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Microsoft 365 Business Standard Compatibility with M1 and M2 Macs
Question details
The user wants to know if Microsoft 365 Business Standard applications run natively or are compatible with Apple silicon Macs featuring M1 and M2 processors.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard
- Device & OS
- Mac OS (M1/M2 Apple Silicon)
- Scenario
- Checking software compatibility before purchasing or installing Microsoft 365 on a newer Mac computer.
- Observed behavior
- Seeking confirmation that Microsoft 365 desktop and web apps function properly on macOS Ventura and Apple silicon hardware.
Ensure your Mac is running a compatible version of macOS, such as macOS Ventura or later, to guarantee optimal performance and full support for Microsoft 365 applications.
Install Microsoft 365 Desktop Applications on Apple Silicon
Microsoft 365 fully supports Apple silicon, allowing you to install native versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook on M1 and M2 Macs.
Microsoft updated its 365 apps to run natively on Apple silicon, meaning you do not have to rely solely on Rosetta 2 emulation. This ensures faster performance, better resource management, and improved battery life for M1 and M2 MacBook users.
Go to the official Microsoft 365 portal in your web browser and sign in with your Business Standard account credentials.
Click on the 'Install apps' button located in the upper right corner of your Microsoft 365 dashboard.
Select 'Microsoft 365 apps' from the dropdown to download the universal installer package (.pkg) for macOS.
Open the downloaded .pkg file and follow the on-screen prompts. The installer will automatically detect your Mac's architecture and install the optimized Apple silicon versions of the apps.
Access Microsoft 365 via Web Browser
If you prefer not to install desktop software, you can use the web-based versions of Microsoft 365 applications directly from your Mac's browser.
Try WPS Office for Your M1/M2 Mac
Looking for a fast, lightweight, and completely free alternative to Microsoft 365? WPS Office runs seamlessly on Apple silicon M1 and M2 Macs without requiring a monthly subscription.
- 1. Download the Mac version: Visit the WPS Office official website and click the 'Free Download' button designed for Mac.
- 2. Install the application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Mac's Applications folder.
- 3. Start creating: Launch WPS Office from Launchpad and immediately start viewing, editing, or creating your Office documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Microsoft 365 require Rosetta 2 on M1 and M2 Macs?
No, Microsoft 365 Business Standard applications (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) run natively on Apple silicon M1 and M2 chips. Rosetta 2 emulation is only required for a few legacy add-ins or older third-party integrations.
Why is my Outlook not syncing properly on my M1 Mac with Microsoft 365?
If Outlook stops syncing or leaves messages in the Outbox, try clearing the application cache, ensuring your macOS is fully updated, and verifying you have the latest Microsoft 365 updates installed. If the issue persists, removing and re-adding your Exchange account often resolves synchronization failures.
Can I use Microsoft 365 offline on my Mac?
Yes, by installing the desktop applications included in your Microsoft 365 Business Standard plan, you can create, view, and edit documents completely offline. Your changes will automatically sync to OneDrive or SharePoint once your Mac reconnects to the internet.
