Extremely Slow Finder Functions

I have had this problem for some time now. Basically whenever finder was asked to load a file onto a webpage, through Safari, attach a file to an email, drag, drop any file, it was stupidly slow. 5 minutes often. Was on the verge of replacing the computer and buying a windows PC again.

I have tried all the more technical solutions, deleting plist files etc, moving files to an external drive to create more hard drive space, resetting safari, but someone suggested disconnecting some accounts in System Preferences, Internet Accounts.

It was the iCloud Drive account that was slowing this down. Simply disconnecting it and suddenly the computer is like new. Apple needs to sort that out!

I suppose it is possible that iCloud Drive is conflicting in some way with Backblaze (which backs my entire Mac up) or Dropbox.

This worked for me. I tried turning off Google Sync and it made no difference but signing out of my iCloud account worked at making my finder work fast again. This is not a good solution because some people use iCloud as their main backup source (I just use the Find my Mac feature which is crucial for me in case of theft or loss). I really do not like Sierra. To this day Yosemite was the best operating system. I wish I could downgrade.

I too had sluggish behavior when multiple tabs were open in one finder window. Big lag time between clicking a finder window tab and the contents becoming visible. I deleted my FB internet account and some other inactive accounts, and then I restarted. Much better now but not as speedy as I expect from the new Apple file system.

Unreal. I spent hours trying to figure this out. Was having a **** of a time getting files to attach in Gmail using Chrome.

Logging out of internet accounts was all I needed. Didn't have to do the tutorial you recommended.

I tried a bunch of things to fix the slowness. Last time I reinstalled my OS using the latest combo updater. I was surprised how fast my finder was, but then again some short time later it was lagging. Restarting helps, but at some point the slowness always returns.

I was having similar problems that seemed to be related to iCloud and the 'cloudd' daemon. OSXDaily's instructions did not work for me, but logging out of iCloud, as you suggest did help. Thanks!

Download and run Etrecheck. Copy and paste the results into your reply. Etrecheck is a diagnostic tool that was developed by one of the most respected users here in the ASC and recommended by Apple Support to provide a snapshot of the system and help identify the more obvious culprits that can adversely affect a Mac's performance.

Thanks for this. I am still using El Capitan, due to very expensive software that I will have to upgrade with Sierra, and the same problem exists. I have been deleting the 'cloudd' process though with increasingly less effect. I removed Facebook only (not email accounts if anyone is wondering) and immediately the columns populated very quickly.

On a related note, if you are experiencing the incredibly annoying lag when creating a new tag, after 18 months I found the answer. I have over 1,100 tags (don't ask, I'm organized) and each new tag automatically lists in the sidebar. As this list grows, the time to create a new tag increases which for me was about 20-30 seconds of spinning beachball frustration. I also save many PDF's from the reader view in Safari and tagging them via the save dialogue was the same; the lag lasted for 40-60 seconds in Safari.

The solution is to open Finder Preferences and select TAGS. Uncheck every Tag except for one (so the Tags designation remains in the sidebar for easy access). As you delete these, this process speeds up until finally a new tag is nearly instantaneous. You can mouse over the circle to the left of each tag to add a color as well.

Hi @Ronp317,

I was having the same problem, when I came across another site that had the solution that fixed my problem. Just turn off iCloud on your device. It worked for me. When I turned it back on, the problem didn't come back, I just cut down what i was sharing across my devices to what was absolutely necessary. As far as I can see this has worked. If the problem returns, I am just going to turn off iCloud for good and use another system.

I hope this helps!

Shaa.

Dear fellows,

Of course this is all a solution for one minute.

I did all your suggestions, and every time again the Finder was still slow at the end or the next day.

And yes, my computer is clean etc. 😝

But in 2017 ... do we really have to repeat and repeat and repeat all those tips and tricks, so we can work properly?

So our question is:

dear Apple, why are you not fixing the system?

It costs us a lot of hard earned money! So it isn't funny anymore.

Isn't it, folks?

Thanks for the tips. I started following your process and found that my iCloud Drive was turned on. I turned it off completely and found that this alone fixed the slow functionality of Finder. Just wanted to throw that out there for people in case it helps them too. Thanks.

Hello Chintamaniv,

After upgrading to High Sierra (10.13) I noticed important slowdowns in the Finder. I first tried the OSXDaily suggestions you mentioned under point n°7 but I didn't notice a real difference. But deleting all the internet accounts as you suggested worked out great for me : the Finder is now fast again (and even faster then under Sierra 10.12).

Thanx!

I've had issues moving files, saving files, opening files, attached files, dragging files from finder into a browser field (ie attachments), and just general sluggishness anytime I had to access the file architecture. Your fix, thus far, resolved everything. I didn't need to remove my added email accounts but getting rid of the FB and such (which I never used anyway) and the cloud services fix worked. Thank you very much, this has made me very frustrated ever since the upgrade to OS Sierra!

Ok friends,

I was looking around for solutions on this and similar issues for a long time. I was facing these issues (mentioned below) on my MAcBook PRO. Did countless things, but no effect.

Today, I updated my macOS to 10.12.1 and was hoping, that this new update will resolve my issues. Still no effect.

Many people were talking about 'Google drive' is creating such problems. Even my twitter chat with  support, they mentioned about the same checkpoint. So, I deleted the app and all. Still no effect.

I am mentioning my issues here again for your information.

1. Finder is freezes / colour wheel is spinning and taking enormous time to bring a popup while I am attaching a file (even if it is a drag drop) from any email client. Even with Gmail in browser.
2. Same behaviour, when I am trying to opening a file from any application (like Keynote, Pages etc.)
3. When, I am dragging a file from one finder tab to another, it is freezing and taking time to make the action.
4. While deleting and /or moving file one folder to another.
5. Taking time to show directory listing in a finder (only some times).

This is what finally worked for me.

(Please do it at your own risk. I am not an expert for sure.)

1. I disconnected all the accounts (including Twitter, Facebook etc.) from my 'Internet Accounts' menu.
2. System Preferences > Internet Accounts
3. Select each account you have.
4. Click on - sign at the bottom left corner of the box (it will delete the account from mac)
5. macOS will ask you many questions, do the needful as per your requirements.
6. Follow this tutorial. Link mentioned below.
7. http://osxdaily.com/2015/04/17/fix-slow-folder-populating-cloudkit-macosx/
8. Restart your computer/Laptop.
9. Hopefully, you are over with the problems.

In my view, disconnecting all the cloud accounts (including Twitter, Facebook etc.) from 'Internet Accounts' menu and then restarting is solving the problem.

Do post your feedbacks for more insight. Thank you all.