4 Fixes for Apps Not Opening on Mac

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Preliminary Fixes

Fix 1: Clear Cache and Bogus Files

Step 1:LaunchFinderon Mac.

Step 2:SelectGoin the menu bar and clickGo to Folder.

Step 3:Type/Library/Preferences/and hitReturn.

Step 4:Look for the following plist file of a troubling app:

Step 5:Right-click on it and selectMove to Bin.

Restart your Mac and try opening the apps again.

Fix 2: Run First Aid

You can use the Disk Utility tool to run First Aid and fix disk-related errors on Mac.

Step 1:PressCommand + Spaceto open Spotlight Search. TypeDisk Utilityand hitReturn.

Step 2:Select theFirst Aidbutton at the top right and hitRun.

Once the system runs First Aid, open apps without any problem.

Fix 3: Allow Applications From App Store and Identified Developers

Sometimes, Apple may not allow you to run apps downloaded from the web. It’s a security add-on, and you must make a tweak from System Settings.

Step 1:Click theApple iconin the menu bar > openSystem Settings.

Step 2:SelectPrivacy & Securityfrom the left sidebar. Click the radio button beside theApp Store and identified developersunder Security.

You can now download and install apps from the web without any problem.

Fix 4: Reinstall Apps

If apps are still not opening on Mac, delete such apps from Finder and install them again.

Step 1:OpenFinderon Mac.

Step 2:SelectApplicationsfrom the sidebar. Right-click on an app and selectMove to Bin.

Download the same app from the App Store or the web.

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Last updated on 23 August, 2024

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