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Fix Microsoft To Do Not Opening on Mac (macOS Big Sur)

Huma Ashraf ChHuma Ashraf Ch Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing issues where the Microsoft To Do desktop app crashes or refuses to open on Mac computers.

Fix Microsoft To Do Not Opening on Mac (macOS Big Sur)
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.
Before you start

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.

Solution 1Recommended

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.

1
Open System Preferences

Click the Apple menu located in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'System Preferences'.

2
Access Software Update

Click on the 'Software Update' icon to allow your Mac to check for available operating system upgrades.

3
Install the Update

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.

Update macOS to a Newer Supported Version
Compatibility Notice: Before upgrading your macOS, ensure that your other essential applications are compatible with the newer operating system.
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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.