Can You Transfer Office Professional 2013 from Windows to Mac?
Question details
The user wants to know if they can use their existing Microsoft Office Professional 2013 license, originally purchased for a Windows PC, on a Mac computer.
- Product
- Microsoft Office Professional 2013
- Device & OS
- Windows, macOS
- Scenario
- Switching from a Windows computer to a Mac and attempting to migrate existing software licenses to avoid purchasing new software.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs clarification on whether the Windows version of Office 2013 can be installed and activated natively on macOS.
Before proceeding, ensure you have access to the Microsoft account linked to your original Office 2013 purchase to verify your exact license type and terms.
Verify License Limitations and Get a Mac-Compatible Version
Office 2013 for Windows is not natively compatible with macOS, requiring a new license or subscription specifically built for Mac users.
Microsoft Office 2013 was developed exclusively for Windows environments. Perpetual licenses (one-time purchases) for Office 2013 are OS-specific, meaning a Windows license cannot be used to activate Microsoft Office on a Mac.
Additionally, Office 2013 has reached its end of support, meaning it no longer receives crucial security updates or bug fixes from Microsoft. Continuing to use it may expose your device to vulnerabilities.
Log in to your Microsoft account online and navigate to the 'Services & subscriptions' tab to verify the details of your Office 2013 license.
If you require Microsoft Office natively on your Mac, purchase a newer, Mac-compatible perpetual license (such as Office Home & Business) or subscribe to Microsoft 365.
Once a compatible version is purchased, download the macOS installer (.pkg file) directly from your Microsoft account dashboard and follow the on-screen instructions.
Run Windows on Mac using Virtualization
If you absolutely must use your existing Office Professional 2013 software, you can run it by installing a Windows virtual machine on your Mac.
Use WPS Office for Mac as a Free Alternative
Instead of purchasing a brand new Microsoft Office license for your Mac or dealing with complex Windows virtual machines, you can switch to WPS Office. It runs natively on macOS and provides everything you need for free.
- 1. Download the macOS Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website on your Mac and click the 'Free Download' button to get the .dmg file.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon directly into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Existing Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your old Office 2013 documents, spreadsheets, and presentations without losing any formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my Office 2013 license to another Windows PC?
Yes, if your license allows retail transfer. You must completely uninstall it from the original Windows PC first, then install and activate it on the new Windows PC using the associated Microsoft account.
Did Microsoft release an Office 2013 version for Mac?
No. The equivalent version released around that time for Apple computers was Office for Mac 2011, which was later succeeded by Office 2016 for Mac.
Can I use a Microsoft 365 subscription on both Windows and Mac?
Yes, a Microsoft 365 subscription is inherently cross-platform. You can install and use the software natively on Windows, macOS, and mobile devices under a single active account.
How do I open my old Office 2013 files on my new Mac?
Your old .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files are standard formats. You can easily open and edit them on your Mac using WPS Office, Apple's built-in iWork suite (Pages, Numbers), or a modern version of Microsoft Office for Mac.
