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How to Fix the macOS Upgrade Required Message in Microsoft Office
Question details
The user is encountering a compatibility alert in Microsoft AutoUpdate indicating that Microsoft 365 applications require attention because a macOS upgrade is needed.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- macOS Catalina
- Scenario
- Attempting to update Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook) using Microsoft AutoUpdate after upgrading to or running macOS Catalina.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft AutoUpdate flags the Office apps as requiring attention, as the newest Microsoft 365 updates demand a macOS version newer than Catalina.
Verify your exact macOS version by clicking the Apple menu and selecting 'About This Mac', and ensure your important files are backed up via Time Machine before initiating any system updates.
Upgrade Your Mac to a Supported macOS Version
The most straightforward method to continue receiving Microsoft 365 updates is to upgrade your Mac's operating system to one of the three most recent macOS versions.
Microsoft policy dictates that Microsoft 365 for Mac only supports the three most recent major versions of Apple's macOS. As Apple releases new macOS versions, older ones like Catalina fall out of support for new Office updates.
Click the Apple menu located in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'System Preferences' (or 'System Settings' on newer interfaces).
Click on the 'Software Update' icon to allow your Mac to check Apple's servers for available operating system upgrades.
If a newer macOS version (such as Big Sur, Monterey, or Ventura) is available and supported by your hardware, click 'Upgrade Now' and follow the on-screen instructions.
Use an Older Compatible Version of Office
If your Mac hardware is too old to upgrade past macOS Catalina, you must install an older release of Office that retains Catalina compatibility.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Mac Compatibility
If your Mac cannot run the latest macOS required by Microsoft 365, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. It runs smoothly on older macOS versions without forcing unnecessary system upgrades, providing all the essential tools you need for document creation and editing.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS installer package.
- 2. Install on Your Mac: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and seamlessly open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Office say my macOS needs an upgrade?
Microsoft 365 is designed to support only the three most recent versions of macOS. When Apple releases a new operating system, the oldest supported version is dropped. If you are using an older OS like Catalina, Microsoft AutoUpdate will prompt you to upgrade your system to continue receiving app updates.
Can I still use my current version of Office on macOS Catalina?
Yes, you can continue using the version of Office currently installed on your Mac. However, you will not receive any new features, bug fixes, or security updates until you upgrade your macOS to a supported version.
How do I check which macOS version I am currently using?
Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'About This Mac'. A window will appear displaying your current macOS version name (e.g., macOS Catalina) and the specific version number.
What if my Mac is too old to upgrade to a newer macOS?
If your hardware does not support newer macOS versions, you can either continue using the final compatible version of Microsoft Office (with automatic updates disabled) or switch to a lightweight alternative like WPS Office, which often maintains broader compatibility with older Mac systems.
