Microsoft Office 2010 on Mac OS Sierra: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
Microsoft Office 2010 Free Download for Mac OS Sierra
If you are looking for a way to use Microsoft Office 2010 on your Mac running Mac OS Sierra, you might be wondering if it is possible and how to do it. In this article, we will show you how to download and install Office 2010 on your Mac, as well as the pros and cons of using it. We will also suggest some alternatives to Office 2010 that you can try on your Mac.
Microsoft Office 2010 Free Download For Mac Os Sierra
What is Microsoft Office 2010?
Microsoft Office 2010 is a version of the popular office suite that was released in June 2010. It includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, Publisher, and SharePoint. Office 2010 introduced some new features, such as the ribbon interface, backstage view, improved graphics and editing tools, online collaboration, and cloud storage. It also improved the compatibility with Windows 10, Internet Explorer 10, Office 2013, SharePoint 2013, and other products.
Features and compatibility of Office 2010
Some of the features of Office 2010 are:
Ribbon interface: The ribbon is a toolbar that provides quick access to commands and options for each application. You can customize the ribbon by adding or removing tabs, groups, and buttons. You can also switch between different ribbon views depending on your task.
Backstage view: The backstage view is a menu that appears when you click the File tab. It allows you to manage your files and settings, such as saving, printing, sharing, exporting, and protecting your documents.
Improved graphics and editing tools: Office 2010 offers enhanced tools for creating and editing images, charts, diagrams, shapes, SmartArt, and videos. You can apply artistic effects, crop, rotate, resize, adjust color and brightness, remove backgrounds, and add transitions and animations to your graphics.
Online collaboration: Office 2010 enables you to work with others online using services such as OneDrive, SharePoint, Skype, and Outlook Web App. You can co-author documents in real time, share files via email or links, chat with your contacts, and access your files from any device.
Cloud storage: Office 2010 allows you to save your files to OneDrive or SharePoint online. This way, you can access your files from anywhere, sync them across your devices, and backup them automatically. You can also open and edit your files from any web browser using Office Online.
Office 2010 is compatible with Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3), Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1), Windows Server 2003 Service Pack (SP2), Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 or later (64-bit only), Windows Server R2 SP1 or later (32-bit only), Windows Server R2 SP1 or later (64-bit only), Windows Server R2 SP1 or later (32-bit only), Windows Server R2 SP1 or later (64-bit only), Windows Server R2 SP1 or later (32-bit only), Windows Server R2 SP1 or later (64-bit only), Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. It is also compatible with Office 2013, Office 2016, Office 2019, and Office 365. However, it is not compatible with Mac OS X or macOS, which means you cannot install it directly on your Mac. You will need to use a workaround, such as Boot Camp or a virtual machine, to run Office 2010 on your Mac OS Sierra. We will explain how to do that in the next section.
What is Mac OS Sierra?
Mac OS Sierra is the thirteenth major release of the Mac operating system that was launched in September 2016. It is also known as macOS 10.12. It introduced some new features, such as Siri integration, Apple Pay on the web, Universal Clipboard, Auto Unlock, Optimized Storage, and Picture-in-Picture. It also improved the performance, security, and stability of the system.
System requirements and features of Mac OS Sierra
Some of the system requirements and features of Mac OS Sierra are:
System requirements: To run Mac OS Sierra, you need a Mac that supports Metal, which is a graphics technology that enhances the speed and efficiency of games and apps. The following Mac models are compatible with Mac OS Sierra:
MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
Siri integration: You can use Siri on your Mac to perform tasks such as searching the web, sending messages, creating reminders, playing music, opening files, and adjusting settings. You can also drag and drop Siri results into your documents or pin them to the Notification Center.
Apple Pay on the web: You can use Apple Pay to make secure and convenient payments on websites that support it. You just need to click the Apple Pay button and confirm the payment with your iPhone or Apple Watch.
Universal Clipboard: You can copy and paste text, images, videos, and files between your Mac and your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. You just need to sign in with the same Apple ID on all your devices and enable Handoff in the System Preferences.
Auto Unlock: You can unlock your Mac automatically with your Apple Watch. You just need to wear your Apple Watch and be within three meters of your Mac. You can also use Touch ID on your MacBook Pro to unlock your Mac.
Optimized Storage: You can free up space on your Mac by storing your files in iCloud and deleting the ones you don't need. You can also manage your storage by removing old documents, photos, movies, email attachments, and other clutter.
Picture-in-Picture: You can watch a video in a small window while you work on other apps. You just need to click the Picture-in-Picture button on a supported video player and drag the window to any corner of your screen.
How to install Microsoft Office 2010 on Mac OS Sierra?
As we mentioned before, you cannot install Office 2010 directly on your Mac OS Sierra. You will need to use a workaround that allows you to run Windows on your Mac. There are two main ways to do this: using Boot Camp or using a virtual machine.
