MS Word query

Question

I use a 2014 MacBook Air, running OS Big Sur 11.7.10. My Word program somehow expired (I've had it on this computer since new), and I cannot find a phone number on the Microsoft website to call and discuss my options. Local university help desk suggested I buy Microsoft 2021, but I see this expires in 2026, and I am not even certain that OS 11 can use this. Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Am I going to have to buy a new computer in order to have an OS that allows me to edit and use my existing Word documents? Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi P Thayer,

Based on your current situation, I recommend subscribing to Microsoft 365 Personal. This is a subscription-based product that you can pay for annually or monthly and can cancel at any time. It supports use on up to five devices. Once you have the subscription, you can directly download Office for Mac version 16.77 on your current Mac. This way, even if you switch devices in the future, you can continue to install and use the latest version of Office without having to repurchase it.

Compare All Microsoft 365 Plans (Formerly Office 365) - Microsoft Store

Free Trial - Try Microsoft 365 for a month - Microsoft Store

For Office 2021, this is a permanent license that can only be used on one device and is now three years old. Although it would also work on your current MacOS, I don't think it's the best fit for your specific needs.

If you find my answer helpful, please click Yes or No below my response to assist other users who may have the same question in finding an answer more quickly. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Should you have any further questions, feel free to reply.

Best Regards,

Jonathan Z - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 2

Many thanks! I do not have Office 2021 or Microsoft 365 (latter had been provided by university that has shut off our accounts upon retirement). Do I understand correctly from your message that I should first get an Office 2021 license, then download Office for Mac version 16.77? PT

Answer 3

Hi P Thayer,

Thanks for visiting Microsoft Community.

For Office for Mac, support is typically provided for the three most recent versions of macOS. As of September 27, 2023, these latest major versions are macOS Sonoma, macOS Ventura, and macOS Monterey. If you do not update your macOS to a supported version, it does not mean that you cannot use Office applications; rather, you will no longer receive updates, including security updates. Kindly refer to Upgrade macOS to continue receiving Microsoft 365 and Office for Mac updates - Microsoft Support

For your current version of macOS Big Sur, the September 2023 update (version 16.77) for Office for Mac is the last available version. This means you can continue using this version of Office applications without needing to purchase a new computer, but you will not receive subsequent updates.

If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription or an Office 2021 license, you can download the appropriate installation package for Office for Mac using the link below.

Update history for Office for Mac - Office release notes | Microsoft Learn

If you have any further questions, please feel free to reply.

Best Regards,

Jonathan Z - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist