Why is my Finder only showing recents?
Have you ever opened your Mac’s Finder and noticed that it’s only displaying the “Recents” section, leaving you unable to access your files and folders as usual? This can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’re in a hurry and need to find a specific document. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this issue and provide you with some solutions to get your Finder back to normal.
1. Incorrect preferences settings
One of the most common reasons why your Finder might only show the “Recents” section is due to incorrect preferences settings. By default, the Finder displays the “Recents” section to help you quickly access recently opened files. However, if these settings have been altered, it could cause the Finder to only show this section.
To fix this issue, follow these steps:
1. Open the Finder and click on “Finder” in the menu bar.
2. Select “Preferences” from the dropdown menu.
3. In the General tab, make sure the “Show these items in the sidebar” option includes “Recents.”
4. If it’s missing, click the “+” button and select “Recents” from the list.
5. Close the preferences window and restart the Finder.
2. Corrupted Finder preferences file
Another possible cause for this issue is a corrupted Finder preferences file. In some cases, the Finder’s preferences file can become damaged, leading to unexpected behavior, such as only showing the “Recents” section.
To fix this, you can reset the Finder’s preferences:
1. Open the Terminal application (found in the /Applications/Utilities/ folder).
2. Type the following command and press Enter: `killall Finder`
3. Close the Terminal and open the Finder again. The application should reset to its default settings.
3. Outdated operating system or third-party applications
Sometimes, an outdated operating system or third-party applications can interfere with the Finder’s functionality. Ensure that your Mac is running the latest version of macOS, as Apple frequently releases updates that address known issues and improve overall performance.
If you suspect that a third-party application is causing the problem, try the following steps:
1. Temporarily disable or uninstall any recently installed applications.
2. Restart your Mac and check if the issue persists.
3. If the problem is resolved, you can try to identify the problematic application by enabling them one by one and observing the behavior of the Finder.
4. Reset the NVRAM/PRAM
Resetting the Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory (NVRAM) or Parameter RAM (PRAM) can sometimes resolve unexpected behavior on your Mac, including the Finder issue.
To reset the NVRAM/PRAM:
1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Turn it back on and immediately press and hold the following keys: Option, Command, P, and R.
3. Continue holding these keys for about 20 seconds, then release them.
4. Your Mac will restart, and the NVRAM/PRAM will be reset.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of your Finder only showing the “Recents” section. If the problem persists, consider seeking assistance from Apple Support or a professional technician.
