Cannot Install Office Home 2024

Jim McNamara 20 Reputation points
2026-08-20T01:31:18.2466667+00:00

I just purchased Office Home 2024 for my new Mac. I thought I followed the download instructions properly and it did install Word, Excel and Powerpoint. However, when I try to use Excel, it tells me "Activate Microsoft 365 to Create and Edit. Your Office 2019 license is not supported with this version of the application". I just purchased Office Home 2024 so I do not want to activate 365. Also, why is it referencing my old Office 2019 license if I just purchased a new Office 2024 license?

Any suggestions?

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

2026-08-20T01:31:33.96+00:00

This usually means the Mac is still picking up the old Office 2019 license instead of the new Office Home 2024 license.

Try this in order:

  1. Remove the old Office 2019 license
    • Microsoft states that when upgrading from Office 2019 for Mac to Microsoft 365 or Office 2024 for Mac, the existing Office 2019 for Mac license should be removed.
    • Use the License Removal Tool.
  2. Open an Office app and sign in with the account linked to Office Home 2024
    • After removing the old license, open Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
    • Sign in with the Microsoft account associated with the new Office Home 2024 purchase.
  3. Check for updates
    • In an Office app, select Help > Check for Updates.
  4. If the apps were installed from an older source, reinstall the Office apps
    • Close Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
    • Open Finder > Applications.
    • Locate the Office apps, control-click each one, and choose Move to Trash.
    • Download and reinstall using the current Office installer package for Mac.
  5. If the installer was already downloaded but activation still looks wrong
    • Make sure the installer came from the account that owns the new Office Home 2024 purchase.
    • If needed, sign in to the Microsoft account associated with the purchase and install again from the account’s install page.

Why it references Office 2019:

  • Office for Mac can continue to detect an older Office 2019 license on the device.
  • If that older license is still present, the newer installed apps may show activation messages tied to the old license until it is removed.

If this still fails after removing the old license and reinstalling, contact Microsoft support.

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  1. Jim McNamara 20 Reputation points
    2026-08-20T02:04:12.8133333+00:00

    Thank you! That solved my problem.

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