Install word on an old Mac (Big Sur)

Question

Install word on an old Mac (Big Sur)

Jonathan Haigh 20

I am a subscriber to Microsoft 365

I have been running Word 16.77.1 on a MacBook running OS 11.7.10 (Big Sur) for a long time. I cannot upgrade to a newer version.

I now cannot 'Activate Microsoft 365' on this computer and Word is now Read only.

How can I continue to use Office programs on this computer. I am perfectly happy to use older unsupported versions (and I'm paying!)

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Answer 1

DaveM121 932.6K Independent Advisor

If your version of MacOS is Big Sur, then the error you are seeing is caused by an update on the 13th of July, many people are seeing the exact same error, if you are unable to upgrade your MacOS to a newer compatible version, the old workaround to install a previous version of the Office apps no longer works after the July update, your Office apps will go into Read Only mode, on the link below the full details on that update are provided.

https://support.microsoft.com/office/update-microsoft-365-or-office-on-your-macos-or-ios-device-f418ae5d-bb5f-4078-b3d9-9340f5dd084e

Jonathan Haigh 20 Reputation points

2026-07-21T21:13:18.66+00:00

This answer is true and therefore helps. However (and nothing to do with DaveM121) Microsoft's decision to turn off the functionality of a combination of software and operating system that has been and is working perfectly ok seems very wrong. I am not bothered by not getting upgrades any more - it works fine as it is and MS are still getting money from me for other devices. I don't want to get a new computer just because of this. Very, very disappointing