MacOS 13.7.8 cannot update to MacOS14 and it interferes with microsoft word

Theresa Deslauriers 0 Reputation points
2026-06-17T22:56:26.1466667+00:00

MacOS 13.7.8 cannot update to MacOS14 and it interferes with microsoft word. I need to get my word working properly again. HELP

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | Other | MacOS

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  1. AI answer

    2026-06-17T22:56:48.3966667+00:00

    macOS Ventura 13.7.8 is now an unsupported version for current Microsoft 365/Office for Mac updates. Starting with the September 2025 update (version 16.101), Office for Mac requires at least macOS Sonoma (14) to continue receiving updates. On Ventura, Word will still run, but it will no longer get any fixes or security updates, and some features or behaviors may be affected.

    To get Word working as reliably as possible on macOS 13.7.8:

    1. Install the last Office build that still supports Ventura
      • The last supported build for macOS Ventura (13) is the September 2025 update, version 16.101.
      • Download and install that specific Office for Mac installer from the Office for Mac update history page (look for the September 16, 2025 entry, version 16.101, which is listed as the last build to support macOS Ventura).
      • After installing, do not attempt to update beyond that version on Ventura, as newer builds require macOS 14 or later.
    2. If Word hangs or misbehaves when opening documents Follow these Word for Mac–specific repair steps:
      • Clear the Auto Recovery folder:
        1. In Finder, select Go > Home.
        2. Open Documents > Microsoft User Data > Office Autorecovery.
        3. Move the contents of this folder to the desktop (do not delete yet).
        4. Start Word and test opening documents.
      • Remove the Normal template if problems persist:
        1. Exit all Office apps.
        2. In Finder, select Go > Home.
        3. Open Library (hold OPTION while clicking Go if Library is hidden).
        4. Open Application Support > Microsoft > Office > User Templates.
        5. Move the file named Normal to the desktop.
        6. Start Word and test again. If Word works, delete the old Normal file.
    3. If documents still won’t open or Word stops responding
      • Check for problematic file names (remove special symbols like % from the file name and try again).
      • Try opening Word and the document in Safe Mode as described in the clean startup article referenced in the Word troubleshooting guide.
      • If all steps fail, the document may be corrupted and may need to be restored from a backup or recreated.
    4. Long-term options
      • If the Mac hardware supports it and Apple offers it, upgrading to macOS Sonoma (14) or later will allow Word and the rest of Office to receive current updates again.
      • If the Mac cannot be upgraded beyond Ventura, keep using the last supported Office version (16.101) and avoid relying on features introduced only in later builds.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Norah-L 11,330 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-06-18T03:49:53.61+00:00

    Hello Theresa Deslauriers

    From your description, it appears your Mac is currently limited to macOS Ventura 13.7.8, and this is now affecting Microsoft Word because newer Office for Mac updates require a newer macOS version.

    As suggested in the AI-generated answer, you can consider uninstalling Office and reinstalling the older Office version that still supports macOS Ventura. However, I’d just like to clarify a few important details so you can choose the correct installer and understand the limitations of this workaround.

    You can get it from Microsoft’s official Office for Mac update history page. On that page, look for: September 16, 2025 — Version 16.101 (25091314) — Office suite (without Teams)

    After installing it, open Word and sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your subscription/license.

    After installing the Ventura-supported Office version, you may want to turn off automatic updates (open any Office app > Help > Check for Updates, then uncheck Automatically keep Microsoft apps up to date if available). This helps prevent Office from trying to update to a newer version that your Mac can’t run.

    However, please note this is only a workaround. Since macOS Ventura is no longer supported for newer Office updates, this setup may keep Word usable, but it will not provide future Office feature or security updates.

    As another workaround, you can use Word for the web so you can continue editing documents without relying on the installed Word app.

    Hope this could help. Please let me know how it goes!

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    2 people found this answer helpful.
  3. Stefan Blom 353.5K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-06-18T10:00:49.4533333+00:00

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  4. KA Wheeler 0 Reputation points
    2026-09-20T22:05:20.5466667+00:00

    Having the same issue. So much for the golden age of usability. I just tried to use PPT on my MacBook Pro (apparently too "old" to update to 14.0). Of course I find this out AFTER I paid $99 to resubscribe to Microsoft suite. These types of situations leave such a bad taste in my mouth. It seems like Microsoft and Apple are in cahoots to make me have to either buy a new laptop (even though this one is perfectly fine)... or spend 3 hours trying to troubleshoot a way around... which will inevitably end up with me frustrated, pissed off, and unsupported. So much for software support. I imagine this whole update has something to do with an AI supported update. I hate this feeling. All I wanted to do today was make a flyer for a neighborhood table where I give away cut flowers and seeds.

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