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How to Use Microsoft Office on Older MacBooks Running macOS Catalina
Question details
The user needs to find a way to edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files on a 2013 MacBook running macOS Catalina because current Microsoft 365 versions are incompatible with the older operating system.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 / Office for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS Catalina
- Scenario
- Attempting to install and activate Microsoft Office applications on an older MacBook where the latest Microsoft installers refuse to run due to macOS version requirements.
- Observed behavior
- The current Microsoft 365 installer rejects macOS Catalina. When installing an older, compatible version, the user receives an 'account has no license' error despite having an active Apple App Store subscription.
Ensure you have your Microsoft or Apple ID login credentials handy, and back up any unsaved documents before uninstalling your current Office applications.
Install a Compatible Older Version of Office for Mac
Download a legacy version of Office for Mac that still supports macOS Catalina and reset your local license files.
Since current Microsoft 365 versions require the latest macOS updates, older Macs like the 2013 MacBook are excluded. However, Microsoft provides an update history page where you can download older, compatible installers.
Completely uninstall any existing Microsoft Office apps from your Mac's Applications folder.
Download and run the official Microsoft License Removal Tool to clear out old or conflicting license tokens.
Visit the 'Update history for Office for Mac' page on Microsoft's website. Locate an older release (version 16.66 is typically the last version compatible with Catalina) and download the installer package.
Install the downloaded package and sign in with the Microsoft account associated with your active subscription.
Manage App Store Subscription Licenses
Fix 'no license' errors if your Office subscription was originally purchased through the Apple App Store.
Use WPS Office for Seamless Document Editing on Older Macs
If finding and installing older versions of Microsoft 365 is too much of a hassle, WPS Office offers a modern, fully-featured, and free alternative that runs smoothly on older MacBooks.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the Mac version.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded package and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Microsoft Office files directly to continue editing without formatting issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which version of Microsoft Office works with macOS Catalina?
Generally, Microsoft Office for Mac version 16.66 (released around October 2022) is the last version to officially support macOS Catalina (10.15). You can download it directly from Microsoft's 'Update history for Office for Mac' page.
Why do I get a 'No License' error after installing an older Office version?
This often happens if newer license tokens conflict with the older Office version you just installed, or if your App Store subscription isn't syncing properly. Running the Microsoft License Removal Tool usually resolves this conflict.
Can I still edit my Word and Excel files if I don't install Microsoft Office?
Yes, you can use built-in apps like Pages and Numbers, or powerful third-party alternatives like WPS Office to open, edit, and save your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files on older Macs.
Will older versions of Microsoft Office still receive security updates?
No. Legacy versions of Microsoft Office that remain compatible with macOS Catalina are no longer officially supported by Microsoft and will not receive new features or critical security updates.
