Finder has long been a robust file manager on Mac. Using windows and icons, it displays contents on your Mac so that quickly access specific files. Notably, the file manager opens automatically and stays open to ensure you can go back and forth at your own pace. Though you can always count on Finder to work as expected, it’s not immune to common issues such as freezing or unresponsiveness. If you have come across this problem, try out these 6 ways to fix Finder freezing or not responding in macOS Sonoma.
Fix Finder Freezing or Not Responding on Mac in macOS 14 Sonoma
Why is Finder unresponsive on my Mac?
From what I have experienced, it’s mostly the cluttered storage or the outdated version of macOS that triggers issues like freezing or unresponsiveness. Hence, there is a high chance fixing these two prime suspects will help you bring Finder back into action again. With that in mind, let’s try each of the suggested solutions and check whether or not you have gotten the better of the problem.
1. Relaunch Finder
Before continuing with the other fixes, try force-quitting Finder and relaunching it. If the macOS file manager is faced with minor software glitches, force-quitting may fix it.
- To get going, launch the Force Quit Applications window by pressing Command + Options + Esc key combo.
- Next, select Finder and hit Relaunch.
2. Restart Your Mac
If Finder continues to freeze or doesn’t respond to click even after you have force-quitted it, reboot your Mac.
- Open the menu by clicking on the Apple icon at the top left corner of the screen.
- Select the Restart option from the menu and confirm.
3. Delete Corrupted Finder Files
If certain files are corrupted, they could cause Finder to misbehave. Therefore, wipe them out.
- Click on the Launchpad icon on the dock and search for Terminal.
- Click on the Terminal icon to open it.
- In the Terminal, execute the command given below-
rm ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist
- Once done, the Finder files will be moved to the bin.
- Right-click on the Bin icon and then click on Empty Bin.
- After that, restart your Mac. Hopefully, the issue will be fixed now.
4. Update macOS
Should Finder continue to throw tantrums, there is a good chance that a software bug could be behind the whole issue. Thus, try updating your Mac.
- Open the Apple Menu (from the Apple icon at the top left corner), and select System Settings.
- Next, hit General -> Software Update.
- Next up, if there is an update available, download and install.
5. Declutter Your Mac
If your Mac hasn’t gone through a cleanup drive, I suspect it’s the clogged-up storage that has triggered the chaos. If that’s the scenario, the worst is yet to come. Things like overheating, sluggishness, and random freezing are the byproducts of cluttered storage.
- To get rid of the clutter, navigate to the System Settings app -> General -> Storage.
- Now, have a look at the total used and available storage on your Mac.
- Also, check out all the listed apps and services to spot the greedy ones. If some apps have eaten into a ton of storage (or more than you can afford), click on the “Info” button next to it.
- Then, dive into the details to nab the redundant files and eliminate them all.
- If that doesn’t deliver the desired result, wipe out all the redundant apps that you hardly use on your Mac.
6. Erase Your Mac and Set It Up From Scratch
When the going gets tough, the tough get going! When none of the basic tips work in fixing a persistent macOS issue, wiping out the entire Mac and setting it up from scratch is often recommended.
- On your Mac, launch the System Settings app -> General -> Time Machine -> Then, back up your Mac.
- After that, navigate to the System Settings app -> General -> Transfer or Reset -> Erase All Content & Settings.
- After that, set up your Mac from the scratch and restore the latest backup.
Fixed Finder Not Working on Mac..!
There you go! I guess, Finder has returned to normal once again and so has your workflow. Feel free to share the tips that have enabled you to troubleshoot the file manager.
Read more: 6 Best Ways to Fix macOS Sonoma Software Update Stuck on Mac
