Word 2019 is a word processor developed by Microsoft. Word for Windows is part of the Microsoft 365 suite (formerly known as Office 365) but it can be downloaded independently. Microsoft has released an update for Microsoft Word 2016 64-Bit Edition. This update provides the latest fixes to Microsoft Word 2016 64-Bit Edition. Additionally, this update contains stability and performance improvements.
-->Applies to:Office for Mac, Office 2019 for Mac
Apple has long encouraged application developers to adopt the 64-bit runtime environment, and we've been hearing from customers that 64-bit versions of Office for Mac are desirable to enable larger address spaces, better performance, and new innovative features. All releases of Office for Mac after August 22, 2016 are 64-bit only.
What does this change mean for me?
Microsoft Word For Mac 64-bit
If you use Office for Mac but don't use any add-ins, you should be unaffected by this change.
If you use or develop add-ins in Office for Mac, you may need to update those add-ins to 64-bit.
I develop add-ins or write VBA for Office for Mac. What do I need to know?
The primary impact of this change is to compiled add-ins. Office add-ins (add-ins using the JavaScript-based APIs) are not impacted by this change.
The work required to update your add-ins for 64-bit will vary based on the code.
For example, any use of VBA's DECLARE statement to load external functions in compiled dynamic libraries will require that those libraries support 64-bit. The VBA code itself will continue to work as VBA is transitioned to 64-bit, but you'll need to update the external libraries.
Ms Office For Mac 64 Bit
If you need guidance on making this transition or have additional questions, please let us know by emailing Office64@microsoft.com and we'll be glad to help.