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// troubleshooting guide · keyboard maestro

Keyboard Maestro Won't Launch or Runaway Macro at Login

Status
Workaround available
platforms:
macOS
updated:
November 15, 2026
reports:
2
Method
how we research
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RUNBOOK · keyboard-maestro/runaway-macro-wont-launch3 FIXES

// quick answer

A looping login macro can lock you out. Cancel all macros with Ctrl-Option-Shift-click on the status icon, or launch the editor without the Engine to disable the trigger.

Most likely fix: Cancel all macros

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

  1. FIX 1Cancel all macros

    1. 01Ctrl-Option-Shift-click the Keyboard Maestro status menu icon
    Did this fix it?

  2. FIX 2Launch editor without the Engine

    1. 01Hold Cmd-Ctrl-Option-Shift while launching Keyboard Maestro
    2. 02Disable or remove the offending trigger
    Did this fix it?

  3. FIX 3Safe Mode

    1. 01Restart in Safe Mode without login items
    2. 02Then launch with Cmd-Ctrl-Option-Shift
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

A macro runs endlessly at login, the Mac is unusable or the editor freezes on launch.

Why it happens

  • C-01Macro with a login or startup trigger loops
  • C-02Typed-string or hotkey trigger firing itself

// this guide also covers

  • keyboard maestro runaway macro
  • keyboard maestro won't launch
  • stop keyboard maestro macro

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