System Requirements

Will Macabacus run on my version of Office?

Macabacus works with full desktop installations of Microsoft 365, Office 2021, 2019, and 2016 (32-bit and 64-bit) in Windows 11, 10, and 8 (32-bit and 64-bit). Microsoft no longer supports Office 2013, Office 2010, Office 2007, and Windows 7 and, consequently, neither do we.

Windows Store "app" and browser-based editions of Microsoft 365 do not support sophisticated COM add-ins, which severely restricts their utility. Therefore, professional / enterprise users should always install the full desktop edition of Office. Microsoft 365 customers may need to use the Office offline installer to install Office 2019/2016.

Note that your PC may ship with the Windows Store edition of Office pre-installed. If so, you must remove this edition, then download the .msi-based edition from Microsoft and install it.

Does Macabacus work in Microsoft 365?

Yes. Microsoft 365 is a subscription plan for Office software, not the software itself. If you have Microsoft 365, then you should have the .msi-based edition of Office 2019/2016 installed locally. Refer to the FAQ above and see the Microsoft 365 FAQ for more information.

When will you support web-based and Windows Store "app" editions of Office?

While it is currently possible to develop what Microsoft confusingly refers to as "Office add-ins" for these Office editions, the development infrastructure provided by Microsoft to do this—an API—is woefully underdeveloped. At present, this incomplete API lacks tools that developers require to create Office add-ins comparable in any way to powerful COM add-ins. Until Microsoft focuses more effort on this API, anyone who requires the advanced Office functionality that only COM add-ins can deliver (which includes nearly all professional/enterprise users) will need to install the desktop version of Office locally.

Does Macabacus work on a Mac?

Yes, so long as you have the desktop version of Office for Windows installed. You can create a Windows virtual machine on your Mac using VMware Fusion or Parallels. Office for Mac does not support sophisticated COM add-ins like Macabacus, and Microsoft is not expected to change this.

Does Macabacus work with SharePoint?

Most Macabacus functionality will work in a SharePoint environment, but some will not. You should evaluate Macabacus in your SharePoint environment to ensure it meets your needs before purchasing. Periodic updates to Macabacus may improve SharePoint compatibility.

How do I download the software?

You can download Macabacus software with any modern browser. Some corporate environments may prevent downloading the installer (an .msi file). If you are unable to download the software, upgrade your browser, disable any browser plug-ins that may prevent download, enable Javascript, check your firewall settings, and/or contact your IT personnel for assistance.