Finder Re-Launch

macOS Finder Crash Fix & Reset Tips

If Finder is crashing, not relaunching, or missing UI elements, here are step-by-step methods to fix or restore expected behavior.

Method 1: Restart Finder with killall


killall Finder

Method 2: Manually Restart Finder


open /System/Library/CoreServices/Finder.app

Method 3: Using launchctl


launchctl stop com.apple.Finder
launchctl start com.apple.Finder

Method 4: Reset Finder Preferences


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

Method 5: Clear Finder Cache


rm -r ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.finder
killall Finder

Method 6: Re-enable Desktop Icons for Disks

  1. Open Finder
  2. Go to Finder > Settings (or Preferences)
  3. Under the General tab, check:
    ✅ Hard disks

Method 7: Adjust Icon Spacing on Desktop

  1. Right-click on the desktop
  2. Choose “Show View Options” or press Command-J
  3. Adjust:
    • Grid spacing
    • Icon size

Method 8: Rebuild Launch Services


/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Frameworks/LaunchServices.framework/Support/lsregister \
-kill -r -domain local -domain system -domain user

Method 9: Repair Disk with Disk Utility

  1. Open Disk Utility
  2. Select your startup volume
  3. Click First Aid to check and repair

Bonus: Apply View Options to All Finder Windows

  1. Open a Finder window
  2. Choose View > As Icons
  3. Press Command-J to open view options
  4. Adjust spacing, size, etc.
  5. Click “Use as Defaults”

barry hills