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Fix Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac Not Available on macOS Catalina
Question details
Users are unable to install or update Microsoft Office 2019 or Microsoft 365 on Macs running macOS Catalina (10.15) due to compatibility restrictions.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS Catalina 10.15
- Scenario
- Attempting to download, install, or update the Microsoft Office suite on an older Mac running macOS Catalina.
- Observed behavior
- The current Office for Mac installer fails to run, displaying an error message stating that the software requires macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'About This Mac' to confirm that your device is currently running macOS Catalina (version 10.15).
Install the Last Supported Office Version (16.66)
Since current Microsoft installers require newer macOS versions, you must manually download the October 2022 release, which was the final version to support Catalina.
Microsoft officially supports only the three most recent versions of macOS. As a result, the newest Office installers will block installation on Catalina.
By rolling back to version 16.66, you can continue to use Office applications, though you will not receive future feature updates.
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft Update history page for Office for Mac.
Scroll down the list of releases to find the October 11, 2022 release, which is identified as version 16.66.
Click the download link for the complete Office suite installer package (usually a .pkg file) next to the 16.66 version number.
Once downloaded, double-click the package file in your Downloads folder and follow the on-screen prompts to install the software on your Mac.
Upgrade to a Newer macOS Version
If your Mac hardware supports it, upgrading to macOS Big Sur (11) or later will allow you to install the latest Microsoft Office updates and features natively.
Switch to WPS Office for Seamless Mac Compatibility
Skip the hassle of dealing with unsupported Microsoft Office installers and outdated software versions. WPS Office is a lightweight, fully-featured alternative that offers excellent compatibility with older Macs while remaining completely free to use.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the Mac version of the software.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded DMG file and simply drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Start Creating: Launch WPS Office from your Launchpad to easily open, edit, and save all your existing Microsoft Office files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Office no longer support macOS Catalina?
Microsoft maintains a rolling support policy where Microsoft 365 and Office for Mac only support the three most recent major versions of macOS. As Apple releases new macOS versions, the oldest supported version is dropped from Microsoft's active support cycle.
Can I still use my Microsoft 365 subscription on macOS Catalina?
Yes, but you must use the October 2022 update (version 16.66). Your subscription will remain active and allow you to edit documents, but you will not be able to install newer updates or receive new features unless you upgrade your macOS.
Is it safe to use an older version of Office for Mac?
While version 16.66 will continue to function normally, it no longer receives security updates or bug fixes from Microsoft. It is highly recommended to eventually upgrade your macOS or switch to an actively updated alternative like WPS Office to ensure your system remains secure.
