Finder folder not responding

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Finder folder not responding

I have a problem with my downloads folder. Every time I open the downloads folder, my finder goes 'not responding' after a few seconds. I still can open some files in downloads by using search tab and type down the keyword / file name.

This problem also appear a few months ago, and it solved by deleting some unused files & folders in it (there was over than 14,000 files). But now it happened again all of a sudden. is it caused by the high number of files/folder in download folder or something wrong with the finder directory?

Currently there is 1,900 files in download. As in comparison, my documents folder has >4,000 files and it works normally. Should I "format" the download folder or there is any better idea?

thanks in advance

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Jun 24, 2021 9:04 PM

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Eric--F

Community Specialist

Jun 25, 2021 6:04 PM in response to fairuz241

Hello fairuz241,

Thanks for asking the Apple Support Communities for help with your Downloads folder. Yes, an excessive amount of files and folders in Downloads can cause issues. Once downloaded, you can move or copy the file to the correct folder, such as your Documents folder, or import music and pictures to Music and Photos. Then you can empty the Downloads folder to make space available on your hard disk.

If you still have issues, or need to maintain a high number of files for work etc. we can also check to see if the same issue is occurring in safe mode: How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support

If the issue is not occurring in safe mode, but is still occurring when you restart and boot normally, then check the section for an issue doesn't occur in safe mode.

Thanks.

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Finder folder not responding

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