Is it possible to remove anything `alias` from OSX via a setting?

dhokpathanensis wrote:

I would like to remove from OSX anything to do with aliases from the Finder, f.i. via a preference or setting, system wide. In my experience aliases are never useful, safe nor wanted. But i couldn't find a way to turn the `alias` feature off. Is there a way to get rid of this super annoying feature?

Predicated on the user's byline " MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 26.3 " macOS 26 Tahoe

Which I have requested to be move to the proper Forum for better placement and support

There is no system setting, preference, or supported way to disable Finder aliases globally.

Aliases are a built-in, core feature of the Finder and part of how the system handles file references. Apple does not provide a means or way to remove this

If your goal is to avoid accidental creation or usage of aliases

Avoid the shortcut

Aliases are usually created via

⌘ + Option + Drag

Right-click >> Make Alias

Avoid using Option+Command when dragging

You could get a search app and search for files with the alias suffix and then delete them all. However, if you do then be prepared for problems.

The thing I don't understand is why you are seeing them. I've never even noticed one on my Mac When I search for them I found two in my personal folders and 16 in my user Library. I've no idea what the ones in the library are doing but I certainly wouldn't delete them.

So if you're seeing them in your library then you don't want to delete them because they are probably needed by the system or your apps. You certainly don't want to find a setting to disable them because it might stop your Mac working properly.

If you are seeing lots of them in your other user folders (Documents, Desktop, Pictures, etc.) then they are there because you have created them and you should take note of Owl's post and simply stop creating them.

TLDR:

1. stop creating them yourself,
2. get a search app,
3. delete them only if you are certain it won't break something,
4. be prepared for lots of stuff to stop working, possibly permanently,
5. come back here for help and put up with people telling you "we told you so".

dhokpathanensis wrote:

I would like to remove from OSX anything to do with aliases from the Finder, f.i. via a preference or setting, system wide. In my experience aliases are never useful, safe nor wanted. But i couldn't find a way to turn the `alias` feature off. Is there a way to get rid of this super annoying feature?

How are they not "safe?"

I also can't imagine why they might not be useful, but that is certainly subjective.

It seems you have many. I'm not sure why that would be if you didn't create them. If you didn't create them, do you know how it came to be that you have so many?

All Search Folder results (Recents, for instance) are like aliases, but not really an alias. There is no way to actually find those links as they are generated as required.

The app Containers are full of aliases, but if you removed them your apps would either break or recreate them.

Follow on

Create and remove aliases on Mac

These aliases, in the above article, were created by the User ( you )