Are your Mac apps crashing unexpectedly or freezing? Here's how to identify and fix the underlying issues.

Symptoms

  • Apps unexpectedly quit with error messages

  • Whole system freezes or beach ball appears for long periods

  • "Application unexpectedly quit" dialogs appearing

Step-by-Step Resolution

1. Update macOS and Problem Apps

  1. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update

  2. Install all macOS updates

  3. Update apps via App Store > Updates or the app's built-in updater

2. Check Free Disk Space

  1. Click Apple menu > About This Mac > More Info > Storage

  2. Aim to keep at least 15-20% of disk free

  3. Remove large, unused files if space is low

3. Test in a New User Account

  1. Go to System Settings > Users & Groups

  2. Create a new test account

  3. Log into the test account and see if crashes still occur

  4. If crashes stop, the issue is likely in your main profile settings

4. Reset NVRAM/PRAM (Intel Macs)

  1. Shut down your Mac

  2. Turn on and immediately hold Option+Command+P+R

  3. Hold for about 20 seconds

  4. Release and let Mac start normally

5. Boot in Safe Mode

Apple Silicon:

  1. Shut down, then hold power until "Loading startup options"

  2. Select disk, hold Shift, click "Continue in Safe Mode"

Intel:

  1. Restart and hold Shift until login window

If crashes don't occur in Safe Mode, a third-party extension or login item may be the cause.

Apps still crashing? There may be plug-ins, drivers, or hardware causing instability. Our team can perform in-depth log review and cleanup.

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