How to Fix a Mac Application That’s Not Starting
As a Mac user, you might come across a situation where an application fails to start or crashes unexpectedly. In such instances, it can be frustrating and leave you looking for solutions to fix the problem. This article will guide you through some steps to fix a Mac application that’s not starting.
1. Check your internet connection: Some apps may require an internet connection to launch, especially those that use cloud services. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and try launching the app again.
2. Update your Mac: Outdated software on your Mac can cause issues with app performance. Open the App Store and check for any macOS updates. If an update is available, install it before launching the app.
3. Clear application caches: Accumulated cache and temporary files can cause apps to malfunction. You can clear app caches by following these steps:
a) Open Finder -> Go to Folder
b) Type ~/Library/Caches and press enter.
c) Select the folder corresponding to the app causing problems and delete it.
4. Delete preferences: An app’s preferences may get corrupted, resulting in malfunction. To delete an app’s preferences:
a) Open Finder -> Go to Folder
b) Type ~/Library/Preferences and press enter.
c) Select the plist file corresponding to the app causing problems and delete it.
5. Try booting in Safe Mode: Sometimes, third-party apps or system extensions may interfere with an app’s launch. Booting in Safe Mode disables these third-party apps and extensions, allowing you to troubleshoot the problem. To boot in Safe Mode:
a) Restart your Mac and hold down the Shift key while it starts up.
b) Release the Shift key once the login window appears.
c) Try launching the app in question.
6. Reinstall the app: If none of the above steps work, reinstalling the app might solve the issue. To reinstall the app, follow these steps:
a) Open Finder and go to Applications.
b) Drag the app in question to the Trash or use the Launchpad to uninstall it.
c) Download and install the app from the App Store or the manufacturer’s website.
In conclusion, these steps will help you troubleshoot issues with Mac applications that don’t start. Ensure you have a stable internet connection, update your Mac, clear app caches, delete preferences, boot in Safe Mode, and reinstall the app. If none of these steps work, contact the app’s manufacturer, as the problem might require further diagnosis.