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Fix Microsoft Office Developer Update Error on a New Mac
Question details
Microsoft Office applications display crossed-out icons and a developer update error after transferring them to a new Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Migrating data and applications from an older Mac to a newly purchased Mac.
- Observed behavior
- Word and Excel app icons are crossed out, and the system prompts an update or incompatibility error when attempting to launch the manually copied applications.
Ensure you have your Microsoft account login credentials or product key ready, and move any manually copied, broken Office application files to the Trash to prevent conflicts during reinstallation.
Reinstall Office Directly from Microsoft
The most reliable way to fix compatibility and activation issues is to perform a fresh installation of Microsoft Office on your new Mac.
Manually copying application files from an old Mac often breaks system dependencies, hidden library files, and activation protocols. A direct installation from the official Microsoft portal ensures compatibility with your new Mac's operating system.
Go to the Applications folder on your new Mac, locate the crossed-out Microsoft Office apps, and drag them to the Trash.
Open a web browser, navigate to https://www.office.com/, and sign in using your Microsoft account.
Click the 'Install Office' or 'Install apps' button on the dashboard to download the official macOS installer package.
Open the downloaded installer package and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Launch any newly installed Office application (such as Word) and sign in when prompted to activate your subscription.
Transfer Apps using Apple Migration Assistant
If you prefer migrating your entire system setup instead of downloading apps individually, use the official Apple tool rather than dragging and dropping files.
Avoid Migration Hassles with WPS Office for Mac
Tired of complex licensing rules, activation limits, and update errors on your new Mac? WPS Office is a lightweight, all-in-one suite that perfectly handles Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files natively on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Word and Excel icons crossed out on my new Mac?
A crossed-out icon indicates that the application is incompatible with your current macOS version, or that the files were manually copied over without their required system dependencies. Reinstalling the apps from the official website resolves this issue.
Can I just copy Microsoft Office from my old Mac via a USB drive?
No, manually copying Office application files does not transfer the necessary hidden library files or activation tokens. You must use Apple's Migration Assistant or perform a fresh installation from the Microsoft website.
How do I transfer a one-time purchase Office license to a new Mac?
To transfer a perpetual license (like Office 2019 or 2021), you typically need to uninstall the software from your old Mac, sign in to your Microsoft account on the new Mac, and download the installer from your Services & Subscriptions page.
Do I need to buy Microsoft 365 again for my new Mac?
No, as long as your Microsoft 365 subscription is active, you can install Office on your new Mac without purchasing it again. Simply log into your Microsoft account on the new Mac and download the apps.
