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Download Older Office 2019 Version for macOS Catalina
Question details
The user needs to find and install an older build of Microsoft Office 2019 because the latest installers require macOS 11 or later, which their MacBook does not support.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS 10.15.7 Catalina
- Scenario
- Attempting to install Office 2019 on an older MacBook that cannot be upgraded past macOS Catalina.
- Observed behavior
- The standard Office 2019 installer blocks the installation, stating that macOS 11 or a later version is required.
Verify your exact macOS version by clicking the Apple menu in the top-left corner and selecting 'About This Mac' to ensure you download the correct compatible build.
Download a Compatible Build from Office Release Notes
Microsoft provides historical release builds that support older operating systems like macOS Catalina. You can manually download the last supported version.
Microsoft officially supports only the three most recent macOS versions for Office for Mac. For macOS 10.15 Catalina, the final compatible build is typically version 16.66. You will need to download this specific installer package instead of using the latest one provided on the main Microsoft website.
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft page for 'Update history for Office for Mac'.
Scroll through the release history list to find the October 2022 release (Version 16.66). This is the last version that officially supports macOS Catalina.
Click the download link for the Office suite installer package (.pkg) associated with version 16.66.
Once downloaded, double-click the .pkg file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software on your Mac.
Use WPS Office for Mac as a Lightweight Alternative
If finding and installing older Microsoft Office builds is too much hassle, try WPS Office. It provides excellent compatibility with older Mac operating systems, runs smoothly on older hardware, and is fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats.
- 1. Visit the WPS Website: Go to the official WPS Office website using your Mac's web browser.
- 2. Download for Mac: Click the 'Free Download' button to get the macOS installation file (.dmg).
- 3. Install and Launch: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder to install it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last version of Office 2019 compatible with macOS Catalina?
For macOS 10.15 Catalina, the last supported version of Microsoft Office for Mac is version 16.66, which was released in October 2022. You must download this specific build to install it successfully.
Will an older version of Office 2019 still work safely?
Yes, the older versions will continue to function normally. However, they will no longer receive security updates or new features, as Microsoft's policy is to only support the three most recent macOS versions.
Why does Microsoft Office suddenly require a newer macOS?
Microsoft updates its system requirements to match Apple's own support cycle, which generally only covers the latest three macOS versions. This ensures software security and allows Office to utilize newer OS capabilities.
Can I use Office Online on macOS Catalina instead?
Yes, if your web browser (like Safari, Chrome, or Firefox) is up to date, you can access the free web versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint via Office.com without needing to install the desktop applications.
