Office for Mac Issues

How to Check Your Microsoft Office Version on Mac

Phi Hung Vo Sep 27, 2026 872 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to check their installed Microsoft Office version and license type on a Mac, and whether Safari updates affect their Office applications.

How to Check Your Microsoft Office Version on Mac

Product: Microsoft Office for Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Verifying software version, license type, and troubleshooting potential browser update impacts.
Observed behavior: The user successfully views the version number and license type in the About window, and determines the correct troubleshooting path for local apps versus Office Online.

Before you start

Ensure you have at least one Microsoft Office application (like Word or Excel) installed and open on your Mac. If you are experiencing activation issues, check that you are signed in with the Microsoft account associated with your active subscription.

Solution 1Recommended

Check Office Version Using the Mac Menu Bar

The most direct way to find your exact version number and license type for any locally installed Microsoft Office application.

This method works identically across all primary Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on macOS.

Open an Office App

Launch any Microsoft Office application on your Mac, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, from your Applications folder or Launchpad.

Access the About Menu

In the top-left corner of your Mac screen, click on the application name (e.g., 'Word') in the Apple menu bar, then select 'About Microsoft Word' from the drop-down list.

Locate the Version Number

A dialog box will appear. Look for the text that says 'Version' followed by a number (e.g., 16.78). Below the version number, you can also find your 'License' type, such as Microsoft 365 Subscription or Office 2021.

Check Office Version Using the Mac Menu Bar

Microsoft 365 Subscriptions: If your license says Microsoft 365 Subscription, your apps are updated regularly as part of your plan. Ensure you stay signed in to keep the subscription active.

Solution 2

Determine if Safari Updates Affect Your Office Apps

Clarifies whether a recent Safari browser update is related to issues you might be experiencing with Office documents.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Mac as a Lightweight Alternative

If you are experiencing issues with Microsoft Office on your Mac or your subscription has expired, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. Enjoy a familiar interface and seamless document management without the heavy subscription fees.

1. Download WPS Office for Mac: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of the software.
2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
3. Open and Edit Seamlessly: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Microsoft Office files directly to continue working without formatting loss.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) on Mac.Lightweight installation that consumes fewer system resources than traditional office suites.All-in-one suite combining Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF tools in a single window.Free to use with a highly familiar, user-friendly interface that requires zero learning curve.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Microsoft 365 subscription showing as inactive on my Mac?

This usually happens if you are not signed in with the correct Microsoft account used to purchase the subscription. Click on your profile icon within the Office app or check the 'Belongs to' section in the About menu to verify the signed-in account.

Can I find my Office version without opening an application?

Yes, you can navigate to your Applications folder in Finder, select the Microsoft Word or Excel app, and press Command + I to open the 'Get Info' window, where the specific application version number is displayed.

Will updating macOS change my Microsoft Office version?

No, updating your Mac operating system does not automatically update your Microsoft Office applications. Office updates are managed separately through the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool.

What should I do if Office Online isn't working in Safari after an update?

If a recent Safari update caused issues with Office Online, try clearing your browser cache, disabling content blockers, or accessing Office Online using an alternative browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

Office App Problems