How to Install Microsoft 365 Desktop Apps on MacBook Air M2
Question details
The user wants to know how to install and run Microsoft 365 desktop applications natively on a MacBook Air equipped with an Apple M2 processor.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 for Mac
- Device & OS
- MacBook Air M2 (macOS)
- Scenario
- Setting up Office applications on a new Apple silicon Mac to ensure native compatibility and smooth performance.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to download and install the natively supported version of Microsoft 365 (version 16.55.1107.0 or later) optimized for the M2 chip.
Ensure you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription and a stable internet connection before downloading the installation package.
Download and Install Microsoft 365 from the Account Portal
Follow these steps to get the desktop version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook optimized for Apple silicon.
Microsoft provides native support for Apple silicon (including the M2 processor) starting from Office for Mac version 16.55.1107.0. Installing directly from the official portal ensures you get the latest, most compatible version.
Go to the Microsoft 365 website (office.com) and log in with the account associated with your active subscription.
Click on 'Install Office' or 'Install Microsoft 365' from the portal homepage to download the installer package for Mac.
Open the downloaded .pkg file and follow the on-screen instructions. The installer will automatically detect your M2 chip and install the natively supported Apple silicon version.
Verify Your License Type (Subscription vs. One-Time Purchase)
Ensure you are downloading the correct software suite based on whether you own a subscription or a standalone license.
Try WPS Office for Mac Native Apple Silicon Support
If you are looking for a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft 365 that also runs natively on your MacBook Air M2, WPS Office is an excellent choice. It offers high compatibility with Microsoft formats without the high subscription costs.
- 1. Download WPS Office for Mac: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the Mac version installer.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded package and follow the prompts to install WPS Office natively on your MacBook Air.
- 3. Open and Edit Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files without losing any formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Office 2021 natively support the MacBook Air M2?
Yes, similar to Microsoft 365, Office for Mac versions 16.55.1107.0 and later, which include the Office 2021 standalone version, provide native support for Apple silicon including the M2 processor.
Can I use Microsoft 365 mobile apps on my MacBook Air?
The Microsoft 365 mobile apps available in the App Store are primarily intended for iPads and iPhones. For a MacBook Air M2, you should install the fully-featured Microsoft 365 desktop applications or use the web apps.
What if my Mac has an older Intel processor instead of Apple silicon?
Microsoft 365 desktop apps continue to support Intel-based Macs. The standard installer downloaded from the Microsoft account portal is a universal binary, meaning it will automatically detect your system architecture and run the appropriate version.
