How to Fix Office for Mac Apps Crashing on First Launch in macOS Big Sur
Question details
Users experience Microsoft 365 applications crashing immediately upon the first launch after updating to macOS Big Sur.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 / Office for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS Big Sur
- Scenario
- Launching Microsoft Office apps for the first time on a Mac running macOS Big Sur.
- Observed behavior
- Excel and other Office apps crash or fail to open on the initial attempt, but may start normally on subsequent launches.
Ensure you have your Microsoft 365 account credentials handy, as you may need to sign in again if a complete reinstallation is required.
Reinstall Microsoft 365 from the Mac App Store
Switching from the direct-download version to the Mac App Store version resolves the first-launch crash for most users.
Many users who downloaded Microsoft 365 directly from the Microsoft website experience compatibility issues on Big Sur. Uninstalling this version and installing the suite directly from the Mac App Store effectively fixes the launch crashes.
The Mac App Store recognizes existing Microsoft 365 subscriptions, so you will not have to pay again.
Open Finder, navigate to the Applications folder, and move all Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) to the Trash.
Launch the App Store from your Mac's Dock or Launchpad.
Search for 'Microsoft 365' in the App Store search bar and click the 'Get' or download icon to install the suite.
Open any freshly installed Office app and sign in with your existing Microsoft account credentials to activate your subscription.
Update macOS, Office, and Antivirus Software
Outdated software builds or specific third-party security applications can trigger crashes on Big Sur.
Use WPS Office as a Stable Alternative on macOS
If Microsoft 365 continues to crash on your Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible Office suite that runs smoothly on macOS Big Sur and newer versions without complex troubleshooting.
- 1. Visit the WPS Office Website: Navigate to the official WPS Office website using your Mac's web browser.
- 2. Download for Mac: Click the 'Free Download' button specifically designated for macOS.
- 3. Install and Launch: Open the downloaded DMG file, drag WPS Office to your Applications folder, and launch it to start working immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Office crash only on the first launch in macOS Big Sur?
This is often caused by a conflict between the direct-download version of Microsoft 365 and macOS Big Sur's security protocols or third-party antivirus software. The system may block or mishandle the initial initialization process, but subsequent launches sometimes bypass this hurdle.
Will I be charged again if I reinstall Microsoft 365 from the Mac App Store?
No, you will not be charged again. The Mac App Store version of Microsoft 365 allows you to sign in with your existing Microsoft account. Once you log in, it verifies your active subscription and unlocks all premium features.
Can third-party antivirus programs cause Office apps to crash on Mac?
Yes, security software like VirusBarrier has been documented to cause launch failures for Microsoft 365 apps on Big Sur. Updating your antivirus software to its latest version (e.g., VirusBarrier 10.9.41 or higher) typically resolves the interference.
