Desktop folders and sidebar favorites keep disappearing (Mac OS Ventura)

My issue is that for the last month or so, all my favorites in the side bar keep disappearing, and the folders on my desktop do as well. I finally figured out that doing a force quit of the Finder brings the folders all back, but not the favorites. Truly annoying.


Apparently my 2017 iMac is already too old to be upgraded to the latest operating system (Sonoma). Kind of ridiculous, it's not that old. Any suggestions greatly appreciated, thanks!


Mac OS Ventura 13.6.6 (22G630)


2017 iMac 27" 5K 3.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5


iMac 27″ 5K

Posted on Apr 11, 2024 3:56 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 13, 2024 9:33 AM

I also have a 2017 iMac. I´ve had odd problems with the Finder and Finder windows before, and deleting the Finder .plist file always solved things for me! You can find the relevant file here, in your User´s Library:


~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist


Move it to the trash and re-start your Mac. A new .plist file will be created automatically. Check your Finder settings and windows. Some settings will/may have changed back to default.



Similar questions

10 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 13, 2024 9:33 AM in response to Swoodx

I also have a 2017 iMac. I´ve had odd problems with the Finder and Finder windows before, and deleting the Finder .plist file always solved things for me! You can find the relevant file here, in your User´s Library:


~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist


Move it to the trash and re-start your Mac. A new .plist file will be created automatically. Check your Finder settings and windows. Some settings will/may have changed back to default.



Apr 11, 2024 4:10 PM in response to Swoodx

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


Apr 16, 2024 2:33 PM in response to Swoodx

There is no reason to ever install or run any 3rd party "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus, VPN or security apps on your Mac.  This documents describe what you need to know and do in order to protect your Mac: Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community and Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support.  


There are no known viruses, i.e. self propagating, for Macs.  There are, however, adware and malware which require the user to install although unwittingly most of the time thru sneaky links, etc.   


Anti Virus developers try to group all types as viruses into their ad campaigns of fear.  They do a poor job of the detecting and isolating the adware and malware.  Since there are no viruses these apps use up a lot of system resources searching for what is non-existent and adversely affect system and app performance.


There is one app, Malwarebytes, which was developed by a long time contributor to these forums and a highly respected member of the computer security community, that is designed solely to seek out adware and known malware and remove it.  The free version is more than adequate for most users.  


Unless you're using a true VPN tunnel, such as between you and your employer's, school's or bank's servers, they provide false security from a privacy standpoint. 


So I recommend you uninstall AVG according to the developer's instructions.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Desktop folders and sidebar favorites keep disappearing (Mac OS Ventura)

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.