Fix Microsoft Remote Desktop Code Signature Invalid Crash on Mac
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where Microsoft Remote Desktop crashes instantly upon launch due to code signing errors.
- Product
- Microsoft Remote Desktop
- Device & OS
- macOS High Sierra
- Scenario
- Launching Microsoft Remote Desktop immediately after installing or updating the application.
- Observed behavior
- The application fails to open and crashes instantly. When run via Terminal, it outputs "Killed: 9", indicating that macOS System Integrity Protection (SIP) forcefully terminated the program because of an invalid code signature.
Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection so you can re-download the application, and verify that you have your Apple ID credentials ready for the Mac App Store.
Reinstall Microsoft Remote Desktop from the Mac App Store
Re-downloading the application directly from the official Mac App Store ensures you receive a properly signed and verified version, avoiding System Integrity Protection blocks.
Code signature issues often occur when an application is downloaded from third-party sources or if the installation package becomes corrupted. The most reliable fix is performing a clean installation from Apple's official storefront.
Open Finder, navigate to the Applications folder, locate Microsoft Remote Desktop, and drag it to the Trash.
Right-click the Trash icon in your Mac's Dock and select Empty Trash to ensure all invalid application files are completely removed.
Open the Mac App Store, search for 'Microsoft Remote Desktop', and click the Install or Cloud Download icon to get the latest signed version.
Open Microsoft Remote Desktop from your Applications folder or Launchpad to confirm the crash has been resolved.
Update macOS to Refresh System Certificates
Older macOS versions, such as High Sierra, may have expired root certificates that mistakenly flag modern valid signatures as invalid.
Collect Crash Logs for Technical Support
If the issue persists, gathering the specific crash and code-signing logs will help Microsoft or Apple Support diagnose the root cause.
Enhance Your Mac Workflow with WPS Office
While resolving Microsoft application errors on macOS, consider trying WPS Office as your primary productivity suite. It offers a lightweight, highly compatible, and seamless experience without the heavy installation overhead.
- 1. Download the Mac installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS version of the software.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded package and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder to install it.
- 3. Start creating seamlessly: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Microsoft Office files with full layout preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Killed: 9' mean when launching a Mac application from the Terminal?
'Killed: 9' (SIGKILL) is a forceful termination command in macOS. When this appears immediately upon launching an app, it typically means macOS System Integrity Protection (SIP) forcefully stopped the app from running because its code signature is invalid, missing, or tampered with.
Why does an official app like Microsoft Remote Desktop show a code signature invalid error?
This error usually happens if the application package was corrupted during download, if you are running an outdated macOS version (like High Sierra) with expired root certificates, or if a third-party uninstaller previously removed critical shared signing files.
Will disabling System Integrity Protection (SIP) fix the crash?
While disabling SIP might temporarily allow unsigned apps to run, it is highly discouraged. Disabling SIP leaves your Mac vulnerable to malware and system modifications. The safest and most effective solution is to reinstall a properly signed version of the app from the Mac App Store.
