MS 365 failed to download due to requiring macOS version 14.0

Question

MS 365 failed to download due to requiring macOS version 14.0 - my Mac says its loaded with latest software, which is 13.78.

Answer 1

Version 13.7.8 is the final release of Ventura but Ventura is discontinued & no longer supported by Apple. The latest release of Office 365 which can be installed on that version of macOS is v16.100 — please see this article by John Korchok:

Most Recent Office You Can Run - Brandwares

Answer 2

Hi,

Would this version be compatible with your Mac.

https://officecdn.microsoft.com/pr/C1297A47-86C4-4C1F-97FA-950631F94777/MacAutoupdate/Microsoft_365_and_Office_16.101.25091314_Installer.pkg

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Thanks

Answer 3

Microsoft 365 for Mac now requires newer versions of macOS than 13.x, so the current installer from the Microsoft 365 portal is blocking installation on macOS 13.7.8 and prompting for macOS 14.0 or later.

macOS 13.7.8 is the latest version for that Mac, so there are two general options supported in the provided material:

1. Install an older Office/Microsoft 365 build that still supports macOS 13
   • Microsoft supports only the three most recent macOS versions, but older Office builds can still run on older macOS releases.
   • For older macOS (including Ventura and Monterey), moderator guidance indicates that it is possible to download and install an earlier Office/Microsoft 365 version that matches the OS, then activate it with an existing Microsoft 365 subscription or one-time-purchase license.
   • The referenced guidance is summarized as a “Most Recent Office You Can Run – Best Practices” article, which explains how to:
     • Determine the newest Office/Microsoft 365 version that supports the specific macOS version.
     • Download that specific installer.
     • Install and then activate it using the existing Microsoft 365 subscription or Office license.
2. Use Microsoft 365 on the web if a compatible desktop version cannot be installed
   • If the Mac cannot be upgraded to a supported macOS for the current Microsoft 365 for Mac apps, the FAQ recommends using the free Microsoft 365 apps in a browser instead of the full desktop apps.

Because the standard Microsoft 365 for Mac download requires a supported OS, the normal “Install” flow from the account page will continue to fail on macOS 13.7.8. The practical path is to follow the “Most Recent Office You Can Run – Best Practices” guidance to obtain an older compatible installer and then activate it with the existing subscription, or use the web versions of the 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
• Unsupported operating system error when installing Office
• Download volume licensing products
• I have a subscription to Office 365 and want to install it on my new laptop - Microsoft Q&A
• Help! I can't get 365 to work. Can I use it on my MacOS or do I need Office? - Microsoft Q&A
• Cannot install Microsoft 365 because my os is too old - Microsoft Q&A
• Office running on OS 12.7.6 - Microsoft Q&A
• How to download Microsoft office (not 365) to MacOS Venture 13.7.8 - Microsoft Q&A
• Troubleshoot Microsoft AutoUpdate in Microsoft 365 and Office for Mac