I have an iMac 2017 running OS Ventura 13.7.8 and now my Home & Office 2021 will not reactivate as it tells me that I need to be on OS 14

Brian Springle 0 Reputation points
2026-09-18T17:14:13.3633333+00:00

I have an iMac 2017 running OS Ventura 13.7.8 and now my Home & Office 2021 will not reactivate as it tells me that I need to be on OS 14

How do I get a version that will run on my computer?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | MacOS
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-18T17:14:30.3566667+00:00

    Office 2021 for Mac is supported on the three most recent versions of macOS. Ventura 13.7.8 is older than the currently required macOS 14 for the latest installer, so the current installer can block installation or reactivation on that Mac.

    For a 2017 iMac that cannot go beyond Ventura, use the last Office build that still works on Ventura: 16.101.25091314.

    Use this installer: https://officecdn.microsoft.com/pr/C1297A47-86C4-4C1F-97FA-950631F94777/MacAutoupdate/Microsoft_365_and_Office_16.101.25091314_Installer.pkg

    Recommended steps:

    1. Remove the current Office apps
      • Close Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
      • In Finder > Applications, locate the Office apps.
      • Control-click each app and choose Move to Trash.
    2. Install the Ventura-compatible build
      • Download the 16.101.25091314 installer above.
      • Open Finder > Downloads and double-click the installer package.
      • Select Continue, review the license, select Agree, then Install.
      • Enter the Mac login password if prompted.
    3. Launch and activate
      • Open Word from Launchpad.
      • Select Get Started and complete activation.
    4. If activation still fails
      • Check Macintosh HD > Library > PriviligedHelperTools.
      • If the folder has a red stop icon, fix its permissions.
      • If the folder is accessible but empty, uninstall and reinstall Office, then try activation again.
    5. Do not update to a newer Office build on this Mac
      • Newer builds require macOS 14 or later.

    If the Mac can be upgraded only to Ventura, the practical options in the documented guidance are:

    • stay on the last Ventura-compatible Office build,
    • use Office on the web, or
    • install Office on a different supported device.

    References:

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  2. EmilyS726 269K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-18T17:48:08.7033333+00:00

    Microsoft 365 can run on macOS Ventura 13 only by using an older Office version.

    Microsoft ended support for Ventura with Office version 16.101, released in September 2025. Newer Office installations and updates require macOS Sonoma 14 or later.

    Uninstall your current Ms365, then downgrade to version 16.101 by using this installer. 

    https://officecdn.microsoft.com/pr/C1297A47-86C4-4C1F-97FA-950631F94777/MacAutoupdate/Microsoft_365_and_Office_16.101.25091314_Installer.pkg?apid=ets

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