How to reset Macintosh’s Finder App Preferences.

There are times when the OSX Finder starts acting weirdly, won’t obey your command, click, or tap, and you want to reset your Macintosh’s OSX Finder to its default setting to make it work as before, just like when you started your Mac for the first time.

If you are using the latest Mac OSX or even OSX operating system, here is how to do it

Delete Finder preferences using Finder

Step 01:
Navigate to the Preferences folder in your username’s home library folder.
Open up the Finder window. Your User Name Home folder > Library > Preferences
OR there is another way if your ‘Library’ folder is hidden by default
Option-click on the ‘Go’ menu in the menu bar at the top of your screen. You will see the ‘Library’ folder link. Click or tap on it to open up your ‘Library’ folder.

Step 02:
Search for ‘finder’ or file name com.apple.finder.plist’
Now delete this plist to the system Trash

Step 03:
Now Restart your Computer.
Your Finder will reset to default settings.

Delete Finder preferences using the ‘Terminal’ App.

Step 01:
Open Terminal, located in the Applications > Utilities folder.

Step 02:
Delete the primary Finder preferences file by typing the following command at the terminal

rm ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist

Press Return.

Step 03:
Now Restart your Computer.
Your Finder will reset to default settings.

Hope it helps,

Thanks & Regards
Mandar Apte

Published by Mandar Apte

Mandar is a Mumbai-based multi-disciplinary designer with UX/UI, Logo, Symbol, and Brand Identity design expertise. He currently runs his Mudrkashar Linguistic Apple iPhone, iPad, and Mac app business in the heart of Mumbai city.

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