How to Clear Recent Folders in Mac
If you’re a Mac user and have noticed that your recent folders list is cluttered with outdated files, it’s time to clear recent folders in Mac to improve your system’s performance and organization. The recent folders feature in macOS helps you quickly access the files and folders you’ve recently worked on. However, over time, this list can become overwhelming and even affect your system’s speed. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to clear recent folders in Mac, ensuring a cleaner and more efficient experience.
1. Using the Menu Bar
One of the simplest ways to clear recent folders in Mac is by using the menu bar. Here’s how to do it:
1. Click on the Finder icon in the menu bar.
2. Select “Go” from the dropdown menu.
3. Hold down the “Option” key on your keyboard and click on “Recent Folders.”
4. A list of recent folders will appear. To clear all of them, right-click on any folder and choose “Clear Recent Items.”
5. Confirm the action when prompted.
This method will clear the recent folders list from the menu bar, but it will not remove the list from the Finder window.
2. Clearing Recent Folders from the Finder Window
If you want to remove the recent folders list from the Finder window, follow these steps:
1. Open a Finder window.
2. Click on the “File” menu in the upper-left corner of the window.
3. Select “New Folder.”
4. Type the name of the new folder and press “Enter.”
5. Drag and drop the recent folders list into the new folder.
6. Right-click on the new folder and choose “Move to Trash.”
7. Empty the trash to remove the recent folders list permanently.
3. Resetting the Recent Items Database
Another way to clear recent folders in Mac is by resetting the recent items database. This method is a bit more advanced and should be used as a last resort:
1. Open the Terminal application by searching for it in Spotlight or navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. In the Terminal window, type the following command and press “Enter”:
“`
defaults delete com.apple.finder.RecentItems
“`
3. Wait for the command to complete, then close the Terminal application.
4. Restart your Mac for the changes to take effect.
By resetting the recent items database, you’ll clear all recent folders and files from your system.
4. Using Third-Party Apps
If you prefer using third-party apps to manage your recent folders, there are several options available. Apps like CleanMyMac X and MacPaw offer powerful tools to clean up your Mac, including clearing recent folders. These apps can also help you remove unnecessary files, optimize your system, and speed up your Mac.
In conclusion, clearing recent folders in Mac is a straightforward process that can help improve your system’s performance and organization. By using the menu bar, clearing recent folders from the Finder window, resetting the recent items database, or using third-party apps, you can ensure a cleaner and more efficient experience on your Mac.
