Microsoft package requires MacOs 14 or later and my MacBook Air has 11.7.11 version

Question

Microsoft package requires MacOs 14 or later and my MacBook Air has 11.7.11 version

Maria Kiiski Latronico 20

Hi, I have bought a Microsoft package that provides only the account and the password, not a license key. The package requires to install the Microsoft apps, but my MacBook Air seems to be old, the package requires MacOs 14 or later version, and my MacBook Air has the 11.7.11

The result is that I cannot use the subscription because I cannot install the new apps. I do have Microsoft apps installed in the laptop, but the subscription doesn't wok.

I have requested for support form the company I bought the package from, but no answer.

Could you please help? How can I have a working Microsoft package in old MacBook Air?

Kind Regards,

Maria Kiiski Latronico

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Answer accepted by question author

DaveM121 946.3K Independent Advisor

If your version of MacOS is Big Sur (11.7.11), then the error you are seeing is caused by an update on the 13th of July, if you are unable to upgrade your MacOS to a newer compatible version (12 or higher) your Office apps will go into Read Only mode, on the link below they provide full details on that update.

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

If you are unable to upgrade your MacOS version to 12 or higher, then the only option is to use the free Office apps in a web browser.

When you use the free Office apps in a web browser, your files would be stored on your OneDrive account online (https://onedrive.live.com/), not on your Apple Mac, but you can download them to your computer after you have created/edited the documents.

Maria Kiiski Latronico 20 Reputation points

2026-10-30T09:01:04.0366667+00:00

Thank you Dave, this very helpful. You are correct, the version I have is Big Sur (11.7.11). I don't see the option to update to a newer version. I think I will use the web version so I can edit and save documents.

2 additional answers

Your answer

Maria Kiiski Latronico 20 Reputation points

2026-10-30T09:01:04.0366667+00:00

Thank you Dave, this very helpful. You are correct, the version I have is Big Sur (11.7.11). I don't see the option to update to a newer version. I think I will use the web version so I can edit and save documents.

Answer 1

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Answer 2

On macOS 11.7.11, the installed desktop Office apps cannot be brought back to full working status if they now require a newer macOS version for the licensing/update path.

Supported options are:

Use Microsoft 365 on the web Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other apps are available in a browser at microsoft365.com.
Install Microsoft 365 on a different supported device A Microsoft 365 subscription can be installed on multiple devices. Sign in to the Microsoft account page and select Install: https://account.microsoft.com/services
Upgrade the Mac to a newer supported macOS version, if the hardware allows it A newer operating system is required for the latest Office version.
If the Mac cannot be upgraded, move to a newer device A newer Mac, iPhone, iPad, or PC that supports the latest operating system will support the current Office version.

Also relevant:

Microsoft 365 subscribers can no longer download or install Office 2011 for Mac from the account portal.
Office 2011 for Mac support ended on October 10, 2017.
Office 2019 for Mac reached end of support on October 10, 2023, and cannot be updated to the required version.

If the purchase only provided an account sign-in and no product key, that is normal for Microsoft 365 subscriptions. The subscription is tied to the Microsoft account, and installation is managed from Services & subscriptions.

References: