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Fix Microsoft Word Requiring Unsupported macOS Update on MacBooks
Question details
The user is unable to edit or copy documents in Microsoft Word because the application updated to a version that requires a newer macOS than their 2015 MacBook can support.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS Monterey 12.7.6 (2015 MacBook)
- Scenario
- Opening and attempting to edit documents in Microsoft Word on an older MacBook after an application update.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Word opens but prevents editing or copying documents, displaying a prompt requiring a newer macOS version that cannot be installed on the device.
Ensure you know your Microsoft account login credentials, as you will need to sign in and reactivate Microsoft Office after installing an older, compatible version.
Downgrade to an Earlier Compatible Version of Office for Mac
Microsoft 365 only supports the three most recent major versions of macOS. By downgrading to an older build (version 16.87 or earlier), you can restore full editing functionality on macOS Monterey.
Newer updates of Microsoft Word require macOS Ventura or later. Since 2015 MacBooks are capped at macOS Monterey, you must manually install a previous release of Office and disable automatic updates to prevent the issue from reoccurring.
Open Finder, navigate to your Applications folder, locate Microsoft Word, and drag it to the Trash. Empty the Trash to ensure the incompatible version is completely removed.
Visit the official Microsoft Office for Mac update history page in your web browser. Scroll down to find the installer for version 16.87 (or an earlier build) and download the package.
Run the downloaded installer package and follow the on-screen prompts to install the older version of Microsoft Word on your MacBook.
Launch Microsoft Word. From the top menu bar, click 'Help', then select 'Check for Updates'. Uncheck the option that says 'Automatically keep Microsoft apps up to date' to stop Word from upgrading back to the unsupported version.
Log in with the personal, work, or school Microsoft account associated with your Office license to re-enable editing and saving features.
Switch to WPS Office for Older MacBooks
If your MacBook hardware can no longer support the latest macOS required by Microsoft Office, WPS Office offers a completely free and lightweight alternative. It runs smoothly on older operating systems while maintaining perfect formatting with your existing files, meaning you won't be forced into buying a new laptop just to type a document.
- 1. Download the Mac Installer: Navigate to the official WPS Office website and download the free installer designed for macOS.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder to complete the installation.
- 3. Open Your Word Documents: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing .docx files to start editing immediately without any OS compatibility warnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Microsoft Word suddenly stop letting me edit documents on my 2015 MacBook?
Microsoft Word automatically updated to a new version that requires macOS Ventura or later. Because a 2015 MacBook cannot be officially upgraded past macOS Monterey (12.7.6), the newer Word version restricts editing features. You must install an older Word build to regain access.
Which version of Office for Mac is compatible with macOS Monterey 12.7.6?
Office for Mac version 16.87 is generally the last build that is fully compatible with macOS Monterey. Any version from 16.88 and newer typically requires macOS Ventura, Sonoma, or Sequoia.
How do I stop Microsoft Office from updating automatically on my Mac?
Open any Microsoft Office application, click on 'Help' in the top Apple menu bar, and select 'Check for Updates'. In the Microsoft AutoUpdate window that appears, clear the checkbox for 'Automatically keep Microsoft apps up to date'.
