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Installing Microsoft 365 Premium on macOS Ventura 13.7.8 version

Charlie Hale 20 Reputation points
2026-05-14T20:46:08.2633333+00:00

I have Microsoft 365 Premium installed on my HP computer. I am trying to share and install the program on an Apple desktop (circa 2017) that has macOS Ventura 13.7.8 version for my wife. I get the message that Version 14 is required. Options?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For business | MacOS
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  1. John Korchok 232K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-05-15T15:01:35.6066667+00:00

    Here's my article on how to download, install and activate Office for your older Mac: Most Recent Office You Can Run - Best Practices. You Microsoft 365 license will work, but your version of Office will be stuck at the last supported version for your operating system.

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  1. Ruby-N 11,245 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-05-14T22:02:32.08+00:00

    Good day @Charlie Hale, and I appreciate the clear explanation of your concern.   

    Office 365 apps for Mac now requires macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later. This is part of Microsoft’s policy to keep apps secure, stable, and compatible with new features. Your wife’s Mac with macOS Ventura 13.7.8 can still use Microsoft 365, but only up to version 16.101, which is the last supported version for Ventura. 

    Below are the available options that should help you move forward: 

    Option 1: Install the last compatible version for macOS Ventura (Version 16.101) 

    This allows continued use of the desktop apps on the current system. 

    Go to the Microsoft Update history for Office for Mac article

    Locate Version 16.101, which is the last version supporting macOS Ventura. 

    Download the Install package (ensure it is not labeled as an Update package). 

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    Open the downloaded .pkg file and follow the installation instructions. 

    Once installed, open an Office app such as Word or Excel. 

    Sign in using the work account that has the Microsoft 365 subscription to activate the apps. 

    Important note: The apps will continue to function normally, but no further updates, including security updates, will be provided while staying on macOS Ventura. 

    Option 2: Use Office 365 apps for the web 

    This is a good alternative if you prefer not to install an older desktop version. 

    Open a web browser (Edge/Safari/Google Chrome), then go to the browser settings and clear browsing data. Set the time range to "All time" to avoid issues caused by outdated cache.    

    Go to https://www.office.com and sign in the work account.   

    Once signed in, select Apps > Select the app you want to use such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or OneNote. 

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    Note: Web apps provide strong functionality, although some advanced desktop features may be limited. 

    Additional information is available in the following resource: Upgrade macOS to continue receiving Microsoft 365 and Office for Mac updates - Microsoft Support 

    I’m really sorry, I know this isn’t the outcome you were hoping for. I completely understand how these system requirements can feel limiting, especially when you are simply trying to get things working smoothly on an existing device. 

    As a forum moderator, I truly want to help point you in the right direction and share the most suitable options available. However, I do not have the ability to change or escalate product limitations. 

    I hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions or need further support, please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time. 

    Thank you for your patience and understanding. 


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  1. Q&A Assist
    2026-05-14T20:46:22.4033333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    Microsoft 365 Premium can be shared and installed on a Mac running macOS Ventura 13.7.8, but the latest Office builds now require macOS 14 or later. On Ventura, only an older compatible Office for Mac build can be installed.

    Available options based on the provided information:

    1. Install the most recent Office for Mac version that supports Ventura
      • Use the existing Microsoft 365 Premium subscription and install an older Office for Mac build that still supports macOS Ventura.
      • The moderator guidance indicates that on Ventura 13.7.8, Office version 16.100 is the latest that should work.
      • Once installed, it will activate with the Microsoft 365 Premium subscription, but it likely will not receive new feature updates.
    2. Confirm system requirements and unsupported OS behavior
      • The “Version 14 required” message is due to current Office for Mac installers requiring a newer macOS version. This matches the documented behavior where an unsupported operating system error appears when trying to install Office on an OS that does not meet current system requirements.
      • For ongoing reference, check the Office for Mac system requirements and “Unsupported operating system” guidance.
    3. If installation still fails
      • Follow the general Mac install steps, but use an installer/build appropriate for Ventura (not the newest one that demands macOS 14):
        1. Download the compatible Office for Mac installer for version 16.100 (or the latest that supports Ventura).
        2. Open FinderDownloads and double‑click the Microsoft Office installer.pkg.
        3. Proceed through ContinueAgreeInstall, entering the Mac login password when prompted.
        4. After installation, open Word from Launchpad and sign in with the Microsoft 365 Premium account to activate.
    4. Sharing the subscription with the wife
      • Ensure the subscription is a sharable plan (e.g., Microsoft 365 Family or a business plan that allows multiple users).
      • Share the subscription with the wife’s Microsoft account, then sign into Office on the Mac with her account to activate the installed Office build.

    If the Mac cannot be upgraded beyond Ventura and only the latest Office build is offered, using a compatible older Office for Mac version (such as 16.100) tied to the existing Microsoft 365 Premium license is the practical path.


    References:

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