Can You Install Microsoft Excel on macOS Mojave? Solutions & Alternatives
Question details
The user wants to know if and how they can install Microsoft Excel on a MacBook running macOS Mojave, given that the Mac App Store often requires a newer OS version.

- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- macOS Mojave
- Scenario
- Attempting to install Microsoft Excel on an older Mac operating system.
- Observed behavior
- The App Store blocks the installation of the latest Excel version, stating that a newer macOS release is required to run the current Microsoft Office apps.
Verify your exact Mac model and macOS version by clicking the Apple Menu and selecting 'About This Mac' to determine if your hardware supports upgrading to a newer macOS release.
Upgrade Your macOS to a Supported Version
The most reliable way to ensure compatibility with the latest Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365 updates is to update your Mac to a newer operating system.
Microsoft typically supports only the three most recent versions of macOS. Since Apple no longer supports macOS Mojave, upgrading your system is highly recommended for both app compatibility and security.
Click the Apple Menu > About This Mac to see your Mac's model and year, then check Apple's website to see the latest macOS version it supports.
Navigate to System Preferences from the Apple Menu and click on Software Update.
If a newer macOS version (like macOS Monterey or Ventura) is available, click 'Upgrade Now' and follow the on-screen instructions to install it. Afterward, install Excel from the Mac App Store.

Install an Older Version of Microsoft Office
If your Mac hardware cannot be upgraded past Mojave, you can download a legacy version of Office (like Office 2016 or an older build of Office 2019) that is compatible with your OS.
Try WPS Office for Mac: A Lightweight, Highly Compatible Alternative
If macOS Mojave is preventing you from installing the latest version of Microsoft Excel, WPS Office offers a powerful, seamless alternative. It is a comprehensive Office suite that runs efficiently on Macs, providing advanced spreadsheet capabilities without the strict OS upgrade requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does Microsoft 365 still support macOS Mojave?
No. Microsoft 365 only provides updates and support for the three most recent versions of macOS. As Apple releases new macOS versions, older operating systems like Mojave lose official Microsoft Office support.
Can I use Excel Online on macOS Mojave?
Yes. If you cannot install the desktop application, you can still access Excel for the Web for free. Simply log into office.com using a supported web browser like Safari, Google Chrome, or Firefox on your Mac.
Are 32-bit versions of Office supported on macOS Mojave?
Yes, macOS Mojave is actually the final version of macOS to support 32-bit applications. If you own a very old 32-bit version of Office for Mac (such as Office 2011), it can still run on Mojave, though it is highly outdated and not recommended for security reasons.




