Fix Microsoft Excel Crashing on Mac with Missing ADAL4 Framework Error
Question details
Microsoft Excel crashes immediately on startup on macOS with an EXC_CRASH error related to a missing ADAL4.framework library.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS 12.6.3
- Scenario
- Launching Microsoft Excel after utilizing third-party testing software like Examplify.
- Observed behavior
- Excel fails to open, showing an EXC_CRASH (SIGABRT) crash report that cites a missing @rpath/ADAL4.framework library and an invalid code signature.
Ensure you have your Microsoft Office product key or account login details handy, as you may need to sign back in if a clean reinstallation is required.
Update Software and Boot in Safe Mode
Updating your macOS and Office applications alongside a Safe Mode boot can resolve permission conflicts and framework errors.
Safe mode runs a check on your startup disk and clears system cache files, which can help resolve missing library errors caused by third-party application conflicts.
Click the Apple menu, go to System Settings > General > Software Update, and install any pending macOS updates.
Open another functioning Office app like Microsoft Word, click Help > Check for Updates, and install the latest patches for Excel.
Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the login window. Once in Safe Mode, attempt to launch Microsoft Excel.
Completely Reinstall Microsoft Office
If the ADAL4 authentication framework is permanently damaged or blocked by an invalid code signature, a clean reinstallation is necessary.
Report the Crash to Microsoft Support
If reinstallation fails, providing the crash report to Microsoft can help them diagnose deeper licensing or authentication component failures.
Switch to WPS Office for a Crash-Free Experience on Mac
If Microsoft Excel continues to crash due to missing framework errors, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and stable spreadsheet application without complex authentication dependencies.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the installation package designed for Mac.
- 2. Install and Launch: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software, then launch the WPS Spreadsheets application.
- 3. Open Your Excel Files: Drag and drop your existing .xlsx files directly into the WPS Office workspace to continue working without interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the ADAL4.framework error mean on Mac?
ADAL4 stands for Azure Active Directory Authentication Library. The error indicates that Microsoft Excel cannot locate this required authentication file to verify your Office license, resulting in an immediate crash upon startup.
Why did Examplify cause Microsoft Excel to crash?
Examplify intentionally locks down certain system features and files to maintain testing integrity. Occasionally, it inadvertently alters system permissions or blocks access to shared authentication libraries like ADAL4.framework, resulting in an invalid code signature for Office apps.
Will reinstalling Excel delete my saved spreadsheets?
No, uninstalling and reinstalling Microsoft Excel only removes the application files and core framework libraries. Your personal spreadsheets (.xlsx files) saved in your Documents folder or on iCloud will remain completely unaffected.
Can I bypass the ADAL4 framework issue without reinstalling?
In some cases, simply updating your macOS or booting into Safe Mode can restore the correct system permissions. However, if the framework file has been deleted or the code signature is irreparably invalid, a complete clean reinstallation of Office is usually required.
