How to Install Office 2024 on Mac
Complete macOS installation guide with step-by-step instructions for downloading, installing, and activating Microsoft Office 2024 on your Mac.
Last updated: December 2024
In This Guide
Pre-Installation Checklist
Before installing Office 2024 on your Mac, complete these essential preparation steps to ensure a smooth installation:
1. Check macOS Version
Go to Apple menu > About This Mac to verify you're running macOS Monterey (12.0) or later. Office 2024 requires modern macOS versions for full compatibility.
2. Verify Available Storage
Open Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage to ensure you have at least 10 GB of free space. We recommend 15 GB to accommodate updates and temporary files.
3. Close All Office Applications
If you have any previous Office version installed, quit all Office apps completely. Use Command + Q or right-click the dock icon and select Quit.
4. Remove Previous Office Versions (Optional)
For a clean installation, consider removing older Office versions. Use the Office Removal Tool from Microsoft or manually move apps to Trash.
5. Have Your Product Key Ready
Locate your Office 2024 product key from your Prise Keys order confirmation email. You'll need this 25-character code during activation.
6. Ensure Stable Internet Connection
The Office installer downloads components during installation. A reliable internet connection (preferably not cellular hotspot) is essential.
💡 Pro Tip: If upgrading from Office 2021 or earlier, your documents and settings will be preserved. However, creating a Time Machine backup before installation is always recommended.
System Requirements for Mac
Microsoft Office 2024 for Mac has specific hardware and software requirements. Here's what your Mac needs:
Minimum Requirements
- Operating System:macOS Monterey (12.0) or later
- Processor:Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) or Intel processor
- RAM:4 GB minimum
- Storage:10 GB available disk space
- Display:1280 x 800 resolution
- Graphics:Metal-compatible GPU (2016 or later Macs)
Recommended Specifications
- Operating System:macOS Sonoma (14.0) or Sequoia (15.0)
- Processor:Apple Silicon M2 or M3 chip
- RAM:8 GB or more
- Storage:SSD with 20 GB+ free space
- Display:Retina display recommended
- Internet:Broadband for activation and updates
Compatible Mac Models
Office 2024 runs on most Macs from 2017 onwards. Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3) offer the best performance with native app support. Older Intel Macs are also supported if running macOS Monterey or later.
Note: Some features like advanced AI capabilities may require newer hardware for optimal performance.
Download Methods
There are several ways to download Office 2024 for Mac. Choose the method that best suits your situation:
Method 1: Download from Microsoft Account
If you've already linked your product key to a Microsoft account:
- 1.Open Safari and go to office.com/setup
- 2.Sign in with your Microsoft account
- 3.Enter your 25-character product key if prompted
- 4.Click 'Install Office' and select the Mac version
- 5.The installer (.pkg file) will download to your Downloads folder
This method requires an existing Microsoft account linked to your product key.
Method 2: Download from Prise Keys
After purchasing from Prise Keys, you'll receive download instructions:
- 1.Check your email for the order confirmation from Prise Keys
- 2.Click the download link provided in the email
- 3.Save the installer package to your Downloads folder
- 4.Your product key will also be included in the email
Keep your confirmation email safe—it contains your product key and download link.
Method 3: Mac App Store (Microsoft 365 Only)
The Mac App Store offers Microsoft 365 apps but not perpetual Office 2024 licenses:
- 1.Open the Mac App Store
- 2.Search for individual apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- 3.Download the free apps
- 4.Activate with your Office 2024 product key after installation
This method downloads the latest Office apps that can be activated with your perpetual license.
Installation Steps
Follow these detailed steps to install Office 2024 on your Mac:
Locate the Installer
Open Finder and navigate to your Downloads folder. Look for a file named 'Microsoft_Office_2024_Installer.pkg' or similar. The file size should be approximately 1.5-2 GB.
Launch the Installer
Double-click the .pkg installer file. If you see a security warning saying the app is from an identified developer, click 'Open' to proceed. You may need to enter your Mac administrator password.
Review the License Agreement
Read through the Microsoft Software License Terms. Click 'Continue' and then 'Agree' to accept the terms and proceed with installation.
Choose Installation Type
The standard installation includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. For most users, click 'Install' to proceed with the default installation to your Applications folder.
Authenticate with Touch ID or Password
macOS will prompt you to authenticate the installation. Use Touch ID if available, or enter your Mac administrator password and click 'Install Software'.
Wait for Installation to Complete
The installation process typically takes 5-10 minutes depending on your Mac's speed and storage type. A progress bar will show the installation status. Don't close the installer or put your Mac to sleep.
Installation Complete
When finished, you'll see a success message. Click 'Close' to exit the installer. You can move the installer file to Trash to free up space.
After Installation
- All Office apps are now in your Applications folder
- You can add them to your Dock for quick access
- Use Spotlight (Command + Space) to quickly launch any Office app
- The apps will prompt for activation on first launch
Activation Process
After installation, you need to activate Office 2024 with your product key. Here's how:
Launch Any Office Application
Open Word, Excel, or any Office app from your Applications folder or Dock. The activation wizard will appear automatically.
Sign In or Enter Product Key
You have two options: Sign in with a Microsoft account that has the license, or click 'Enter a product key instead' to activate directly.
Enter Your Product Key
Type your 25-character product key exactly as shown in your Prise Keys confirmation email. The key format is XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. Use uppercase letters.
Complete Activation
Click 'Activate Office' and wait for verification. This requires an internet connection. Once verified, you'll see a confirmation that Office is activated.
Important: Your Office 2024 license is perpetual and can be used on one Mac. If you need to transfer to a new Mac, you'll need to deactivate first. See our Transfer License guide for details.
First Launch Setup
When you first open Office 2024 apps on Mac, complete these setup steps for the best experience:
Privacy Settings
Office will ask about sending diagnostic data to Microsoft. Choose your preference—'Optional' data helps improve Office, but you can select 'Required only' for minimum data sharing.
OneDrive Integration
You'll be prompted to set up OneDrive. While optional, connecting OneDrive enables automatic cloud backup and access to files across devices.
Default File Locations
Go to Word/Excel > Preferences > File Locations to set default save locations. Consider using a folder synced with iCloud or OneDrive.
Enable Automatic Updates
Open any Office app, go to Help menu > Check for Updates. Enable 'Automatically keep Microsoft Apps up to date' for security patches.
Customize the Ribbon
Right-click the Ribbon (toolbar) to customize it. Mac Office 2024 lets you add frequently used commands and create custom tabs.
Set Up Outlook
If using Outlook, add your email accounts: Open Outlook > Outlook menu > Preferences > Accounts. Add your email provider (Gmail, iCloud, Exchange, etc.).
🍎 Mac Tip: Use the macOS System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts to customize global keyboard shortcuts for Office apps if the defaults conflict with your workflow.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Encountering problems? Here are solutions to the most common Office 2024 Mac installation issues:
Still having issues? Visit Microsoft's Mac Office support page or contact Prise Keys customer support for assistance with product key problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
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