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iMovie Keeps Crashing

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Ongoing macOS Updated November 14, 2026Based on 3 user reportsHow we research

Quick answer

iMovie crashes are usually caused by corrupt media, outdated software or preferences. Update, reset preferences and remove the bad clip.

Most likely fix: Update and restart

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Update and restart

    1. Update iMovie and macOS
    2. Restart the Mac
    Did this fix it?

  2. 2. Reset preferences

    1. Hold Option and Command while launching
    2. Select delete preferences
    Did this fix it?

  3. 3. Find the bad clip

    1. Remove recently added clips one at a time
    2. Re-import originals or convert to H.264
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

iMovie quits unexpectedly on import, playback or share.

Why it happens

  • Corrupted video
  • Incompatible OS version
  • Unsupported codec

This guide also covers

  • imovie keeps crashing
  • imovie crashes

Still not working?

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