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How to Securely Use Excel on a Mac Limited to macOS Monterey
Question details
Users on older Macs restricted to macOS Monterey need a secure way to use Excel, as Microsoft 365 desktop apps no longer receive security updates for this operating system.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS Monterey
- Scenario
- Working with spreadsheets on an older Mac that cannot be upgraded to a newer macOS, resulting in unsupported and potentially vulnerable Microsoft Office applications.
- Observed behavior
- Desktop applications like Excel version 16.88 or 16.90 can still be installed and run, but they no longer receive active security fixes, creating risks for sensitive work.
Verify your exact macOS version by clicking the Apple menu and selecting 'About This Mac' to confirm if an OS upgrade is truly impossible before seeking alternative workarounds.
Use Excel for the Web via a Supported Browser
The most secure way to access Excel on an unsupported macOS version is through the cloud-based web application, which is always updated.
By accessing Excel through a web browser, you bypass the need for local desktop updates. The web version is continuously updated by Microsoft, ensuring your data remains secure.
Launch Safari, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox on your Mac. Ensure that the browser itself is updated to its latest available version for maximum security.
Navigate to Office.com and click the 'Sign in' button. Enter the credentials associated with your Microsoft 365 account.
Click the 'App launcher' (nine dots icon) in the top left corner, or simply select the Excel icon from the left sidebar to start creating or editing your spreadsheets securely online.
Use the Last Supported Desktop Version Offline
If you must use the desktop app due to feature limitations on the web, you can continue using version 16.88 or 16.90 with strict security precautions.
Try WPS Office for Mac as a Lightweight, Secure Alternative
If your Mac is stuck on macOS Monterey and Microsoft 365 is no longer supported, WPS Office provides a free, secure, and actively updated alternative. It is lightweight, handles spreadsheets brilliantly, and keeps your older Mac running securely without expensive upgrades.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS installer package.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office and securely open your existing Excel (.xlsx) files to continue your work offline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade my Mac beyond macOS Monterey to get Excel updates?
Whether you can upgrade depends on your Mac's hardware age. Generally, Macs released before 2017 cannot officially upgrade past macOS Monterey. Check 'System Preferences' -> 'Software Update' to see if a newer macOS version is available for your specific machine.
Is it safe to use Excel 16.88 on macOS Monterey?
Using an unsupported version of Excel like 16.88 or 16.90 carries security risks because Microsoft no longer provides vulnerability patches for them. It is generally safe for basic, offline tasks but is not recommended for highly sensitive files connected to the internet.
Why does Excel for Mac lack some features compared to the PC version?
Microsoft develops the Windows and Mac versions of Excel on different codebases. Certain advanced features, such as Power Pivot and advanced VBA macro capabilities, are fundamentally limited or unavailable within the macOS ecosystem.
Will Excel for the web open all my older .xls files?
Excel for the web primarily supports newer .xlsx and .csv formats. If you have older legacy .xls files, you may need to convert them to .xlsx using a desktop application before you can upload and edit them online.
