How to install on a Mac with Mac OS Big Sur 11.7.11

Lisa Liotta 0 Reputation points
2026-10-17T19:17:31.0333333+00:00

How may I install Microsoft Office on my Mac that has the Mac OS Big Sur 11.7.11 operating system?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | MacOS
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  1. Ivan B 125.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-17T19:53:29.86+00:00

    Hii,

    I regret to inform you that, unfortunately, Office 365 and Office 2019 will no longer support editing and saving functions if you are running a version of macOS earlier than version 12.

    The following link explains the situation: https://support.microsoft.com/es-es/office/lifecycle/officeinstall/update-m365-office-macos-ios

    User's image

    In this case, you will need to update your Mac to version 12 (Monterey) and have an Office 2021/2024 license or a Microsoft 365 subscription to access all features.

    Microsoft Office no longer receives updates for older operating systems or devices.

    Given your situation, you will only be able to view and print documents in Office 365.

    You can also use Office for the web, which is free:

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/free-office-online-for-the-web

    I apologize for the inconvenience; have a great week.

    Please consider rating the question (accepting the answer or not) and visiting the Microsoft Q&A community if you have further questions.

    Thanks.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-17T19:18:18.28+00:00

    To install and fully activate Microsoft Office, first upgrade the Mac from Big Sur 11.7.11 to macOS 12 Monterey or later; current Office updates require at least macOS 12 and Office version 16.83.^1^

    If the Mac supports macOS 12 or later

    1. Open Apple menu → System Preferences → Software Update and install the newest macOS version offered.
    2. After upgrading, go to Microsoft 365 Apps and sign in with the Microsoft account associated with the purchase or subscription.
    3. Select Install apps. For a work or school account, select Microsoft 365 apps.
    4. Open Finder → Downloads, then double-click Microsoft Office installer.pkg.
    5. Select Continue → Agree → Install, enter the Mac administrator password, and wait for installation to finish.
    6. Open Launchpad → Microsoft Word, select Get Started, and sign in to activate Office.^2^

    If the installer reports an unidentified developer, move it to the desktop, wait 10 seconds, then Control-click → Open.^2^

    If the Mac cannot upgrade beyond Big Sur

    There is no supported installation that provides full editing and activation on Big Sur after the July 13, 2026 Office update. Older Office builds cannot receive the required update; apps may remain in reduced-functionality mode, allowing files to be opened or printed but not edited, saved, or created.^1^

    Use one of these supported alternatives:

    • Use Microsoft 365 on the web through a browser.
    • Install Office on another supported Mac or PC from the Microsoft account page.
    • Upgrade to a Mac capable of running a supported macOS version.

    Installing Office 16.77 or another older release is not a durable solution: Big Sur cannot install the required licensing update, and reinstalling an older version does not restore full functionality.^3^

    References

    1. Update Microsoft 365 or Office on your macOS or iOS device
    2. [Install on a Mac](https://support.microsoft.com/office/lifecycle/officeinstall/download-install-or-reinstall-microsoft-365-or-office-2024-on-a-pc-or-mac)
    3. I need an older version of Office to run on my MAC - Microsoft Q&A
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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