Can't reinstall Microsoft 365

Question

I am unable to reinstall Microsoft 365 since I updated my 2017 MacBook Air to Monterey, my device's highest macOS. I get this message, "This software requires macOS version 14.0 or later." Is there a person that can help me?

Answer 1

Hello, thank you for your question. To add to the above, please follow the link below and search for version 16.88 or 16.89.1, which is compatible with the version of macOS installed on your device. You can also check: Most Recent Office You Can Run - Best Practices

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdates/update-history-office-for-mac

Answer 2

Microsoft 365 for Mac now requires newer macOS versions than Monterey in order to install the latest apps, which is why the installer shows “This software requires macOS version 14.0 or later” on a 2017 MacBook Air.

On a Mac that cannot be upgraded beyond macOS 12 (Monterey), the current Microsoft 365 installer will not work. In this situation, the supported options are:

1. Use an older Office/Microsoft 365 version that still supports Monterey
   • A Microsoft 365 subscription can activate an older Office for Mac build that is compatible with macOS 12.
   • Follow guidance similar to “Most Recent Office You Can Run - Best Practices” from the Q&A context: download and install the last Office 16.x version that supports Monterey, then run Help > Check for Updates once to get to the final supported build.
   • After installation, sign in with the Microsoft account or work/school account associated with the Microsoft 365 subscription to activate.
2. Use Microsoft 365 on the web
   • If installing desktop apps is not possible due to OS limits, Microsoft 365 apps can be used in a browser via the free Microsoft 365 web apps.
3. Confirm system requirements
   • Check the current Mac system requirements for Microsoft 365/Office to see which versions of macOS are supported and match that against macOS 12 on the 2017 MacBook Air.
4. Get direct help from support
   • If additional assistance is needed with obtaining or activating a compatible older Office build, contact Microsoft support using the official support channel.

There is no way to bypass the macOS 14.0 requirement for the latest Microsoft 365 for Mac apps; the only viable path on this hardware is to use a version of Office that still supports Monterey or use the web apps.

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References:

• Download, install, or reinstall Microsoft 365 or Office 2024 on a PC or Mac
• What to try if you can't install or activate Office for Mac
• Why do I need an account to sign in to Microsoft 365 or Office?
• Office running on OS 12.7.6 - Microsoft Q&A