Does Microsoft 365 Work on an Apple M1 Mac? Compatibility Guide
Question details
The user wants to know if Microsoft 365 and Office applications are compatible with and functional on Apple silicon Macs (M1 or newer).
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Apple M1 Mac
- Scenario
- Determining if Microsoft 365 is fully functional on Apple silicon Macs before purchase or installation.
- Observed behavior
- Users need to know if the Mac-specific version runs natively and whether it lacks features found in the Windows version, such as Microsoft Access or Publisher.
Before installing Microsoft 365 on your Apple M1 Mac, ensure your macOS is updated to one of the three most recent versions, as Microsoft requires this for optimal performance and support.
Install the Mac-Specific Version of Microsoft 365
You can run Microsoft 365 on Apple M1 Macs natively, provided you install the correct macOS version of the software.
Microsoft has optimized Microsoft 365 and core Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote) to run natively on Apple silicon, including M1, M2, and M3 processors. However, you must install the Mac-specific version rather than the Windows version.
Keep in mind that the Mac version of Office does not include Microsoft Access or Microsoft Publisher, as these are exclusive to Windows. Additionally, certain advanced Excel macros or Windows-specific COM add-ins may not function on macOS.
Navigate to the official Microsoft 365 website in your browser and log in with your active subscription account.
Click the 'Install Office' button to automatically download the correct macOS installer (.pkg file) designed for Apple silicon.
Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen prompts to install the Office suite on your M1 Mac.
Launch any Office app, such as Microsoft Word, and sign in with your credentials to activate your license.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Mac Experience
If you want a lightweight, fast, and highly compatible office suite for your Apple M1 Mac without worrying about missing features or expensive subscriptions, WPS Office is an excellent choice. It offers powerful Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation tools in one streamlined application natively optimized for Apple silicon.
- 1. Download for Mac: Visit the official WPS website and download the macOS version specifically designed for Apple silicon.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open and Edit: Launch WPS Office to immediately start creating, editing, and saving your Microsoft Office files without formatting issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Rosetta 2 to run Microsoft Office on an M1 Mac?
No, Microsoft 365 apps are now universal and run natively on Apple silicon. You do not need Rosetta 2 to run the standard Office applications, though some older third-party add-ins might still require it.
Can I use Microsoft Access on my Apple M1 Mac?
Microsoft Access is not available for macOS. To use Access on an M1 Mac, you would need to run Windows via virtualization software like Parallels Desktop.
Is the iPad version of Office the same as the Mac version?
No, the iPadOS and iOS versions are distinct applications optimized for mobile and touch devices. They have different feature sets and limitations compared to the full macOS desktop version of Office.
