'%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)
Can Microsoft 365 Run on Older Mac Computers? Compatibility Guide
Question details
Users want to know if Microsoft 365 is compatible with older Mac computers running legacy macOS or OS X versions.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Installing or running Microsoft Office applications on an aging Apple computer, such as a Mac mini running OS X 10.9.5.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft 365 requires a minimum macOS version to install and receive official support, preventing installation on outdated operating systems.
Check your current macOS version by clicking the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting 'About This Mac' to determine your system's upgrade eligibility.
Upgrade Your macOS to a Supported Version
The best way to run Microsoft 365 on an older Mac is to update its operating system to meet the minimum requirements.
Microsoft 365 generally requires one of the three most recent major versions of macOS. If your Mac hardware supports a newer OS, upgrading is the most straightforward solution to gain full access to the desktop applications.
Click the Apple menu and select 'About This Mac' to see your current version and Mac model.
Go to 'System Preferences' (or 'System Settings' on newer versions) and click on 'Software Update'.
If a newer macOS version is available, click 'Upgrade Now' and follow the on-screen prompts to install the update.
Use Microsoft 365 on the Web
If your Mac hardware cannot be upgraded to a supported macOS, you can use the web version of Microsoft 365 through your browser.
Try WPS Office for Your Older Mac
If your Mac is too old to run Microsoft 365, WPS Office is a fantastic, lightweight alternative that requires fewer system resources. It provides high compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, ensuring you can still work seamlessly on your older Apple device without needing an expensive hardware upgrade.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the Mac version of the software.
- 2. Install the application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Start working: Launch WPS Office from your Applications folder and open any existing Microsoft Office files instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I try to run Microsoft 365 on an unsupported macOS?
You may still be able to use an older build of the Microsoft 365 applications that you previously installed, but you will not receive any new feature updates, security patches, or official technical support from Microsoft.
How do I know which macOS versions Microsoft 365 currently supports?
Microsoft policy dictates that Microsoft 365 supports the three most recent major versions of macOS. Whenever Apple releases a new major version of macOS, Microsoft drops support for the oldest version in that three-tier window.
Can I download an older version of Microsoft Office for my outdated Mac?
Yes, if you have previously purchased a standalone version like Office 2016 or Office 2019 for Mac, you can download the final supported installer from your Microsoft account portal. However, these versions are no longer receiving updates.
Is it safe to use outdated Office applications on an older Mac?
While the applications will function for basic tasks, using outdated software means you miss out on critical security updates. It is generally safer to use web-based applications or alternative software that still supports your OS version.
