How to fix macOS app crashes or crashes on launch after a macOS update

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix macOS app crashes or crashes on launch after a macOS update. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

After installing a macOS update, some applications may crash immediately upon opening or fail to launch altogether. This is typically caused by outdated app permissions, incompatible system extensions, or corrupted preference files. Follow the steps below to restore normal functionality to your Mac.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Restart your Mac to clear temporary system processes.
2. Check for app updates in the App Store or directly from the developer's website.
3. Update macOS to the latest available version via System Settings > General > Software Update.

Detailed Instructions

1. Update the affected application

1. Open the App Store from your Dock or Applications folder.
2. Click Updates in the sidebar.
3. If an update is available for the crashing app, click Update.
4. If you downloaded the app from a developer's website, visit their support page to download the latest version compatible with your current version of macOS.

2. Reset app permissions

1. Click the Apple menu () and select System Settings.
2. Select Privacy & Security from the sidebar.
3. Review the sections under Privacy, such as Files and Folders, Screen Recording, or Accessibility.
4. Locate the affected app in the list and ensure the toggle switch is enabled.
5. If the app was already enabled, toggle it off, restart your Mac, and then toggle it back on.

3. Remove incompatible login items and extensions

1. Open System Settings.
2. Navigate to General > Login Items & Extensions.
3. Under Allow in the Background and Open at Login, identify items related to the crashing app.
4. Select the item and click the Remove (-) button.
5. Restart your Mac and attempt to open the application again.

4. Reset the application's preference files

1. Open Finder.
2. In the menu bar, click Go > Go to Folder....
3. Enter the following path: ~/Library/Preferences
4. Locate files associated with the crashing app (usually named com.developer.appname.plist).
5. Move these files to the Trash.
6. Restart your Mac and launch the application; macOS will create fresh preference files.

Troubleshooting

App crashes on launch for all users

If the app crashes for every user account on the Mac, the issue may be with the application installation itself.

1. Drag the application from the Applications folder to the Trash.
2. Empty the Trash.
3. Download a fresh copy of the application from the official developer's website.
4. Install the app and launch it to see if the issue persists.

App crashes only for one user

If the app works for other users but not your account, the issue is likely within your user library.

1. Open Finder.
2. Click Go > Go to Folder....
3. Enter: ~/Library/Containers
4. Look for folders named after the app or its developer and move them to the Trash.
5. Restart your Mac and try opening the app again.

If you have completed all the steps above and the application continues to crash, please Open a Ticket with our support team for further assistance.

Still Having Issues?