[Solved] Why Apps Not Working After Upgrading To macOS Big Sur

By Tasnia Salinas, on December 26, 2020, in Mac Uninstaller

Summary: Found Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Microsoft Office, Illustrator, Logic Pro X, InDesign, iMovie and other common apps not working after upgrading to macOS Big Sur? Check this article to find quick fixes. here before continuing.

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macOS Big Sur (version 11) is just come out and millions of users have upgraded for enjoying a set of new features. But not everyone is a happy user since many macOS Big Sur problems have plagued the new system. One major issue is that users found couples of common apps are no longer working in macOS Big Sur. Some common applications you probably use include Transmist 4.1.7, 1Password 2.12.2, iStats Menu 2.9 and QuickBooks. So why these apps are not working on macOS Big Sur? Don't worry, you can follow this article to get quick fixes.

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Table of Content:

Part 1: Why So Many Apps No Longer Working on macOS Big Sur

One thing for certain is that, if the app you have trouble with is built with 32-bit structure, then you should give it up for good. When macOS Mojave was announced, Apple warned that it would be the last version of macOS that would support older 32-bit apps. Apple has been purging 32-bit apps for the last 10 years and is now ready to take the final step, even if Mac users may not be ready to lose access to older apps (App Can't Be Opened Because Apple Cannot Check It for Malicious Software.).

32-Bit Apps No Longer Working on macOS Big Sur
32-Bit Apps No Longer Working on macOS Big Sur

Compared to 32-bit apps, 64-bit apps can use memory more efficiently so as to offer faster system performance in macOS. The technologies used in macOS Big Sur like Metal only work with 64-bit apps. That's why Apple has completely wipe out 32-bit applications in its latest macOS (What Is Other On Mac Storage). In the simplest terms, Apple wants to get rid of outdated apps to make sure everything is properly optimized and isn't an unnecessary drain on system resources (How To Uninstall Programs on Mac).

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Part 2: Full List of Incompatible Apps Not Working on macOS Big Sur

It's not only third-party or small-medium-sized developers whose apps are still stuck in 32-bit. Even Apple and other big brands have a collection of older apps that will not work in macOS Big Sur. For instance, if you still keep Apple Movie, Final Cut Pro and Motion in use, there may be problems with incompatible media due to older formats or codecs. Check out our complete list of What Apps Are Not Working Properly on macOS Big Sur.

App Name How To Fix
Adobe Illustrator CS5 Upgrade to a newer version of the app.
Abobe InDesign CS5 & CS6 Upgrade to a newer version of the app.
Apple Aperture Use Final Cut Pro or other Aperture alternative
Microsoft Excel 2011 Replaced by Microsoft Excel 2016
Microsoft PowerPoint 2011 Replaced by Microsoft PowerPoint 2016
Microsoft Outlook 2011 Replaced by Microsoft Outlook 2016
Microsoft Word 2011 Replaced by Microsoft Word 2016
iWork '09 Update to iWork 2013 or newer version
Logic Studio Replaced by Logic Pro X
Compressor 4.3.2 Update to the latest version of Compression
MainStage Update to the latest version of MainStage
Photoshop Update to Photoshop CC 2019
Acrobat Pro Update to Acrobat Pro 9.5.5 higher version
Premiere Pro CS4 Update to Premiere Pro 2019
After Effects CS5 Update to After Effects CC 2019

Part 3:  More Helpful App Not Working in macOS Big Sur Tips

In ‌macOS Mojave‌ and earlier versions of macOS like High Sierra, you can continue to use your 32-bit apps. But it's another case in macOS Big Sur (How To Completely Uninstall Applications on macOS Big Sur). If you have a 32-bit apps that you absolute need, first up, think twice before upgrading to Mac OS 10.15. Also consider the following tips that may help you walk through this 32-bit app not working in macOS Big Sur issue.

General Tips for Freeing Up Space on Mac:

  • Update incapable apps: Upgrade to a newer version of the app that not working in macOS Big Sur.
  • Find alternative: If the app developer hasn't updated the app, find an alternative that can run smoothly on macOS Big Sur.
  • Stay away from macOS Big Sur: If you largely count on 32-bit applications, you could just decide not to upgrade your Mac to Catalina.
  • Uninstall not working apps: It's another option to uninstall apps that are not working in macOS Big Sur.
  • Force uninstall malecious apps: To uninstall rogue applications would be harder than you think, such as MacKeeper, Kaspersky or alike. Omni Remover would be your best Malware Removal tool.

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    The Bottom Line

    Additionally, many popular older Mac games are 32-bit and thus will not work on macOS Big Sur. We'll discuss these incompatible games in another article. So if you also have some apps that are not working on macOS Big Sur, let us know and we'll keep our list update. To completely remove incompatible or stubborn applications on macOS, it's suggested to choose Omni Remover. Download Free Trial >


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