If you’re still using an older Mac and hitting compatibility walls with modern Office installers, you’re not alone. Native apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint feel smoother than browser versions—especially when your Mac is already working with older hardware. Good news: Microsoft still offers Office builds that match older macOS versions. That means you can keep using Office apps offline and without slow browser tabs.
Why keeping Office native matters
- Native apps feel snappier on older Macs. No lag from the browser reloading.
- You don’t depend on an internet connection—perfect for times when wifi isn’t stable.
- You get full features—web apps often hold back advanced Excel or PowerPoint tools.
- It’s more stable, and you don’t end up constantly sidestepping issues in browser versions.
Latest compatible Office version by macOS
Microsoft’s official page confirms which Office versions were the last builds to support older macOS versions:
- Monterey (macOS 12.7.6) → Office 16.88 (August 2024) was the last build that supports it.
- Big Sur (macOS 11.x) → Office 16.77 (September 2023) is the final compatible build.
- Catalina (macOS 10.15.7) → Office 16.66 (October 2022) is the last supported version.
Some users report that Monterey may still accept Office 16.89.1 (September 2024), even though Microsoft says 16.88 is the last supported. It’s worth trying if you’re comfortable going a little beyond official limits.
Full compatibility chart—macOS to Office version
- Monterey (12.7.6) → Last compatible version is Office 16.88 (released August 2024).
- Big Sur (11.x) → Works up to Office 16.77 (released September 2023).
- Catalina (10.15.7) → The latest you can install is Office 16.66 (released October 2022).
- Mojave (10.14.x) → Final supported version is Office 16.54 (October 2021).
- High Sierra (10.13.x) → Last build is Office 16.43 (November 2020).
- Sierra (10.12.x) → Stopped at Office 16.30 (October 2019).
- El Capitan (10.11) and Yosemite (10.10) → The last available version is Office 16.16.27 (October 2020).
- Older systems (Lion, Mountain Lion, etc.) → Only Office 2011 is available, and it no longer receives updates.
Where to download the right version
Microsoft provides a full archive of Office for Mac updates and installers. Here’s what you can do:
- Go to the official Microsoft update history page: Update history for Office for Mac
- Search for the version that matches your macOS.
- Download the individual app (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) or the full Office suite.
- You can even choose whether you want the version with Teams included or not.
This way, you’re not stuck with the latest installer that doesn’t run on your Mac. Instead, you grab the latest compatibleone.
So if you’ve been frustrated by “This version of Office can’t be installed on this macOS,” don’t give up. You just need to install the right match. Bookmark that Microsoft link. Any time you need to reinstall, update, or help someone else with an older Mac, you’ll know exactly where to get the right Office version.