My Microsoft update is not updating with Montery 12.7.6

Question

Dear Agent/Community member,

I bought Microsoft 365 10 days ago. Whenever I open any Microsoft file, it shows at the top: "Office Update: Your operating system needs to be updated to receive Office for Mac updates."

I have been trying to fix this by chatting with the team. I followed every instruction they gave me, but the problem lingers. My files keep getting hung! Despite buying it, I can't use it.

Desperately need to solve this problem.

Regards,

Jacinta

Answer 1

Since you are using macOS Monterey 12.7.6, the message you're seeing is expected. Microsoft 365 is no longer receiving current updates on macOS Monterey.

Version 16.88, released in August 2024, was the final Microsoft 365 and Office build compatible with macOS Monterey. Existing installations may continue to work, but they will no longer receive security updates, fixes, or new features. Current Microsoft 365 and Office 2024 installations require macOS Sonoma 14 or later.

If your Mac cannot be upgraded to a newer supported version of macOS, you can install the final compatible version of Office 16.88 using Microsoft's installer:
https://officecdn.microsoft.com/pr/C1297A47-86C4-4C1F-97FA-950631F94777/MacAutoupdate/Microsoft_365_and_Office_16.88.24081116_Installer.pkg

Alternatively, you can use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on the web through
https://www.microsoft365.com/.

Answer 2

macOS Monterey 12.7.6 is the reason for the message. Microsoft 365 for Mac now requires a newer supported macOS version to keep receiving current Office updates. For devices that can still update, the minimum listed requirement is macOS 12 with Office app version 16.83 or later, but Microsoft also states that Office for Mac is supported on the three most recent major versions of macOS. On Monterey, current updates may no longer be offered.

What to do:

1. Check the current Office app version.
   • Open Word or Excel.
   • Select Help > Check for Updates.
   • If Microsoft AutoUpdate opens, try Update or Update All.
2. If AutoUpdate fails, update Microsoft AutoUpdate itself.
   • Microsoft notes that AutoUpdate errors can be caused by a missing helper file or incorrect permissions.
   • Install the latest Microsoft AutoUpdate package from the public Download link in the reference below.
   • Then run AutoUpdate again.
3. If the Mac cannot upgrade beyond Monterey 12.7.6, current Microsoft 365 updates may not install on that device. In that case, the supported options are:
   • Use Microsoft 365 on the web at microsoft.com from a browser.
   • Install Microsoft 365 on another supported Mac, PC, or mobile device from the Microsoft account services page.
   • Upgrade to a newer device that supports a newer macOS version.
4. If apps still open in reduced functionality mode after updating, quit the app completely and sign in again.
   • Press Command + Q to quit.
   • Reopen the app.
   • Go to the app’s Account settings, sign out, then sign in again with the Microsoft account used for the purchase.
5. If the issue specifically shows Unknown Error 0x0 or License Not Found, Microsoft’s resolved guidance is:
   • Confirm macOS 12 or later.
   • Close all Office apps.
   • Open Finder > Applications > Microsoft AutoUpdate.
   • Install available updates.
   • Reopen the Office app and test again.

Important: the files themselves are not affected by this update issue.

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