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How to Install Microsoft Office on macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
Question details
The user needs to install a working version of Microsoft Office on a Mac running macOS High Sierra 10.13.6, as the system hardware cannot be upgraded to a newer macOS.
- Product
- Microsoft Office for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
- Scenario
- Installing Microsoft Office on older Apple hardware that does not meet the minimum operating system requirements for the latest Office release.
- Observed behavior
- The newest version of Microsoft Office blocks installation or fails to run, displaying an error that it requires a newer macOS version.
Verify your exact macOS version by clicking the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and selecting 'About This Mac' to confirm you are running High Sierra (10.13.6).
Download and Install an Older, Compatible Office Build
Use this method to install the final historical version of Microsoft Office that officially supported macOS High Sierra.
Because Microsoft continuously updates its minimum OS requirements (usually supporting only the three most recent macOS versions), the newest Office installers will block installation on High Sierra. You must download the specific legacy installer package that was the last release supported on your OS.
Determine the final Office build supported for High Sierra. For Microsoft 365 or Office 2019, the last compatible release is typically version 16.43.
Navigate to the official Microsoft Update history page for Office for Mac, locate the version 16.43 release (from November 2020), and download the full installer package (.pkg).
Double-click the downloaded .pkg file and follow the standard on-screen installation prompts to install Office on your Mac.
Launch an application like Word or Excel and sign in using the Microsoft account associated with your original Office purchase or Microsoft 365 subscription.
Use WPS Office as a Lightweight Alternative for Older Macs
If you are struggling to find or activate legacy versions of Microsoft Office on macOS High Sierra, WPS Office is an excellent, lightweight alternative. It runs smoothly on older hardware without requiring expensive subscriptions or complex legacy workarounds.
- 1. Download the Mac installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the Mac version installer.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office application icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Open your files instantly: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office documents without worrying about compatibility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last version of Microsoft Office supported on macOS High Sierra?
The last version of Microsoft 365 and Office 2019 that supports macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 is version 16.43 (released in November 2020). For Office 2016 users, the final supported build is 16.16.27.
Will an older version of Office still receive security updates?
No, older versions of Office that run on High Sierra are no longer supported by Microsoft. They will not receive any new features, bug fixes, or security updates.
Can I use Office on the Web instead of installing an older app?
Yes. If your web browser is up to date, you can use the free web-based versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint at Office.com as a secure alternative to a desktop installation.
Why does the Mac App Store say my macOS version is too old for Office?
The Mac App Store only hosts the most recent version of Microsoft Office, which requires one of the three latest macOS versions to install. To install on older operating systems like High Sierra, you must bypass the App Store and download a legacy installer directly from Microsoft's website.
