Office Apps Crashing

How to Stop Microsoft Error Reporting on Mac (AutoUpdate Fix)

Steve K Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to stop the Microsoft Error Reporting prompt that repeatedly appears on their Mac due to Microsoft AutoUpdate crashing.

How to Stop Microsoft Error Reporting on Mac

Product: Microsoft Teams and Microsoft AutoUpdate
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: The error reporting tool continuously pops up after installing or updating the new Microsoft Teams application.
Observed behavior: The Microsoft Error Reporting window keeps appearing, explicitly identifying Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) as the crashing background process.

Before you start

Ensure you have saved all your active work in any open applications and have your Mac administrator password ready, as some troubleshooting steps require administrative privileges.

Solution 1Recommended

Uninstall and Reinstall Microsoft Teams

This is the most effective and recommended way to resolve file conflicts between the new Microsoft Teams app and Microsoft AutoUpdate.

The new Microsoft Teams application can sometimes install corrupted update triggers that cause Microsoft AutoUpdate to enter a crash loop. Completely removing and reinstalling the app usually clears these flawed triggers.

Quit Microsoft Teams

Right-click the Microsoft Teams icon in your Mac's Dock and select 'Quit'. If it is unresponsive, press Option + Command + Esc to Force Quit.

Move Teams to Trash

Open Finder, navigate to your 'Applications' folder, locate Microsoft Teams, and drag it to the Trash. Right-click the Trash and select 'Empty Trash'.

Download and Reinstall

Visit the official Microsoft Teams website, download the latest Mac installer, and run the setup file to install a fresh version of the application.

Data Safety: Uninstalling the Teams app will not delete your messages or files. Everything is securely stored in the cloud and will sync once you log back in.

Solution 2

Update macOS and Existing Office Apps

Use this method if the crashes are caused by software incompatibilities between an older macOS version and the latest Microsoft update daemon.

Solution 3

Manually Remove Microsoft AutoUpdate via Terminal

Use this advanced step only if standard reinstallation fails and the Microsoft AutoUpdate folder is persistently corrupted.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Crash-Free Experience on Mac

If persistent Microsoft AutoUpdate crashes are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, unified desktop experience on Mac without relying on intrusive background update daemons.

1. Download the Mac Version: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the installer optimized for macOS.
2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
3. Open Your Office Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office files with perfect formatting preservation.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Does not rely on complex, crash-prone background update services like Microsoft AutoUpdateLightweight design that runs incredibly fast on both Intel and Apple Silicon (M1/M2) MacsAll-in-one interface lets you manage documents, spreadsheets, and PDFs in a single window

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft AutoUpdate keep crashing on my Mac?

It generally crashes due to corrupted update installation files, conflicts triggered by installing the 'new' Microsoft Teams app, or running outdated versions of macOS.

Can I permanently disable Microsoft AutoUpdate?

While you can delete the application using Terminal commands, permanently disabling it is not recommended by Microsoft. It is required to keep Office applications secure and fully functional. Reinstalling a fresh version is the preferred solution.

Will uninstalling Microsoft Teams delete my chat history and files?

No. Your Microsoft Teams messages, contacts, and shared files are synced securely to the cloud. Once you reinstall the app and log back in, all your data will be instantly restored.

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