Why is My Mac Finder Only Displaying Recents- A Comprehensive Guide to Troubleshooting and Solutions

Why is my Mac Finder only showing recents?

Have you ever found yourself frustrated with your Mac Finder, wondering why it’s only displaying recent files and folders? This can be a perplexing issue, especially if you rely on the Finder to quickly access important documents and applications. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind this problem and provide you with effective solutions to restore your Finder to its normal functionality.

Understanding the Mac Finder

Before diving into the reasons behind the “only showing recents” issue, it’s essential to understand the basics of the Mac Finder. The Finder is the default file manager on macOS, allowing users to navigate, organize, and manage files and folders on their Mac. It provides a user-friendly interface to access and manage various types of files, including documents, images, videos, and applications.

Common Causes of the “Only Showing Recents” Issue

1. Finder Preferences: One of the most common reasons for the “only showing recents” issue is the Finder preferences. By default, the Finder is set to display recent items in the sidebar. If this setting has been changed or corrupted, it can cause the Finder to only show recent files and folders.

2. Cache Files: Sometimes, cache files can interfere with the normal functioning of the Finder. These files are temporary data stored by the system to improve performance. If these cache files become corrupted or outdated, they can lead to unexpected behavior, such as the “only showing recents” issue.

3. Third-Party Applications: Certain third-party applications can interfere with the Finder’s functionality. If you have recently installed any new applications, they might be causing the problem.

4. System Corruption: In some cases, system corruption can lead to the “only showing recents” issue. This can be due to various factors, such as hardware failures, software conflicts, or malware infections.

Solutions to Fix the “Only Showing Recents” Issue

1. Reset Finder Preferences: Open the Terminal application and type the following command: `defaults write com.apple.finder ShowRecentFiles -bool false`. This command will reset the Finder preferences and should resolve the issue.

2. Clear Cache Files: To clear cache files, open the Terminal and type the following command: `sudo rm -rf ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.finder`. This command will delete the cache files associated with the Finder. Be cautious when using this command, as it can delete important files if not used correctly.

3. Uninstall Third-Party Applications: If you suspect that a third-party application is causing the issue, try uninstalling it and see if the problem persists. If the issue is resolved, you can consider reporting the problem to the application’s developer.

4. Run Disk Utility: Open Disk Utility and run a disk check to ensure there are no underlying issues with your Mac’s storage. If the disk check reveals any problems, follow the recommended steps to fix them.

5. Reinstall macOS: If all else fails, you may need to reinstall macOS. This will erase all data on your Mac, so make sure to back up your important files before proceeding.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “only showing recents” issue on your Mac Finder. If the problem persists, it may be worth seeking assistance from a professional technician.