'%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 Older Microsoft Office Version on macOS High Sierra
Question details
The user needs to install a functioning version of Microsoft Office on a Mac running an older operating system (macOS High Sierra 10.13.6).
- Product
- Microsoft Office for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
- Scenario
- Trying to run productivity software on older Mac hardware (such as a legacy MacBook Pro or iMac) that cannot be updated to newer macOS versions.
- Observed behavior
- Current Microsoft Office installers block installation on macOS High Sierra, requiring the user to locate and install a specific older release.
Verify your current operating system by clicking the Apple menu and selecting 'About This Mac' to confirm you are running macOS High Sierra (10.13.6).
Download and Install Office for Mac Version 16.43
Version 16.43 is the last supported Microsoft Office release compatible with macOS High Sierra.
Modern Office for Mac versions require at least the three most recent macOS releases. For macOS High Sierra, you must manually download and install Office version 16.43 or earlier to successfully run the applications on your legacy hardware.
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft 'Update history for Office for Mac' page (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdates/update-history-office-for-mac).
Scroll through the release history list and find the section for version 16.43, which was released around November 2020.
Click the 'Install package' link next to the Office suite to download the .pkg installer file to your Mac.
Double-click the downloaded .pkg file and follow the on-screen instructions to install Microsoft Office. Once installed, log in with your Microsoft account to activate the software.
Use WPS Office on Your Older Mac
If you are having trouble finding legacy installers for Microsoft Office, or prefer a more lightweight and secure solution for your older MacBook Pro or iMac, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative. It provides high compatibility with standard document formats and runs smoothly on legacy hardware.
- 1. Visit the WPS Office Website: Go to the official WPS Office website on your Mac.
- 2. Download for Mac: Click the 'Free Download' button to get the Mac-compatible installer.
- 3. Install and Open: Open the downloaded file, drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder, and launch it to immediately open your existing Office files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't the latest Microsoft Office install on my macOS High Sierra?
Microsoft's policy for Office for Mac is to support only the three most recent versions of macOS. Because High Sierra is older, current installers will block the installation, requiring you to use a legacy version.
Is it safe to use an older version of Office like 16.43?
While version 16.43 is fully functional for everyday tasks, it is no longer supported by Microsoft. This means it will not receive new features or security updates, making it slightly more vulnerable to security risks over time.
Will version 16.43 work on both MacBook Pro and iMac?
Yes, Office for Mac version 16.43 is fully compatible with any Mac hardware model, including older MacBook Pro and iMac devices, as long as they are running macOS High Sierra.
Can I activate older Office versions with my current Microsoft 365 subscription?
Yes, if you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription, you can use those credentials to activate an older, compatible version of Office like 16.43 after you install it on your Mac.
