problems running microsoft 365

Unfortunately, this is a compatibility limit. Current Microsoft 365 desktop apps no longer support macOS Big Sur, and Big Sur is the newest macOS Apple officially supports on your Late 2013 MacBook Pro.

The simplest workaround is to use Word, Excel and PowerPoint in your browser at Microsoft365.com, provided you have a compatible browser. They cover everyday editing, though some desktop features aren’t available.

For desktop use, Office version 16.77 was the last to support Big Sur. An existing installation may still work, but it no longer receives security updates, so it isn’t a good long-term solution.

There’s no supported setting that makes the latest desktop apps run on Big Sur. Unofficial macOS patchers exist, but for reliable, supported use of current Microsoft 365, you’d need a newer Mac or another supported computer.

Big Sur 11.7.11 is outside the macOS versions supported by the current Microsoft 365 desktop apps, which explains why the latest release will not run on that installation. Microsoft supports the three most recent major macOS versions; an active subscription does not remove that operating system requirement.

First, check Software Update for an officially supported macOS upgrade for your Mac. If you can install a supported version, update macOS first, then open Word and choose Help > Check for Updates to update Office.

If this Mac cannot run a currently supported macOS version, there is no supported installer setting that makes the latest desktop apps compatible with Big Sur. Use Microsoft 365 on the web in a compatible browser, or install your subscription on another supported device. Keeping an old Office build also means missing security updates, so it is not a sustainable workaround.