how do I load the MS office I just purchased on my Mac that I can't upgrade past Montgerey 12.7.6

Question

An older Mac running Monterey 12.7.6 can't be upgraded. How do I load office 3654 or get my money back for a product I can't use.

Answer 1

If you are unable to upgrade your version of MacOS 12.7.6 (Monterrey) to a more up to date version.

The last version of Office that will work on MacOS 12.7.6 (Monterrey) is 16.88, that is available on the long table on this link to all the downloadable versions from the Microsoft servers.

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

Answer 2

On macOS Monterey 12.7.6, the newest Office build that can run is Office for Mac version 16.88. A Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription can still be used to activate this older Office version on the Mac.

To use the subscription on the older Mac:

1. Install the last compatible Office for Mac version (16.88) using the guidance in the “Most Recent Office You Can Run – Best Practices” article referenced in the Q&A answers.
2. After installing 16.88, open any Office app (for example, Word) and sign in with the same Microsoft account that the Microsoft 365 subscription is attached to so it can activate.
3. Run Help > Check for Updates once to update to 16.88.1 (final version for Outlook and PowerPoint on Monterey). AutoUpdate does not need to remain enabled because no newer builds will support this macOS version.

The purchase does not have to be refunded solely because the Mac cannot install the very latest Office build; the subscription can activate the last supported version instead.

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References:

• Office running on OS 12.7.6 - Microsoft Q&A
• Cannot install Microsoft 365 because my os is too old - Microsoft Q&A
• Office 365 won't install - Microsoft Q&A
• How to I contact someone to process a refund on a purchase that is incompatible with my computer? - Microsoft Q&A
• How do I upgrade Office?
• Troubleshoot installing Office