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How to Install Office for Mac 2021 Offline on Apple Silicon
Question details
The user needs to reinstall the offline version of Office 2021 on an Apple Silicon Mac after a system refresh automatically replaced it with Microsoft 365, causing license errors.
- Product
- Microsoft Office for Mac 2021
- Device & OS
- Mac (Apple Silicon)
- Scenario
- Reinstalling or refreshing a Mac system
- Observed behavior
- The Office 2021 application is replaced by Microsoft 365, and the suite reports that the user's account has no license.
Ensure you have the Microsoft account credentials associated with your original Office 2021 purchase, and check that your Mac is connected to the internet for the initial license verification.
Download the Offline Installer via Microsoft Support
Contact Microsoft Support to verify your perpetual license and obtain the exact offline installer required for Apple Silicon Macs.
When a Mac is refreshed or updated, the system or App Store may automatically download the latest Microsoft 365 version instead of your perpetual Office 2021 version. Because Microsoft 365 requires a subscription, it will not recognize your Office 2021 one-time purchase, leading to activation failures.
Microsoft Support can verify your perpetual license and provide the correct offline installer package to ensure smooth activation on M1, M2, or M3 chips.
Go to account.microsoft.com and log in with the account you used to purchase Office 2021 for Mac.
Navigate to the 'Services & subscriptions' tab at the top of the page to locate your Office 2021 license. Sometimes, the direct download link for the standalone version is available right there.
If the installer is missing or defaults to Microsoft 365, go to the Microsoft Support page and select the option to contact support via chat or phone.
Explain to the support agent that your Office 2021 was replaced by Microsoft 365 after a Mac refresh, and ask for the direct offline installer link optimized for Apple Silicon.
Switch to WPS Office for a Seamless Mac Experience
Tired of dealing with complex license management, unexpected Microsoft 365 upgrades, and activation errors? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that works natively on Apple Silicon Macs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Mac say I have Microsoft 365 when I bought Office 2021?
When you refresh your Mac or download Office from the Mac App Store, it often installs the latest Microsoft 365 version by default. This version requires a subscription and will not recognize your one-time Office 2021 license.
Can I use Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) to run Office 2021 offline?
Yes, Office 2021 is designed to run natively on Apple Silicon. However, you must ensure you install the specific perpetual license version, rather than the subscription-based Microsoft 365 installer.
How do I completely uninstall Microsoft 365 before installing Office 2021?
You need to move all Microsoft Office applications from the Applications folder to the Trash. Additionally, it is highly recommended to remove the old Office license files using the official Microsoft License Removal Tool to prevent activation conflicts.
Where can I find my Office 2021 product key?
For newer versions of Office for Mac, a physical product key is rarely used. Your license is digitally linked to your Microsoft account. You can view your purchase history under the 'Services & subscriptions' page on the Microsoft account website.
