Office for Mac Issues

Fix Office 2021 for Mac Compatibility with macOS Big Sur 11.7.10

Partner Editor Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to install or update Microsoft Office 2021 on older Mac computers running macOS Big Sur because the installer requires a newer operating system.

Fix Office 2021 for Mac Compatibility with macOS Big Sur 11.7.10

Product: Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac
Device & OS: macOS Big Sur 11.7.10
Scenario: Attempting to install current releases of Microsoft Office 2021 on Mac hardware from 2014 or earlier that cannot be upgraded past macOS Big Sur.
Observed behavior: The Office installer (version 16.77 and later) refuses to proceed, displaying an error message stating that a macOS update (macOS 12 or later) is required.

Before you start

Verify your exact Mac model and current macOS version by clicking the Apple menu and selecting 'About This Mac' to confirm if upgrading to macOS 12 (Monterey) is officially supported by your hardware.

Solution 1Recommended

Download an Older Supported Office Build (Version 16.76 or Earlier)

Since Office 16.77 requires macOS 12 or later, you must manually download and install the last compatible release (16.76) for macOS Big Sur.

Microsoft's policy is to support only the three most recent versions of macOS. As Apple releases new operating systems, older ones like Big Sur lose support from the latest Office installers. You can still use Office by installing a slightly older, compatible build.

Uninstall the incompatible version

If you already dragged a newer, non-working Microsoft Office application into your Applications folder, drag it to the Trash to prevent software conflicts.

Locate the compatible installer

Navigate to the official Microsoft Office for Mac update history page using your web browser. Look for the release notes from August 2023, specifically version 16.76.

Download and install

Download the standard Office suite installer package for version 16.76. Double-click the downloaded .pkg file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Disable Microsoft AutoUpdate

Open Word or Excel, click on 'Help' in the top menu bar, select 'Check for Updates', and uncheck the automatic update option to prevent the software from attempting to install version 16.77 again.

Download an Older Supported Office Build (Version 16.76 or Earlier)

Security Update Limitation: While version 16.76 will function properly on your 2014 Mac, it will no longer receive new security updates or feature enhancements from Microsoft.

Solution 2

Use Microsoft Office for the Web

If you do not want to use an outdated desktop application, the web version of Microsoft Office provides essential features directly in your browser regardless of your macOS version.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office on Your Older Mac

If Microsoft Office requires a newer operating system than your hardware supports, WPS Office is the perfect free, lightweight alternative. It offers high compatibility and runs smoothly on older macOS versions like Big Sur, allowing you to keep your functional computer.

1. Download the WPS Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version.
2. Install the Application: Open the .dmg file and drag WPS Office to your Applications folder.
3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office to instantly view and edit your existing Microsoft Office documents.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsLightweight architecture ensures fast performance on older Mac hardwareFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate interfaceAll-in-one workspace for documents, spreadsheets, and PDFs

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Office 16.77 say an OS update is required on Big Sur?

Microsoft officially supports only the three most recent versions of macOS. Once newer macOS versions are released, the oldest supported version is dropped from their compatibility list. Office builds 16.77 and later are programmed to only install on macOS 12 (Monterey) or higher.

Will an older version of Office for Mac still receive security updates?

No. Once a specific version of macOS is no longer supported by Microsoft, the compatible older Office builds for that OS (like 16.76) will stop receiving regular security updates and new feature drops.

Can I force my 2014 Mac to update to macOS 12 to install Office?

Officially, most 2014 Mac models do not support macOS 12 (Monterey). While there are unofficial third-party patchers available that attempt to bypass Apple's restrictions, these are not recommended as they can cause severe performance issues and security risks on older hardware.

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