How to Troubleshoot MacOS Sonoma Finder Not Responding, Lagging, or Slow

News: If you’ve just updated your macOS to Sonoma 14 and encountered unresponsive or sluggish Finder issues, you’re part of a larger group facing the same problem. Numerous users have shared similar experiences following the recent macOS update. This piece aims to delve into effective fixes to tackle the Finder’s unresponsiveness on macOS Sonoma.

Check Spotlight Indexing

At times, Finder performance hiccups could stem from Spotlight indexing concerns. To investigate this, initiate Spotlight by pressing Command + Spacebar and verify if indexing is ongoing. If it’s actively indexing, allow it to complete its process and monitor whether this positively impacts Finder performance.

Delete the Finder Preference File

To further address the problem, consider removing the Finder preference file. Start by launching Finder and pressing Command + Shift + G. A dialog box will pop up—there, paste the following path: ~/Library/Preferences/. Find the file labeled “com.apple.finder.plist” and delete it. Once deleted, proceed to restart the Finder to implement these changes.

Force Quit and Relaunch Finder

An alternative fix involves force-quitting the Finder and subsequently relaunching it. To execute this, press Command + Option + Esc to bring up the “Force Quit Applications” window. Locate Finder in the list of applications and choose the “Relaunch” option to restart it.

Update Applications

Ensure all your applications are up to date with their latest versions. Outdated applications can potentially trigger performance glitches on macOS Sonoma. Verify for updates either through the App Store or by visiting the official websites of the respective applications.

Optimize Mac Performance

Enhancing your Mac’s performance can significantly enhance Finder responsiveness. Begin by emptying the trash bin to reclaim storage space. Furthermore, close resource-intensive applications that might be impeding system speed. Access them by clicking on the application name in the menu bar and choosing “Quit.” Lastly, navigate to System Preferences > General, review the login items, and eliminate any unnecessary applications from the startup list to streamline system boot-up.

Reset SMC and PRAM/NVRAM

Should the previous fixes prove ineffective, consider resetting both the System Management Controller (SMC) and the Parameter Random Access Memory/Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (PRAM/NVRAM) on your Mac. The method for resetting these components varies depending on your Mac model. You’ll find comprehensive instructions on Apple’s official support website or consult an Apple technician for personalized guidance tailored to your Mac’s specifications.

Disable iCloud Desktop and Documents

If you’ve activated the iCloud Desktop and Documents feature, consider disabling it to troubleshoot Finder performance issues. Access System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud > Options adjacent to iCloud Drive. Uncheck the “Desktop & Documents Folders” option and observe whether this adjustment positively impacts Finder performance.

To summarize, if Finder on macOS Sonoma is unresponsive or sluggish, there are numerous troubleshooting measures available. Begin by examining Spotlight indexing and deleting the Finder preference file. Additionally, force quit and relaunch Finder, update all applications, optimize your Mac’s performance, and reset SMC and PRAM/NVRAM if required. Also, consider disabling iCloud Desktop and Documents. By diligently following these steps, you can enhance Finder’s performance on your macOS Sonoma system.

FAQs

Q: Typically, what is the usual duration for Spotlight indexing?

A: The duration required for Spotlight indexing hinges on the data volume within your Mac. The process spans from a few minutes to potentially several hours. It’s advisable to allow the indexing to finish uninterrupted for precise and complete results.

Q: Does removing the Finder preference file erase any crucial settings?

A: Eliminating the Finder preference file will restore the Finder to its default settings without removing essential files or data. Nonetheless, it may erase any personalized configurations or preferences you’ve established within the Finder.

Q: Is it possible to reactivate iCloud Desktop and Documents after disabling it?

Absolutely, you can re-enable iCloud Desktop and Documents by repeating the initial steps used to disable it. Yet, if ongoing Finder performance problems persist, it might be prudent to maintain this feature disabled to prevent potential conflicts.