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How to Find Office 2019 for Mac Installer and Remove Old Desktop Icons
Question details
The user needs to locate and download the Microsoft Office 2019 installer for Mac and wants to know how to safely remove an old Excel shortcut icon from the desktop without uninstalling the application.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Reinstalling Office 2019 on a Mac and cleaning up obsolete desktop application icons.
- Observed behavior
- The user is unable to locate the original installation files and is struggling to remove a leftover Excel icon stuck on the desktop.
Ensure you have the login credentials for the Microsoft account used to originally purchase Office 2019, and verify that your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection for the download.
Download the Office 2019 for Mac Installer from Microsoft
Use this solution to retrieve your official Office 2019 installation files directly from the account associated with your purchase.
Office 2019 installers are tied to the Microsoft account used during the initial purchase. You do not need the original physical media or product key if the license is already linked to your account.
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft account dashboard (account.microsoft.com).
Log in using the exact email address and password associated with your Microsoft Office 2019 purchase.
Click on the 'Services & subscriptions' tab at the top of the page to view all products linked to your account.
Locate 'Office Home & Student 2019' or your specific Office 2019 version in the list, and click the 'Install' button to download the Mac installer package (.pkg file).
Safely Remove Obsolete Desktop Icons
Follow these steps to clean up old Excel or Word icons from your Mac desktop without accidentally deleting the actual software.
Disable Automatic Office Updates
If you want to prevent Office from automatically updating to newer versions that might alter your desktop shortcuts or app versions, you can turn off auto-updates.
Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Mac Experience
If managing Microsoft Office 2019 installers, updates, and desktop shortcuts on your Mac is becoming cumbersome, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, all-in-one workspace that is fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, offering seamless productivity without the heavy installation footprint.
- 1. Download the Mac Version: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free macOS installation package.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and simply drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Launch and Create: Open WPS Office from your Launchpad to instantly start viewing or editing your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will deleting the desktop icon uninstall my Excel application?
No. The icon on your Mac desktop is usually just an alias (a shortcut). Deleting it only removes the shortcut from your view, while the actual Excel application remains safely installed and accessible in your Applications folder.
Why does my Office 2019 icon bounce back when I try to drag it to the Trash?
Sometimes macOS prevents moving certain system or application icons to prevent accidental deletion. Holding down the 'Command' key while clicking and dragging the icon to the Trash will usually force the system to accept the move.
Where can I find my installed Office applications on a Mac if I delete the desktop shortcut?
You can find all your installed applications, including Microsoft Excel and Word, by opening 'Finder' and clicking on the 'Applications' folder in the left sidebar. Alternatively, you can press 'F4' to open Launchpad and find your apps there.
How do I stop Microsoft Office from updating automatically on my Mac?
Open any Microsoft Office application, click on 'Help' in the top menu bar, select 'Check for Updates', and simply uncheck the 'Automatically keep Microsoft apps up to date' option in the updater window.
