Is your app constantly crashing, freezing, or closing without warning? App crashes are one of the most disruptive computer problems you can experience — whether you’re working in Microsoft Word, Chrome, Photoshop, or any other application. This guide covers every proven fix for apps that keep crashing on Windows 10, Windows 11, and Mac.
Why Do Apps Keep Crashing?
Apps crash for a variety of reasons. The most common causes include software bugs in the app itself, insufficient RAM or storage space, outdated app versions, corrupted installation files, conflicting software or drivers, overheating hardware, or malware interference. Understanding the cause helps you apply the right fix the first time.
How to Fix Apps That Keep Crashing on Windows
Step 1: Restart the App and Your Computer
Before anything else, completely close the crashing app using Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc). Right-click the app in the Processes tab and select End Task. Then restart your computer fully. A fresh boot clears memory issues and resolves many temporary crashes.
Step 2: Update the App
Outdated apps frequently crash due to known bugs that developers have already fixed in newer versions. Open the app and look for an “Updates” option in the menu, or visit the developer’s website to download the latest version. For Microsoft Store apps, go to Microsoft Store → Library → Get updates.
Step 3: Check Available RAM and Storage
Apps crash when your system runs out of resources. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager and check the Performance tab. If RAM usage is above 90%, close unnecessary apps and browser tabs. Also check that you have at least 10% free disk space on your C: drive — go to File Explorer → This PC to verify.
Step 4: Run the App as Administrator
Some apps crash because they don’t have sufficient permissions to access required files or registry entries. Right-click the app’s shortcut or .exe file and select Run as administrator. If this stops the crashes, you can make it permanent by right-clicking → Properties → Compatibility tab → check “Run this program as an administrator.”
Step 5: Reinstall the App
Corrupted installation files are a major cause of app crashes. Uninstall the app completely via Settings → Apps → Installed apps, then download a fresh copy from the official website or Microsoft Store. A clean reinstall replaces all corrupted files and often resolves persistent crash issues.
Step 6: Check for Windows Updates and Driver Updates
Outdated Windows versions or device drivers can cause app incompatibility and crashes. Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates and install all available updates. Also update your graphics driver — outdated GPU drivers commonly cause crashes in creative and gaming apps. Visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download the latest drivers.
Step 7: Check the Event Viewer for Crash Logs
Windows keeps a detailed log of every app crash. Press Windows + X and open Event Viewer. Navigate to Windows Logs → Application and look for Error entries with a timestamp matching when the app crashed. The error code and description can tell you exactly what’s causing the crash.
Step 8: Check Compatibility Mode
Older apps may not be fully compatible with newer versions of Windows. Right-click the app → Properties → Compatibility tab. Check “Run this program in compatibility mode for” and try Windows 8 or Windows 7. This often fixes crashes with legacy software.
How to Fix Apps That Keep Crashing on Mac
Force Quit the App on Mac
Press Command + Option + Esc to open the Force Quit window. Select the crashing app and click Force Quit. Then relaunch it. If it crashes again immediately, the app or macOS may need updating.
Update the App and macOS
Open the App Store → Updates and update all apps. Then go to System Settings → General → Software Update to update macOS. Apple regularly releases compatibility fixes that resolve app crashes.
Delete the App’s Preference Files
Corrupted preference files can cause persistent app crashes on Mac. Go to Finder → Go → Go to Folder and type ~/Library/Preferences/. Find any .plist files related to the crashing app and move them to the Trash. Restart the app — it will recreate fresh preference files.
Quick Checklist: Fix App Crashes in Minutes
- Force quit the app via Task Manager (Windows) or Force Quit (Mac)
- Restart your computer completely
- Update the app to the latest version
- Check RAM and disk space in Task Manager
- Run the app as administrator
- Reinstall the app completely
- Update Windows/macOS and device drivers
- Check Event Viewer for specific error codes
- Try compatibility mode for older apps
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does my app crash only sometimes?
Intermittent crashes are often caused by insufficient memory (RAM), which fills up over time as you use your computer. They can also be triggered by specific actions within the app that expose a bug. Try closing other apps before launching the problematic one, and check if crashes happen after extended use (suggesting a memory leak).
Can overheating cause app crashes?
Yes, absolutely. When a CPU or GPU overheats, it throttles performance or triggers a shutdown to protect itself — which can cause apps to crash suddenly. Make sure your computer vents are clean, fans are working, and the system has adequate airflow. Monitoring tools like HWiNFO or GPU-Z can show real-time temperatures.
Should I reinstall Windows if apps keep crashing?
Only as a last resort. Before reinstalling Windows, try running System File Checker by opening Command Prompt as administrator and running sfc /scannow. This repairs corrupted system files that might be causing widespread app crashes without requiring a full reinstall.
Still dealing with persistent app crashes? Leave a comment with your app name and error details. Our team at Fixing IT Issues Simplified will help you diagnose and fix the problem.