Step 1: Check your Mac model and software version
The first step is to check if your Mac model and software version meet the requirements for running Windows on your Mac. To do this, follow these steps:
Click the Apple menu and select About This Mac.
Check the model name and year of your Mac. It should be one of the models listed in the previous section.
Check the software version of your Mac. It should be macOS 10.12 Sierra or later.
If your Mac meets these requirements, you can proceed to the next step. If not, you may need to upgrade your hardware or software before continuing.
Step 2: Download and install Windows on your Mac using Boot Camp or a virtual machine
The second step is to download and install Windows on your Mac using either Boot Camp or a virtual machine. Boot Camp is a utility that comes with your Mac that allows you to create a dual-boot partition on your hard drive and install Windows on it. A virtual machine is a software that simulates a Windows environment on your Mac and allows you to run Windows applications without rebooting. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, which we will summarize in the table below:
Method Advantages Disadvantages --- --- --- Boot Camp - Runs Windows natively and offers better performance and compatibility. - Does not require additional software or licenses. - Supports all Windows features and applications. - Requires a large amount of disk space and partitions your hard drive. - Requires rebooting to switch between Mac OS and Windows. - Does not support Mac gestures, keyboard shortcuts, or features on Windows. Virtual machine - Runs Windows as a separate window on your Mac and allows you to switch easily. - Does not require partitioning your hard drive or rebooting. - Supports Mac gestures, keyboard shortcuts, and features on Windows. - Requires additional software and licenses. - Runs Windows slower and less stable than Boot Camp. - Does not support some Windows features and applications. To use Boot Camp, you will need a Windows 10 ISO file, which you can download from Microsoft's website, and a USB flash drive with at least 16 GB of storage. To use a virtual machine, you will need a virtualization software, such as Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, or VirtualBox, and a Windows 10 ISO file or a DVD. You will also need a valid product key to activate Windows 10.
To install Windows on your Mac using Boot Camp, follow these steps:
Insert your USB flash drive into your Mac.
Open the Boot Camp Assistant app from the Utilities folder in the Applications folder.
Follow the on-screen instructions to download the Windows support software and create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 10 ISO file.
Select the size of the partition you want to create for Windows. We recommend at least 64 GB of free space.
Click Install to start the installation process.
Your Mac will restart and boot into the Windows installer.
Select your language, keyboard layout, and product key.
Select the BOOTCAMP partition as the destination for Windows.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Your Mac will restart again and boot into Windows.
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Windows and install the Boot Camp drivers from the USB drive.
You can now use Windows on your Mac by holding the Option key during startup and selecting either Macintosh HD or BOOTCAMP.
To install Windows on your Mac using a virtual machine, follow these steps:
Download and install the virtualization software of your choice on your Mac.
Open the virtualization software and create a new virtual machine.
Select the Windows 10 ISO file or DVD as the source for the installation.
Select the amount of memory, disk space, and other settings for your virtual machine. We recommend at least 4 GB of memory and 64 GB of disk space.
Start the virtual machine and follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10.
Select your language, keyboard layout, and product key.
Select Custom as the installation type and select the unallocated space as the destination for Windows.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Your virtual machine will restart and boot into Windows.
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Windows and install the virtualization software tools.
You can now use Windows on your Mac by opening the virtualization software and starting your virtual machine.
Step 3: Download and install Office 2010 from Microsoft or a trusted source
The third step is to download and install Office 2010 from Microsoft or a trusted source on your Windows partition or virtual machine. To do this, follow these steps:
Go to Microsoft's website and sign in with your Microsoft account.
If you have purchased Office 2010 online, go to My Account and select Install Office.
If you have a product key for Office 2010, go to Download Office 2010 and enter your product key.
Select your language and click Download to download the Office 2010 setup file.
If you have an Office 2010 DVD, insert it into your Mac's optical drive or use an external drive.
Open the Office 2010 setup file or DVD and follow the on-screen instructions to install Office 2010.
Select your preferred installation option, such as Upgrade, Customize, or Install Now.
Wait for the installation process to complete and restart your Windows partition or virtual machine if prompted.
You can now use Office 2010 on your Windows partition or virtual machine by opening the Start menu and selecting the Office 2010 applications.
Step 4: Activate Office 2010 with your product key
The fourth and final step is to activate Office 2010 with your product key. This is a 25-digit code that proves that you have a genuine copy of Office 2010. You can find your product key on the confirmation email, the packaging, or the Certificate of Authenticity that came with your purchase. To activate Office 2010, follow these steps:
Open any Office 2010 application, such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
Click the File tab and select Help.
Click the Activate Product Key button and enter your product key.
Click Continue and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation process.
You can now use Office 2010 without any limitations or interruptions.
Pros and cons of using Microsoft Office 2010 on Mac OS Sierra
Now that you have installed and activated Office 2010 on your Mac OS Sierra, you might be wondering what are the pros and cons of using it. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using Office 2010 on Mac OS Sierra:
Advantages of using Office 2010 on Mac OS Sierra
You can use the familiar and powerful features of Office 2010 on your Mac, such as the ribbon interface, backstage view, improved graphics and editing tools, online collaboration, and cloud storage.
