How to Install and Run Office 2016 on macOS Catalina or Big Sur
Question details
The user wants to install Microsoft Office 2016 to use Word offline on a MacBook running macOS Catalina or Big Sur, and needs clarity on compatibility and licensing options.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2016 for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS Catalina / macOS Big Sur
- Scenario
- Attempting to install and run an older version of Office on a newer macOS operating system for offline document editing.
- Observed behavior
- Seeking information on whether the discontinued Office 2016 suite will function properly on newer macOS updates and how perpetual licensing applies.
Verify your exact macOS version by clicking the Apple Menu and selecting 'About This Mac', and note that official Microsoft support for Office 2016 ended on October 13, 2020.
Install Office 2016 on macOS Catalina (10.15)
Steps to download and install a compatible 64-bit build of Office 2016 for macOS Catalina.
macOS Catalina does not support 32-bit applications. To run Office 2016 on Catalina, you must install a 64-bit version (version 15.35 or later). While it is technically possible to run it, remember that Office 2016 no longer receives security or feature updates.
Log into your Microsoft account online and navigate to the 'Services & subscriptions' section to ensure your perpetual Office 2016 license is active and tied to your account.
Locate Office 2016 in your subscriptions list and click 'Install' to download the 64-bit installation package to your Mac.
Open the downloaded .pkg file, follow the on-screen prompts to install the suite, and enter your Mac administrator password when prompted.
Open Microsoft Word from your Applications folder, sign in with your Microsoft credentials to activate the software, and begin editing documents offline.
Evaluate Licensing Options for Big Sur and Newer macOS
Understand the differences between perpetual licenses and Microsoft 365 when upgrading your operating system.
Use WPS Office on Mac for Free and Full Compatibility
If Office 2016 is unsupported or crashing on macOS Catalina or Big Sur, WPS Office offers a modern, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. Enjoy full offline access to your documents without the hassle of outdated perpetual licenses.
- 1. Download the Mac installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the correct version for your Mac (Intel or Apple Silicon).
- 2. Install the application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Start editing offline: Launch WPS Office from your Launchpad, open your existing Word documents, and start editing them offline immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Office 2016 work on macOS Big Sur?
While it might launch, Office 2016 is not officially supported on macOS Big Sur (macOS 11). Microsoft ended support for Office 2016 in October 2020, so you may experience performance issues, missing features, or unexpected crashes.
Can I still use Word 2016 offline on Mac?
Yes, if you have successfully installed and activated a 64-bit version of Office 2016 on a compatible macOS version like Catalina, you can continue to use Word and other included applications entirely offline.
Is my Office 2016 perpetual license transferable to a new Mac?
Standalone perpetual licenses are typically tied to the original Mac they were installed on. Depending on your specific license terms, you may not be able to easily transfer a 2016 license to a newly purchased Mac without contacting support.
Why does macOS Catalina require a specific version of Office 2016?
macOS Catalina dropped all support for 32-bit applications. If you have an older 32-bit installer of Office 2016, it will not run. You must ensure you are using a 64-bit build (version 15.35 or newer) to install it on Catalina.
