The macOS App Store is an essential gateway for users to download, update, and manage apps safely and efficiently. However, some users who have upgraded to macOS 14 (Sonoma) have encountered a frustrating issue: the App Store crashes immediately upon opening. Whether you’re trying to install new software or update apps, this can seriously affect your productivity and Mac experience. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to address this issue, restore functionality to the App Store, and ensure your apps receive the latest updates without further disruption.
TL;DR: If your App Store crashes instantly on macOS 14, start by restarting your Mac and ensuring your system is fully up to date with the latest patches. Clear specific library caches and temporarily move App Store preferences. Disabling app extensions and network proxies may also help. Once resolved, re-enable these items carefully to check what may have caused the conflict. These steps usually get the App Store running again so you can update your apps normally.
1. Check for System Updates
The first step should always be verifying if macOS itself needs an update. Apple frequently releases patches, including fixes for system bugs like crashing apps.
- Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, click Update Now and install.
Once your Mac restarts, open the App Store again to verify if the crashing issue persists.
2. Force Quit and Relaunch App Store
If you haven’t already, try force quitting the App Store. Sometimes a cached hang-up can prevent it from opening properly.
- Press Command + Option + Escape to open the Force Quit window.
- Select App Store and click Force Quit.
- Relaunch the App Store from the Dock or Applications folder.
If it still crashes instantly, proceed with deeper troubleshooting steps below.
3. Clear the App Store Cache
Corrupt cache files are among the most common culprits for App Store crashing issues. Clearing these files can often bring things back to normal.
- Open Finder.
- Click Go in the top menu and select Go to Folder… (or press Shift + Command + G).
- Enter:
~/Library/Caches/com.apple.appstore - Move all contents of this folder to the Trash.
Then open this folder:
~/Library/Caches/com.apple.appstoreagent- Also delete all files in this folder.
After clearing the cache, restart your Mac before attempting to open the App Store again.
4. Remove App Store Preference Files
Corrupted or outdated preference (.plist) files can sometimes be the reason apps misbehave. Deleting them forces macOS to recreate them with default values.
- Open Finder and use Go > Go to Folder…
- Navigate to
~/Library/Preferences/ - Look for the following files and move them to a temporary backup folder:
com.apple.AppStore.plistcom.apple.storeagent.plist
Do not delete them permanently until you’re sure it resolves your issue. Reboot your Mac and try launching the App Store again.
5. Sign Out and Back Into Apple ID
Sometimes account settings can get desynchronized, causing App Store crashes. Re-signing into your Apple ID may fix this.
- Go to System Settings > Apple ID.
- Click Sign Out (you may need to enter your password).
- After signing out, reboot your Mac, then sign back in.
Once you’re signed back in, try launching the App Store.
6. Disable All Login Items & Extensions Temporarily
Third-party background apps can interfere with system services like the App Store. Disable these to rule out conflicts.
- Go to System Settings > General > Login Items.
- Turn off or remove all entries under “Open at Login.”
- Disable or remove non-essential app extensions and background software like antivirus, VPNs, or app cleaners.
Reboot your Mac and check if the App Store opens normally. If yes, re-enable each item one-by-one to determine the culprit.
7. Reset NVRAM and SMC (if Intel-based Mac)
NVRAM (non-volatile RAM) and SMC (System Management Controller) store various system settings. Resetting them may resolve unexplained crashes on Intel Macs.
To reset NVRAM:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Turn it on and immediately press Option + Command + P + R.
- Hold the keys for about 20 seconds, then release.
To reset SMC (Intel only):
Steps vary based on the Mac model. See Apple’s official support page or consult your model’s guide to perform the reset.
8. Run in Safe Mode
Booting your Mac into Safe Mode can help you determine if a third-party app is causing issues.
- On Intel Macs, restart and hold Shift after the chime until you see the login screen.
- On Apple Silicon Macs, hold the power button until startup options appear, then select your startup disk while holding Shift.
Open the App Store in Safe Mode. If it works, restart normally and continue disabling startup items to identify any conflicts.
9. Use Activity Monitor to Terminate Background Services
Some services like storeaccountd and storedownloadd might be stuck or looping. Restart them using Activity Monitor:
- Open Activity Monitor from Applications > Utilities.
- Search for and force quit these processes: App Store, storeaccountd, storedownloadd, storeassetd.
- Relaunch the App Store.
10. Reinstall macOS (if all else fails)
If every troubleshooting method fails and the App Store remains unusable, reinstall macOS using Recovery Mode. This will replace system files without affecting your personal data.
- Restart your Mac and hold Command + R until the Apple logo appears.
- Select Reinstall macOS and follow the onscreen instructions.
Once the OS has been reinstalled, try accessing the App Store again.
How to Successfully Update Your Apps After Fixing the Crash
Once the App Store is functional again, updating your apps is straightforward:
- Open the App Store and click the Updates tab in the sidebar.
- Select Update All or choose apps individually.
- Enter your Apple ID password or Touch ID if prompted.
If updates are stalled or stuck, log out and back into the App Store by selecting Store > Sign Out from the top menu, then sign in again.
FAQ
- Q: Why is my App Store crashing immediately on macOS 14?
A: This may be due to corrupt caches, outdated preferences, or conflicts from third-party utilities or login items. - Q: Will deleting preference and cache files remove any purchased apps?
A: No, deleting these files won’t remove apps; it only forces the App Store to reset its settings. - Q: Does reinstalling macOS erase my files?
A: