How to Reset Launchpad on Mac
Launchpad is a convenient feature on your Mac that allows you to quickly access and open applications. It offers a clean and organized view of all the applications installed on your Mac, similar to the home screen on an iOS device. However, there may be times when Launchpad becomes unresponsive or displays incorrect information. In such cases, resetting Launchpad can help resolve the issue. In this article, we will guide you on how to reset Launchpad on your Mac.
Resetting Launchpad on Mac:
1. Open Finder: Click on the Finder icon located in the Dock. Alternatively, you can press Command+Space and type “Finder” in the Spotlight search bar.
2. Access Library Folder: In the Finder window, click on “Go” in the top menu bar and select “Go to Folder.” A small window will appear. Type “~/Library” (without quotes) in the text field and click on the “Go” button.
3. Locate Application Support Folder: In the Library folder, navigate to “Application Support” and open it.
4. Find Launchpad Folder: Within the Application Support folder, search for the folder named “Dock” and open it.
5. Delete Launchpad Files: Locate the files named “db” and “db-shm” in the Dock folder. Drag these files to the Trash or right-click on them and select “Move to Trash.”
6. Empty Trash: Open the Trash folder from the Dock and click on “Empty” to permanently delete the Launchpad files.
7. Restart Mac: After emptying the Trash, restart your Mac. You can do this by clicking on the Apple menu in the top-left corner and selecting “Restart.”
8. Launchpad Reset: Once your Mac restarts, press and hold the Option (⌥) and Command (⌘) keys simultaneously. This action will reset Launchpad, and you will notice the icons rearranging themselves.
9. Check Launchpad: Open Launchpad by clicking on its icon in the Dock or by pressing the F4 key on your keyboard. Verify if the applications are displayed correctly and if the issue has been resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Why should I reset Launchpad on my Mac?
A: Resetting Launchpad can resolve issues such as unresponsive behavior, incorrect application icons, or missing applications.
Q: Will resetting Launchpad remove any of my applications?
A: No, resetting Launchpad does not remove or uninstall any applications from your Mac. It only resets the Launchpad layout and preferences.
Q: Can I rearrange the icons manually after resetting Launchpad?
A: Yes, after resetting Launchpad, you can rearrange the icons by clicking and dragging them to the desired position.
Q: What do I do if Launchpad is still not functioning correctly after resetting?
A: If Launchpad continues to have issues, you can try resetting your Mac’s System Management Controller (SMC) or contact Apple Support for further assistance.
Q: Will resetting Launchpad affect any other settings or files on my Mac?
A: No, resetting Launchpad is a harmless process that only affects the Launchpad layout and preferences. It does not modify any other settings or files on your Mac.
In conclusion, Launchpad on your Mac can sometimes encounter problems, but resetting it can often resolve these issues. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can easily reset Launchpad and get it back to its functional state. Remember to restart your Mac after resetting and check if Launchpad is functioning correctly. If you still face issues, consider reaching out to Apple Support for further assistance.