Before You Install
Microsoft Office 2021 is a perpetual license version that offers a one-time purchase option. Before installing, ensure your computer meets these requirements for optimal performance. This guide covers both minimum and recommended specifications for Windows and macOS.
Windows System Requirements
Requirements for Office 2021 on Windows 10 and 11
Important
Office 2021 requires Windows 10 or Windows 11. It is NOT compatible with Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1.
Minimum Requirements
- Processor
1.6 GHz, 2-core processor
- RAM
4 GB (64-bit) / 2 GB (32-bit)
- Storage
4 GB available disk space
- Display
1280 x 768 screen resolution
- Graphics
DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 2.0
- Operating System
Windows 10 version 1803 or later
Recommended Requirements
- Processor
2.0 GHz or faster, multi-core processor
- RAM
8 GB or more
- Storage
10 GB available (SSD preferred)
- Display
1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution
- Graphics
DirectX 12 compatible with 2 GB VRAM
- Operating System
Windows 11 (latest version)
Mac System Requirements
Requirements for Office 2021 on macOS
Apple Silicon Support
Office 2021 runs natively on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) Macs for optimal performance. Intel-based Macs are also fully supported.
macOS Requirements
- Operating System
macOS Mojave (10.14) or later
- Processor
Intel or Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3)
- RAM
4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
- Storage
10 GB available disk space (HFS+ or APFS)
- Display
1280 x 800 screen resolution
- Browser
Safari, Chrome, or Firefox (latest)
For Best Experience
- macOS Ventura or Sonoma
- Apple Silicon Mac (M1 or later)
- 16 GB RAM for large documents
- SSD storage for faster performance
Browser Requirements
For Office Online features and add-ins
Some Office 2021 features require a modern web browser:
| Browser | Version | Supported |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Edge | Latest version | |
| Google Chrome | Latest version | |
| Mozilla Firefox | Latest version | |
| Safari | Latest version (Mac only) | |
| Internet Explorer | Any version |
Windows Version Compatibility
Office 2021 support by Windows version
| Windows Version | Supported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 | Full support | |
| Windows 10 (1803+) | Full support | |
| Windows 10 (older) | Update required | |
| Windows 8.1 | Not supported | |
| Windows 8 | Not supported | |
| Windows 7 | Not supported |
32-bit vs 64-bit Office
Choose the right version for your needs
| Aspect | 32-bit | 64-bit | Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAM Usage | Limited to ~2 GB per app | Uses full system RAM | 64-bit |
| Large Files | May crash with files >2 GB | Handles files up to 4 GB+ | 64-bit |
| Excel Workbooks | Limited to smaller datasets | Better for big data | 64-bit |
| Add-in Compatibility | Legacy add-ins work | Some old add-ins may fail | 32-bit |
| Recommended For | Legacy systems, old add-ins | Modern systems, power users | 64-bit |
Microsoft recommends 64-bit Office for most users. Only choose 32-bit if you rely on legacy add-ins.
Network Requirements
Internet connectivity needs
Installation
Internet required for download and initial setup
Activation
One-time internet connection to activate your license
Daily Use
Internet NOT required after activation
Updates
Internet required to download security updates
Minimum 1 Mbps broadband recommended for installation
How to Check Your System
Verify your computer meets the requirements
Windows
- 1Press Windows + I to open Settings
- 2Click on 'System'
- 3Select 'About' from the left menu
- 4View your processor, RAM, and system type (32/64-bit)
- 5Check 'Windows specifications' for your version
Mac
- 1Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner
- 2Select 'About This Mac'
- 3View your macOS version, processor, and memory
- 4Click 'More Info' for additional details
- 5Check 'Storage' tab for available disk space
Performance Optimization Tips
Get the best experience from Office 2021
Use an SSD
Solid-state drives significantly improve Office startup and file loading times.
Keep 20% Disk Free
Office needs space for temporary files and virtual memory.
Update Regularly
Install Windows and Office updates for best performance and security.
Manage Add-ins
Disable unused add-ins to speed up Office startup.
Upgrade RAM
8 GB or more RAM helps when working with multiple documents.
Close Background Apps
Free up system resources by closing unnecessary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Office 2021 Guides
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