Command-W not working in Finder

According to Apple, command-W should close the frontmost Finder window.


It's not working for me on macOS 12.12.6. Is anyone else having the same issue?


PS: Here's the web page where it mentions command-W: Mac keyboard shortcuts - Apple Support.And there's the language they use (I doth quote): "Command-W: Close the front window. To close all windows of the app, press Option-Command-W."


PPS: Option-Command-W does work for me, but it closes *all* windows---I just want to close the frontmost Finder window.


PPPS: If relevant "Command-W" does not appear as a keyboard shortcut for me under File -> Close Window (which has no keyboard shortcut listed at all). (But the point is: the apple web page advertises this behavior, and I don't see why it shouldn't be implemented in Finder!)

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015), macOS Sierra (10.12.6)

Posted on Sep 11, 2018 9:36 PM

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Posted on Sep 12, 2018 5:15 AM

The keyword is frontmost. Just having a Finder window open is not sufficient. You must click that specific Finder window to make it frontmost, and then the ⌘+W will actually close it. If you don't do this, that shortcut may close another application window that is actually frontmost.

3 replies

Sep 12, 2018 8:55 AM in response to JohnnnyNoserun

JohnnnyNoserun wrote:


According to Apple, command-W should close the frontmost Finder window.


PPPS: If relevant "Command-W" does not appear as a keyboard shortcut for me under File -> Close Window (which has no keyboard shortcut listed at all). (But the point is: the apple web page advertises this behavior, and I don't see why it shouldn't be implemented in Finder!)


You have to have an active Finder window—this means it is front and center, for command W—this is for all applications.

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Get to know the Finder on your Mac - Apple Support

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Command-W not working in Finder

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