'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Install an Earlier Version of Microsoft Office for Mac
Question details
The user needs to install a previous version of Microsoft Office because their Mac is running an older macOS that does not support the newest Microsoft 365 release.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to install or activate Microsoft 365 applications on an older Mac that cannot be upgraded to the latest macOS.
- Observed behavior
- The latest Microsoft Office for Mac installer is blocked or fails to run, displaying a compatibility error regarding the macOS version.
Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select 'About This Mac' to check your exact macOS version before searching for a compatible Office build.
Download a Compatible Build from Office Update History
Find and install an older, compatible version of Office for Mac directly from Microsoft's official update archive.
Microsoft only supports the three most recent versions of macOS for its latest Office releases. If you are using an older operating system like High Sierra, you must download a legacy build.
Please note that older builds may no longer receive security updates, and compatibility or activation is not guaranteed by Microsoft.
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft page for 'Update history for Office for Mac'.
Scroll through the release dates and find a version of Office that was released when your specific macOS version was still actively supported (e.g., version 16.16.x for older systems).
Click the download link for the Office suite package next to the compatible version to save the .pkg file to your Mac.
Run the downloaded .pkg installer, follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation, and then open any Office app to sign in with your Microsoft 365 account.
Fix Activation Issues Using the License Removal Tool
Use this solution if you successfully installed an older build of Office for Mac, but it fails to activate with your Microsoft 365 subscription.
Use WPS Office as a Lightweight Alternative for Mac
If your older Mac struggles to run or activate Microsoft 365, WPS Office offers a free, highly compatible, and lightweight alternative that works seamlessly on macOS.
- 1. Download for Mac: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the 'Free Download' button for Mac.
- 2. Install the App: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office files without losing any formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which macOS versions support the latest Microsoft 365 release?
Microsoft policy states that the newest Microsoft 365 for Mac apps only support the three most recent major versions of Apple's macOS. When Apple releases a new macOS, the oldest of the three supported versions is dropped.
Is it safe to use an older version of Office for Mac?
While older versions will allow you to edit documents on older hardware, they do not receive the latest security updates or feature enhancements from Microsoft, which could pose a security risk over time.
Why won't my older Office for Mac build activate?
Activation can fail due to outdated servers, lack of support for legacy software, or corrupted local license files. Using the Microsoft Office License Removal Tool to clear old credentials often resolves local conflicts.
Can I install just one app like Word instead of the whole suite?
Yes. On the Microsoft update history page, you can choose to download individual package installers for Word, Excel, or PowerPoint instead of downloading the entire Office Suite installer.
