Outlook won't open on Mac - only get error message

Question

Outlook won't open on Mac - only get error message

Moa Hedestig 0

When I try to open Outlook, I get an error message. I've tried reinstalling the program, but I get the same error. Outlook works if I open it through the web browser and on my phone, but not the app on the laptop.

Moa Hedestig 0 Reputation points

2025-12-10T10:13:18.07+00:00

Today the outlook app crashed also on new Mac user so it did not work.
Moa Hedestig 0 Reputation points

2025-12-10T10:44:26.73+00:00

according to AI I should delete some files in a folder called "16 profiles". I only hade a folder called 15 Profiles. I changed the name to "16 profiles" a new folder called 15 profiles was created automatically and the outlook App opened without crashing. Can any body explain why this worked.
Vergil-V 7,555 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-10T15:10:20.6466667+00:00

Hi @Moa Hedestig
Renaming the Outlook 15 Profiles so the app creates a new one is basically the same as creating a new Outlook profile.

A damaged Outlook profile is one of the possible reasons for the EXC_BAD_ACCESS / KERN_INVALID_ADDRESS error. You can see a similar case here: my Outlook crashes in a few seconds and error comes saysError Signature: Exception: EXC_BAD_ACCESS …

Since you already tried creating a new Mac user, which gives an even cleaner setup than just creating a new Outlook profile, it fixed the issue at first, but the problem came back later. If the issue still continues, I suggest going back to an older version of Outlook that works more reliably in your setup. You can download previous versions from the update history here: Update history for Office for Mac - Office release notes | Microsoft Learn

I hope this gives you some extra insight. Please let me know if you have any updates or need more help.

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Moa Hedestig 0 Reputation points

2025-12-10T10:13:18.07+00:00

Today the outlook app crashed also on new Mac user so it did not work.
Moa Hedestig 0 Reputation points

2025-12-10T10:44:26.73+00:00

according to AI I should delete some files in a folder called "16 profiles". I only hade a folder called 15 Profiles. I changed the name to "16 profiles" a new folder called 15 profiles was created automatically and the outlook App opened without crashing. Can any body explain why this worked.
Vergil-V 7,555 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-10T15:10:20.6466667+00:00

Hi @Moa Hedestig
Renaming the Outlook 15 Profiles so the app creates a new one is basically the same as creating a new Outlook profile.

A damaged Outlook profile is one of the possible reasons for the EXC_BAD_ACCESS / KERN_INVALID_ADDRESS error. You can see a similar case here: my Outlook crashes in a few seconds and error comes saysError Signature: Exception: EXC_BAD_ACCESS …

Since you already tried creating a new Mac user, which gives an even cleaner setup than just creating a new Outlook profile, it fixed the issue at first, but the problem came back later. If the issue still continues, I suggest going back to an older version of Outlook that works more reliably in your setup. You can download previous versions from the update history here: Update history for Office for Mac - Office release notes | Microsoft Learn

I hope this gives you some extra insight. Please let me know if you have any updates or need more help.

Answer 1

Vergil-V 7,555 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi @Moa Hedestig

Thank you for contacting the Microsoft Q&A forum. I tested this scenario in my environment using Outlook for Mac version 16.103.02, and the application started normally. To better understand your situation, could you please clarify the following?

1.When you mentioned reinstalling, did you download the installation package from Update history for Office for Mac - Office release notes | Microsoft Learn

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If not, I highly recommend reinstalling Outlook for Mac using the package from the update history page.

2.Could you share a screenshot of the error message via private chat?

This will help me visualize the issue more accurately. Please check your inbox for an email with the subject “New private message on Microsoft Q&A question” to review my response.

Please know that while our initial response might not resolve the issue right away, your input is incredibly valuable. With a bit more detail, we’ll work together to find the best solution for you.

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Moa Hedestig 0 Reputation points

2025-12-09T09:32:29.3333333+00:00

I used App Store on Mac to download, there is only one outlook available there
Vergil-V 7,555 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-09T09:45:37.4933333+00:00

Hi @Moa Hedestig
Thank you for confirming that you downloaded Outlook for Mac from the Apple Store.

Based on my experience and feedback from other community members, installing Outlook using the version package from the official update history page tends to be more stable and consistent.

With that in mind, I recommend uninstalling or removing the current Outlook for Mac app.

Then, open any browser and download the Outlook package from Update history for Office for Mac - Office release notes | Microsoft Learn by selecting the version you prefer, such as the latest release.

After completing the installation process, please try opening Outlook for Mac again to see if the issue persists.

I look forward to your update
Moa Hedestig 0 Reputation points

2025-12-09T09:53:11.09+00:00

I tried downloading and installing the package but I get the same error. If I install it on another user on my Mac it works fine. So I will use another Mac account instead.
Vergil-V 7,555 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-09T15:01:00.61+00:00

Hi @Moa Hedestig
Thank you for sharing your findings.

I’m glad to hear that when using another Mac user account, the issue does not persist.

This is a great piece of additional information that can be helpful for other members experiencing similar issues. It’s also something new that I’ve learned today.
I truly appreciate your contribution.

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Outlook won't open on Mac - only get error message

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