Upgrade to newer verion of 365

Question

i need to upgrade windows 365 but my mac is not compatable with newer version of microsoft 365

i am locked out of my word and excel mac monterey version is 12.7.6 new 365 requires 14.0 or laterHow can i still operate my word and excel when iys read view only need to activate

Answer 1

Hello !

The AI answer is correct. You do need to install the latest Office build compatible with macOS Monterey, which is the 16.88.
You can download it here : https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdates/update-history-office-for-mac

It's the August 13, 2024 one.

Download and install Office with the package you've downloaded. Once installed, you need to activate Office. Launch any Office app, and you should be prompted to do so.

If you're seeing an error message, make sure you're signed into your Microsoft account : you can do so by clicking on the "Sign in" icon in the top-left corner of any Office app. Once signed in, the license should be applied to your Office installation. (if you see a pop-up asking you to log into Microsoft 365, close it. You need to reach the "sign-in" button in the top-left corner of any Office app)

Please let me know if you have any other question !

Answer 2

macOS Monterey 12.7.6 can still run Microsoft 365/Office for Mac, but only up to the last version that supports Monterey. Newer Microsoft 365 builds now require at least macOS Sonoma (14), so the current installer blocks installation and activation on Monterey.

To keep using Word and Excel (not just in read‑only mode) on macOS 12.7.6:

1. Install the last Office build that supports Monterey
   • The final supported version for macOS Monterey (12) is Office for Mac 16.88.
   • Download and install that specific version (16.88) from the Office for Mac update history page listed in the context.
   • This version will install and run on macOS 12.7.6.
2. Activate with the existing Microsoft 365 subscription
   • After installing 16.88, open Word or Excel.
   • Sign in with the Microsoft account that has the active Microsoft 365 subscription.
   • This will activate the apps so they are no longer read‑only.
3. Update once to the final Monterey build
   • In any Office app, go to Help > Check for Updates.
   • Let it update once to 16.88.1 (the final build for Monterey for some apps like Outlook and PowerPoint).
   • Turn off automatic updates if desired; there will be no newer builds for Monterey.

Key points:

• The subscription can activate an older Office version that still supports macOS 12.7.6.
• Newer Microsoft 365 builds (that require macOS 14 or later) cannot be installed on Monterey.
• If macOS is ever upgraded to Sonoma (14) or later, the latest Microsoft 365 for Mac builds can then be installed and updated normally.

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References:

• Upgrade macOS to continue receiving Microsoft 365 and Office for Mac updates
• How do I upgrade Office?
• 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
• Office 365 won't install - Microsoft Q&A