You can access and edit your files from any device using OneDrive or SharePoint online.
You can co-author documents in real time with other users using Office Online or Skype.
You can enjoy better compatibility with Windows users and other Microsoft products, such as Windows 10, Internet Explorer 10, Office 2013, SharePoint 2013, and others.
You can save money by using an older version of Office that still meets your needs and preferences.
Disadvantages of using Office 2010 on Mac OS Sierra
You need to use a workaround to run Windows on your Mac, which can be complicated, time-consuming, and risky. You also need to have enough disk space, memory, and processing power to run both operating systems smoothly.
You need to reboot your Mac or switch between windows to use Office 2010 on your Mac OS Sierra. This can be inconvenient and disruptive to your workflow.
You may encounter some compatibility issues or errors when using Office 2010 on your Mac OS Sierra. Some features or functions may not work properly or at all. You may also experience some performance or stability issues.
You may miss out on some of the latest features and updates of Office that are available for newer versions or for Mac users. For example, you may not be able to use Touch Bar support, Focus Mode, Dark Mode, Continuity Camera, or Learning Tools on Office 2019 for Mac.
You may not receive any security or technical support from Microsoft for Office 2010 after October 13, 2020. This means that you may be vulnerable to malware or cyberattacks. You may also not be able to resolve any issues or problems that arise with Office 2010.
Alternatives to Microsoft Office 2010 for Mac OS Sierra
If you are not satisfied with using Office 2010 on your Mac OS Sierra, you may want to consider some alternatives that are available for Mac users. Here are some of the options that you can try:
Office on the web
Office on the web is a free online version of Office that you can access from any web browser. It includes web-based versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, and OneDrive. You can create and edit documents online, share them with others, and sync them across your devices. You can also use additional apps and services from Microsoft, such as Sway, Forms, Planner, Teams, and Stream. However, Office on the web has fewer features and functions than the desktop version of Office. It also requires an internet connection to work.
Office 2019 for Mac
Office 2019 for Mac is the latest version of Office that is available for Mac users. It includes updated versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. It also supports some of the new features and functions of Mac OS, such as Touch Bar support, Focus Mode, Dark Mode, Continuity Camera, and Learning Tools. However, Office 2019 for Mac is a one-time purchase that does not include any updates or upgrades. It also requires a subscription to Office 365 to access some of the online services and features.
Office 365 for Mac
Office 365 for Mac is a subscription-based service that gives you access to the latest version of Office for Mac, as well as other apps and services from Microsoft. It includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, OneDrive, Skype, and Teams. It also offers some exclusive features and benefits, such as cloud storage, online collaboration, security updates, technical support, and premium content. However, Office 365 for Mac requires a monthly or annual fee to use. It also requires an internet connection to activate and update.
Other office suites for Mac
Other office suites for Mac are alternative applications that offer similar or different features and functions to Office. Some of them are free and open source, while others are paid and proprietary. Some of them are compatible with Office formats, while others are not. Some of them are web-based, while others are desktop-based. Some of the examples of other office suites for Mac are:
LibreOffice: A free and open source office suite that includes Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Base, and Math. It supports most of the Office formats and features, as well as some unique ones.
Google Workspace: A web-based office suite that includes Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Meet, and Chat. It allows you to create and edit documents online, share them with others, and sync them across your devices.
iWork: A native office suite for Mac that includes Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Mail, Calendar, Contacts, and Notes. It offers a simple and elegant interface, as well as some creative tools and templates.
WPS Office: A cross-platform office suite that includes Writer, Spreadsheets, Presentation, PDF Reader, Cloud Service, and Templates. It claims to be fully compatible with Office formats and features.
Conclusion
In this article, we have shown you how to download and install Microsoft Office 2010 on your Mac OS Sierra using Boot Camp or a virtual machine. We have also discussed the pros and cons of using Office 2010 on your Mac OS Sierra. Finally , we have suggested some alternatives to Office 2010 that you can try on your Mac OS Sierra. We hope that this article has been helpful and informative for you. Here are some FAQs that you may have:
FAQs
Q: Can I use Office 2010 on Mac OS Sierra without using Boot Camp or a virtual machine?
A: No, you cannot use Office 2010 on Mac OS Sierra without using Boot Camp or a virtual machine. Office 2010 is not compatible with Mac OS X or macOS, which means you cannot install it directly on your Mac. You will need to use a workaround that allows you to run Windows on your Mac, such as Boot Camp or a virtual machine.
Q: Can I use Office 2010 on Mac OS Sierra with Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, or VirtualBox?
A: Yes, you can use Office 2010 on Mac OS Sierra with Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, or VirtualBox. These are virtualization software that allow you to run Windows on your Mac as a separate window. You will need to download and install the virtualization software of your choice, as well as Wind