Office for Mac Issues

How to Fix OneNote Crashing on Mac (macOS)

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing repeated application crashes when trying to use Microsoft OneNote downloaded from the Mac App Store.

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: macOS (MacBook Air M2)
Scenario: Opening and running the Microsoft OneNote application on a Mac.
Observed behavior: The application continuously crashes, producing an EXC_BAD_INSTRUCTION exception error, and the issue persists even after reinstalling the app and testing preview versions.

Before you start

Before clearing application folders, verify that all your recent notes are fully synced to OneDrive to prevent any accidental data loss from local unsynced changes.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear OneNote Application Cache and Reset App State

Removing cached files and corrupted application state folders from the macOS user Library is the most effective way to resolve persistent OneNote crashes.

Persistent app crashes on macOS, especially with EXC_BAD_INSTRUCTION errors, are often caused by corrupted temporary files or incompatible application state data. Resetting the app by clearing these hidden folders forces OneNote to rebuild its cache upon the next launch.

Quit OneNote

Ensure OneNote is completely closed. You can force quit the application by pressing Option + Command + Esc and selecting OneNote if it is unresponsive.

Open the hidden Library folder

Open Finder, click on the 'Go' menu in the top menu bar, hold down the 'Option' key on your keyboard to reveal the 'Library' option, and click it.

Delete the OneNote Container folder

Navigate to the 'Containers' folder within the Library. Locate the folder named 'com.microsoft.onenote.mac' (or simply 'Microsoft OneNote' on newer macOS versions) and drag it to the Trash.

Delete Group Containers (Optional but recommended)

Go back to the Library folder, open 'Group Containers', and look for 'UBF8T346G9.Office'. If you only use OneNote, you can move related OneNote cache files here to the Trash. Be cautious as this folder is shared with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Empty Trash and Restart

Empty your Mac's Trash to permanently delete the corrupted cache files, then restart your MacBook.

Relaunch and Sign In

Open OneNote from your Applications folder. You will be prompted to sign into your Microsoft account again to sync your notebooks.

Alternative Access to Library: You can also access the required folder by pressing Shift + Command + G in Finder and typing '~/Library/Containers/' directly into the path bar.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Stable Mac Experience

If Microsoft Office applications continue to cause stability issues or frequent crashes on your M1/M2 Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free productivity suite that runs smoothly on macOS.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the macOS installation package.
2. Install on your Mac: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
3. Open existing files: Launch WPS Office and easily open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents without losing formatting.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX.Lightweight software architecture optimized for Apple Silicon (M1/M2) to prevent unexpected crashes.All-in-one workspace that allows you to manage documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in a single app.Free to download and use with an intuitive, familiar user interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneNote keep crashing with an EXC_BAD_INSTRUCTION error?

This error typically indicates that the application is trying to execute an invalid or corrupted instruction. On macOS, this is often caused by corrupted application cache files, outdated app versions, or specific compatibility glitches with Apple Silicon processors.

Will deleting the OneNote cache delete my saved notes?

No. As long as your notes have been successfully synced to your OneDrive account, they are safely stored in the cloud. When you clear the cache and sign back into OneNote, your notes will be re-downloaded automatically.

What should I do if OneNote still crashes after clearing the cache?

If clearing the cache does not resolve the issue, try completely uninstalling OneNote, restarting your Mac, and downloading the latest version directly from the Mac App Store. Additionally, check for any pending macOS software updates.

Is WPS Office a good alternative for Mac users experiencing Office crashes?

Yes. WPS Office is highly optimized for macOS and Apple M-series chips, offering stable performance, a small installation footprint, and seamless compatibility with standard Microsoft Office file formats.

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