How to Fix Excel Crashing on Mac Due to Missing ADAL4.framework
Question details
Microsoft Excel crashes immediately upon launch on macOS because the ADAL4.framework library is either missing or has an invalid code signature.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Launching Microsoft Excel to view or edit spreadsheets on a Mac device.
- Observed behavior
- The Excel application crashes instantly upon startup and generates a crash report indicating that the ADAL4.framework library is missing or cannot be loaded.
Ensure you have your Microsoft account login credentials readily available, as reinstalling Microsoft Excel may require you to sign back in to verify your Office license.
Reinstall Excel from the Official Mac Update Link
This is the most effective solution to restore missing application dependencies, especially when the built-in updater falsely reports that Excel is already up to date.
Sometimes the built-in Microsoft AutoUpdate tool only checks the application version number rather than verifying the integrity of internal library files. If you are on the current version but missing the ADAL4.framework file, downloading a fresh installer will force-replace the corrupted or missing libraries.
Open Finder, navigate to the 'Applications' folder, locate 'Microsoft Excel', and drag it to the Trash.
Visit the official Microsoft Office updates page for Mac (https://learn.microsoft.com/officeupdates/update-history-office-for-mac) and download the latest standalone installation package for Excel.
Double-click the downloaded .pkg file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Open Microsoft Excel from your Launchpad or Applications folder to confirm it opens without crashing.
Check for Updates via Microsoft AutoUpdate
Use another functional Office application to trigger an update check, which might download patches that restore the framework.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Framework Crashes
If you frequently encounter missing frameworks, app crashes, or frustrating update loops with Microsoft Excel on your Mac, WPS Office provides a highly reliable alternative. WPS Office is a lightweight, all-in-one suite that runs flawlessly on macOS without relying on bulky external dependencies, allowing you to edit your spreadsheets seamlessly.
- 1. Download the WPS Office Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for Mac.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the installer, add WPS Office to your Applications folder, and open it.
- 3. Open Your Excel Files: Click on 'Spreadsheet' and select 'Open' to seamlessly load your existing .xlsx documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ADAL4.framework file on Mac?
The ADAL4.framework is a library associated with the Azure Active Directory Authentication Library. Microsoft Office applications use it to manage user authentication, account sign-ins, and licensing. If this file is corrupted, deleted, or has signature issues, apps like Excel will fail to authenticate and crash.
Why does Microsoft AutoUpdate say Excel is up to date when it's crashing?
The Microsoft AutoUpdate tool often relies on version numbers to determine if an app is current. If your system registers that version 16.74 is installed, the updater may assume everything is fine, completely ignoring the fact that internal files like the ADAL4.framework are missing or broken.
Will reinstalling Excel delete my saved spreadsheets?
No, reinstalling Microsoft Excel only replaces the application files and system frameworks. Your personal spreadsheets, documents, and data saved locally on your Mac or within cloud services like OneDrive remain completely safe and untouched.
