Fix Microsoft To Do Not Opening on Mac (macOS Big Sur)
Question details
Users are experiencing issues where the Microsoft To Do desktop app crashes or refuses to open on Mac computers.

- Product
- Microsoft To Do
- Device & OS
- Mac (macOS Big Sur, M1 chip)
- Scenario
- Attempting to launch the Microsoft To Do desktop application after a recent app update.
- Observed behavior
- The Microsoft To Do app crashes immediately upon opening or fails to launch entirely, likely due to an incompatible update pushed for macOS Big Sur on M1 Macs.
Verify your current operating system version by clicking the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting 'About This Mac' to confirm you are running macOS Big Sur.
Update macOS to a Newer Supported Version
Upgrading your operating system is the most reliable way to restore app functionality if Microsoft To Do's latest version no longer supports macOS Big Sur.
Software updates often change the minimum system requirements for applications. If your M1 Mac supports a newer version of macOS (such as Monterey or Ventura), upgrading will likely resolve the app crashing issue.
Click the Apple menu located in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'System Preferences'.
Click on the 'Software Update' icon to allow your Mac to check for available operating system upgrades.
If a newer macOS version is available, click 'Upgrade Now' and follow the on-screen prompts to install the update. Restart your Mac once completed and launch Microsoft To Do.

Use Microsoft To Do on the Web
If you cannot or prefer not to upgrade your macOS, the web version of Microsoft To Do offers a functional workaround.
Report the Issue to Microsoft Support
If the crash started immediately after a minor app update, reporting the bug can help Microsoft release a patch for Big Sur users.
Enhance Your Mac Productivity with WPS Office
While you navigate operating system compatibility issues with Microsoft To Do, consider upgrading your overall document workflow with WPS Office. It provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that runs seamlessly on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs without forcing you into disruptive OS updates.
- 1. Download the Mac Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the 'Free Download' button to get the macOS installation file.
- 2. Install on Your Mac: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Office Files Instantly: Launch WPS Office and directly open any existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files to seamlessly continue your work.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download an older version of Microsoft To Do that works with macOS Big Sur?
Microsoft does not officially provide older versions of the To Do app for download. The Mac App Store only hosts the latest release, making it impossible to officially roll back to a previous version.
Why did Microsoft To Do crash right after I updated the app?
App updates occasionally introduce unexpected bugs or deprecate support for older operating systems like macOS Big Sur. This often happens during transitions to newer frameworks that require newer macOS versions.
Will I lose my tasks if the Microsoft To Do desktop app crashes?
No, your tasks are securely stored in the cloud and tied to your Microsoft account. You can view and manage all your existing lists by logging into the Microsoft To Do web app or mobile app.




