Mac Finder is a key tool for managing files and folders. When it stops working, it can be frustrating. Force-quitting and relaunching Finder often fixes the problem. This simple step can get your Mac back on track quickly.
If Finder still won’t respond, try restarting your Mac. This clears out temporary issues that might be causing problems. For more stubborn cases, you can use Disk Utility to check and repair your hard drive. This tool can fix file system errors that might be making Finder act up.
Sometimes, outdated software or conflicts with other apps can cause Finder issues. Keeping your Mac’s operating system and apps up to date can help prevent these problems. Removing unused apps and files can also improve Finder’s performance.
Mac Finder Not Responding: Quick Solutions for an Unresponsive File Browser
When Finder stops responding on your Mac, even simple tasks like opening folders or copying files can grind to a halt. Finder is a core macOS component, so issues can feel serious—but in most cases, they’re easy to fix.
This guide walks you through quick, effective solutions to get Finder working again, starting with the fastest fixes and moving to deeper troubleshooting if needed.
Why Finder Stops Responding
Common causes include:
- Too many open Finder windows or tabs
- Corrupted preferences
- External drives or network volumes hanging
- Spotlight indexing issues
- Third‑party extensions or cloud sync apps
- Low system memory or storage
Understanding the cause helps prevent future issues, but first—let’s get Finder responsive again.
Quick Fix 1: Force Quit Finder
This is the fastest and most effective solution.
How to Force Quit Finder
- Press Command (⌘) + Option (⌥) + Escape
- Select Finder
- Click Relaunch
Finder will restart immediately without rebooting your Mac.
Quick Fix 2: Restart Your Mac
If Finder won’t relaunch or freezes again quickly, a restart often clears system‑level issues.
Steps:
- Click the Apple menu ()
- Select Restart
- Reopen Finder after startup
Quick Fix 3: Close Problematic Finder Windows
Sometimes a single folder causes the freeze.
Try this:
- Disconnect any external drives
- Close Finder windows showing:
- Network locations
- Cloud folders (iCloud, OneDrive, Dropbox)
- Folders with thousands of files
Then relaunch Finder.
Quick Fix 4: Check Activity Monitor
Finder may be stalled due to high CPU or memory usage.
Steps:
- Open Applications → Utilities → Activity Monitor
- Search for Finder
- If it’s using excessive resources:
- Select it
- Click X → Force Quit
- Relaunch Finder
Quick Fix 5: Restart Finder via Terminal
If Finder won’t respond to Force Quit, Terminal can help.
Steps:
- Open Terminal
- Type:
killall Finder - Press Return
Finder will restart automatically.
Fix 6: Remove Finder Preference Files
Corrupted preference files can cause repeated freezes.
Steps:
- Open Finder
- Press Command (⌘) + Shift + G
- Enter:
~/Library/Preferences/ - Locate and move this file to Trash:
com.apple.finder.plist - Restart your Mac
macOS will recreate a fresh preference file.
Fix 7: Check Storage and Memory
Finder struggles when system resources are low.
What to check:
- Go to Apple menu → About This Mac → Storage
- Ensure at least 10–15% free space
- Check Memory tab for high pressure
Freeing up space or closing apps often improves Finder stability.
Fix 8: Disable Finder Extensions
Third‑party extensions can interfere with Finder.
Steps:
- Open System Settings
- Go to Privacy & Security → Extensions → Finder Extensions
- Turn off non‑essential extensions
- Restart Finder
Fix 9: Check External Drives and Network Volumes
Finder may hang trying to access unavailable devices.
Try this:
- Safely eject all external drives
- Disable unused network shares
- Turn off automatic reconnect for servers
Fix 10: Run Disk Utility First Aid
Disk errors can cause Finder freezes.
Steps:
- Open Disk Utility
- Select your startup disk
- Click First Aid
- Follow on‑screen instructions
Restart your Mac after completion.
Fix 11: Update macOS
Finder bugs are often fixed in updates.
Steps:
- Open System Settings
- Go to General → Software Update
- Install any available updates
When to Seek Further Help
If Finder continues to freeze:
- Test in Safe Mode
- Create a new user account to check for profile issues
- Contact Apple Support
Persistent Finder problems may indicate deeper system or hardware issues.
How to Prevent Finder From Freezing Again
- Avoid keeping dozens of Finder windows open
- Safely eject external drives
- Keep macOS up to date
- Monitor storage and memory usage
- Limit unnecessary Finder extensions
Final Thoughts
A non‑responsive Finder is frustrating, but it’s rarely permanent. In most cases, Force Quit or relaunching Finder solves the issue in seconds. If not, deeper fixes like clearing preferences or checking external drives will usually do the trick.
By following these steps in order, you can quickly restore Finder—and keep your Mac running smoothly.
Key Takeaways
- Force-quitting and relaunching Finder often solves the problem
- Restarting your Mac can clear temporary issues affecting Finder
- Keeping software updated and removing unused files can prevent Finder problems
Diagnosing Finder Issues
When Finder stops working, it can be hard to use your Mac. Finding the cause of the problem helps fix it faster. Let’s look at some ways to figure out what’s wrong.
Using Activity Monitor
Activity Monitor shows what’s running on your Mac. Open it from the Applications folder. Look for Finder in the list. If Finder uses too much CPU or memory, it might be stuck. You can force quit Finder here. Click on Finder then press the “X” button at the top. This will restart Finder. If Finder keeps using too much power, your Mac might have other issues.
Assessing System Errors
System errors can make Finder stop working. Check for these errors in Console. Open Console from the Utilities folder. Type “Finder” in the search bar. Look for red text or words like “error” or “crash.” These show where Finder had problems. Write down the errors you see. You can use this info to fix Finder or tell Apple support if you need help.
Examining Third-Party Applications
Some apps can mess with Finder. Think about any new apps you added before Finder stopped working. Try turning off or removing these apps. See if Finder works better. Apps that change how Finder looks or works are often the cause. Clean My Mac and MacKeeper are examples. If you use these, try turning them off. Then see if Finder runs right. If it does, the app might be the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mac users often face issues with Finder not responding. Here are some common questions and fixes for this problem.
How do I fix Finder not responding on Mac?
Force quit Finder and relaunch it. Press Option + Command + Esc. Select Finder from the list. Click “Force Quit” then relaunch Finder. This often solves minor glitches that cause Finder to freeze.
How do you reset Finder on Mac?
To reset Finder hold down Option and right-click the Finder icon in the Dock. Choose “Relaunch” from the menu. This will close and restart Finder without affecting other apps or files.
Why does my Mac Finder keep freezing?
Finder may freeze due to too many open files or folders. It can also happen because of disk errors or outdated software. Sometimes large file transfers or syncing with cloud services can make Finder stop responding.
What steps should be taken when Finder is not responding after a force quit?
Restart your Mac if Finder won’t respond after a force quit. If the problem continues boot into Safe Mode to check for software conflicts. You may need to repair your disk using Disk Utility if the issue persists.
Why does Finder not respond after relaunching on Mac?
Finder might not respond after relaunching due to corrupt preference files. Try removing the Finder preferences file from the Library folder. You can also check for and install any pending macOS updates.
What can cause Finder to stop responding on macOS Ventura?
On macOS Ventura Finder can stop responding due to bugs in the OS. It may also happen because of conflicts with third-party apps or extensions. Make sure all your software is up to date to avoid these issues.
