
- Scenario
- Migrating from a Windows laptop to a new MacBook and setting up essential office applications.
- Observed behavior
- The user seeks to successfully install, activate, and use the Microsoft Office suite on their new Mac using an existing Windows-based subscription.
Ensure you have the login credentials (email address and password) for the Microsoft account associated with your active Microsoft 365 subscription.
Install and Activate Microsoft 365 on the New MacBook
You can use your existing personal or family subscription on up to five devices simultaneously, allowing you to install the apps on your new Mac at no extra cost.
Microsoft 365 subscriptions are cross-platform, meaning the exact same license covers both Windows PCs and Macs.
Open Safari or any web browser on your MacBook, navigate to office.com, and log in with the Microsoft account tied to your subscription.
Click the 'Install Office' or 'Install premium Office apps' button on the dashboard to download the installation package for macOS.
Open the downloaded .pkg file in your Downloads folder and follow the on-screen instructions to install Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Launch any installed Office application (like Word), click 'Sign In' when prompted, and enter your Microsoft account credentials to activate the software.
Deactivate Office on the Old Windows Laptop
If you have reached your device limit, you must sign out of Office on the old Windows device to free up an activation slot for the Mac.
Try WPS Office for Mac as a Free Alternative
If you are switching to a Mac and want to avoid ongoing subscription fees entirely, WPS Office is a lightweight, easy-to-use alternative to Microsoft Office. It seamlessly handles your documents without the need for a premium subscription.
- 1. Download the Mac Version: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the dedicated installer for macOS.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office application into your Applications folder.
- 3. Edit Instantly: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files to start editing right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Microsoft 365 subscription work on both Windows and Mac?
Yes, Microsoft 365 is completely cross-platform. A single subscription covers both Windows PCs and Macs, allowing you to install Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other apps on either operating system without buying separate licenses.
How many devices can I install Microsoft 365 on at the same time?
With a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription, you can install the apps on all of your devices and remain actively signed in on up to five devices simultaneously.
Do I need to cancel my Windows subscription to buy a Mac version?
No. There is no separate 'Mac version' subscription. Your current Microsoft 365 plan automatically grants you access to the Mac-compatible applications when you download them from your account dashboard.
