How to Fix Outlook for Mac Crashing When Signing In to IMAP
Question details
The user is seeking a solution for an issue where Outlook for Mac unexpectedly crashes when trying to sign in or connect to an IMAP email account.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Setting up or signing in to an IMAP email account within the desktop application.
- Observed behavior
- The application terminates unexpectedly, generating a crash report that cites EXC_CRASH (SIGABRT) and HxCore as the error signatures.
Verify that your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection and ensure you have your correct IMAP account credentials and server settings handy before you begin modifying your account configuration.
Update Software and Re-add the IMAP Account
Installing the latest software updates patches known compatibility bugs, and recreating the account connection clears corrupted IMAP sync settings.
Because EXC_CRASH (SIGABRT) is often related to software compatibility issues between Microsoft applications and macOS, ensuring both are fully updated is the first critical step. Windows-based repair strategies do not apply to Mac.
Open 'System Settings' > 'General' > 'Software Update' to update your macOS. To update Outlook, open the app, click 'Help' in the top menu bar, and select 'Check for Updates' via Microsoft AutoUpdate.
Open Outlook, click on 'Outlook' in the top menu bar, and select 'Settings' (or 'Preferences'). Click on 'Accounts', select the IMAP account causing the crash, and click the minus (-) button at the bottom to remove it.
In the same 'Accounts' window, click the plus (+) button, select 'New Account', and carefully enter your IMAP email address and password to set up the connection fresh.
Switch to the New Outlook Experience
Toggling between the legacy and 'New Outlook' interfaces can sometimes bypass underlying bugs triggered during the IMAP sign-in process.
Test with a New macOS User Profile
Creating a clean macOS user profile helps isolate whether the Outlook crash is caused by system-wide application bugs or a corrupted local user directory.
Looking for a Stable Office Alternative on Mac?
If you are experiencing ongoing stability issues with Microsoft Office applications on your Mac, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and robust suite for all your document, spreadsheet, and presentation needs without the heavy resource usage.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS version.
- 2. Install and Launch: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder, then launch it.
- 3. Open Your Office Files: Use WPS Office to directly open, edit, and save your existing Microsoft documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with full formatting preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the EXC_CRASH (SIGABRT) error mean in Outlook for Mac?
This error signature indicates an unexpected application termination. On macOS, this is often triggered by software bugs, corrupted application preferences, or system compatibility issues during complex processes like IMAP account syncing.
Can I use Windows Outlook repair tools to fix this on my Mac?
No. Windows repair tools, inbox repair utilities (scanpst.exe), and Windows profile-creation steps do not apply to macOS. Mac users must rely on macOS software updates, app reinstallation, or macOS user profile management to resolve these errors.
Will removing my IMAP account from Outlook delete my emails?
No. Because IMAP mirrors the email server, removing the account from your Outlook client only deletes the local cached copy. Once you re-add the account successfully, your emails will sync back down from the server.
