How to Fix Microsoft Word and Excel Crashing on MacBook Pro
Question details
The user is experiencing immediate crashes when trying to open Microsoft Word and Excel on a MacBook Pro, accompanied by an EXC_CRASH (SIGABRT) error message.
- Product
- Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Launching Microsoft Word or Excel applications on a MacBook Pro.
- Observed behavior
- The applications crash immediately upon startup, displaying an EXC_CRASH (SIGABRT) error code instead of opening the document workspace.
Ensure your macOS is fully updated and temporarily close any unnecessary background applications that might conflict with Microsoft Office.
Clear Word and Excel Cache Folders
Removing corrupted cache and configuration files is the most effective way to resolve immediate application crashes on startup.
Corrupted cache files in the macOS Library can prevent Microsoft Office applications from launching properly, resulting in SIGABRT errors.
Close all Office applications. Open 'Finder', click 'Go' in the top Apple menu bar, press and hold the 'Option' key on your keyboard, and select 'Library'.
Navigate into the 'Containers' folder. Locate the folders named 'com.microsoft.Word' and 'com.microsoft.Excel' (they may also simply appear as 'Microsoft Word' and 'Microsoft Excel'). Move both of these folders to the Trash.
If the issue persists after step 2, go back to the 'Library' folder, open 'Group Containers', and move the folder named 'UBF8T346G9.Office' to the Trash.
Restart your MacBook Pro and launch Word or Excel to see if the crashing has been resolved.
Boot MacBook Pro in Safe Mode
Safe Mode helps determine if a third-party background program or extension is causing Word and Excel to crash.
Collect Crash Logs for Microsoft Support
If local troubleshooting fails, gathering the exact error logs will help Microsoft Support identify the root cause of the EXC_CRASH.
Try WPS Office for Mac When Microsoft Office Keeps Crashing
If Microsoft Word and Excel are constantly crashing on your MacBook Pro, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative that lets you open, edit, and save your documents without the hassle of unexpected crashes.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the WPS Office for Mac installer.
- 2. Install the application: Open the downloaded package and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your MacBook Pro.
- 3. Open existing files: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and select your existing .docx or .xlsx files to continue working seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the EXC_CRASH (SIGABRT) error mean on Mac?
This is a system-level error indicating that an application (like Word or Excel) encountered an unexpected condition and was forced to abort by macOS to prevent further system instability. It is most commonly caused by corrupt cache files, missing application components, or conflicting third-party software.
Will reinstalling Microsoft Office fix the crashing issue on my MacBook Pro?
Reinstalling can help if the core application files are corrupted. However, because preference files and group containers often remain on your Mac after a standard uninstall, it is highly recommended to clear the cache and container folders (in the ~/Library directory) first before attempting a full reinstall.
Where can I find historical crash logs on my Mac?
You can find historical crash logs by opening the 'Console' application located in Applications > Utilities. Look under 'Crash Reports' or 'User Reports' on the left sidebar for files starting with 'Microsoft Word' or 'Microsoft Excel' to view past detailed error codes.
How do I know if a third-party app is causing Office to crash?
Booting your Mac into Safe Mode disables most third-party extensions, custom fonts, and background apps. If Office works perfectly in Safe Mode but crashes in normal mode, a third-party application or a corrupted font is likely the culprit.
