How to Fix the “File Can’t Be Found” Error on Mac

Do you frequently encounter the “File can’t be found” error on your Mac? This prevalent issue can interrupt your daily tasks and become a hurdle when trying to access important files. Luckily, this error typically requires a few simple steps to correct and prevent it from recurring.

This guide offers detailed instructions on how to efficiently find missing files and address related errors on your Mac. Follow these methods to access the files you need without delay.

What Is ‘The File Can’t Be Found’ Error on Mac?

The “File can’t be found” error on a Mac typically occurs when the system tries to open a file or program at startup that is either deleted, damaged, or unavailable. This situation most commonly arises from changes in the system’s file directory, such as when files move or disappear without updated settings or external drives disconnect without proper dismounting.

The primary reasons for this error include:

• During startup, the Mac might attempt to access programs or files that were previously removed or altered, which leads to this error.
• Corrupted or incomplete files fail to open correctly, prompting the system to report them as not found.
• If the system expects a file to be on an external drive or network location that is not currently accessible, it will report an error.

Note: If the “File can’t be found” error involves actual file loss, use data recovery software like Disk Drill. This tool recovers lost and deleted files and helps you restore important data.

In the next section, we will provide detailed steps on how to address and resolve the “File can’t be found” error. We will concentrate on maintaining a clean and efficient startup process to prevent such disruptions from affecting your Mac’s performance.

How to Fix ‘The File Can’t Be Found’ on Mac

To fix the “file can’t be found” issue on your Mac, you need to follow some clear troubleshooting steps. This section provides simple strategies to help you resolve the error efficiently. Each method includes easy-to-follow instructions to help you locate missing files and restore your Mac’s functionality.

Method 1: Check MacOS Updates

The first step in troubleshooting the “File can’t be found” error on your Mac is to verify that your operating system is current. MacOS updates often include fixes for common bugs and improvements that can resolve file management issues.

Here is how you can check for and install macOS updates:

1. Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
2. Click “Software Update” to check for any available updates for your Mac.
3. If an update is available, click “Update Now” to download and install the latest macOS version. You may need to restart your computer to complete the installation.

4. After the initial update, return to the “Software Update” screen to confirm that no more updates are waiting to be installed.

An update to MacOS often resolves the error that a file could not be found on your Mac and improves your computer’s overall performance and security. If the issue persists after the update, consider additional troubleshooting steps.

Method 2: Start Mac in Safe Mode

Start your Mac in Safe Mode to diagnose and fix issues related to software conflicts and system errors. Safe Mode limits your Mac to core functions, disables third-party applications, and prevents unnecessary startup items, which can help resolve problems like when the original file cannot be found on your Mac.

Follow these steps to start your Mac in Safe Mode:

1. Turn off your Mac completely.
2. Press the power button to turn on your Mac.
3. Immediately after turning on your Mac, press and hold the Shift key.
4. Release the Shift key when you see the login window. This indicates that your Mac is now in Safe Mode.
5. Log in to your account. You might be asked to log in twice if FileVault is enabled.

In Safe Mode, observe if the file cannot be found or if other similar errors occur. If the error does not appear, this indicates that third-party software or login items cause the issue. After identifying the problematic software, restart your Mac normally and remove or update the related software to prevent future errors.

Method 3: Remove Unnecessary LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons

LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons are components of macOS that manage how applications and processes start automatically in the background. While LaunchAgents are associated with user-level processes that start after you log in, LaunchDaemons run at the system level and begin as soon as your Mac boots up. Occasionally, these elements can interfere with file accessibility or system performance, potentially causing the error can’t find the file on Mac.

Remove or disable unnecessary LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons to help resolve this error.

Here are the steps to manage these elements:

1. Open Finder, click “Go” in the menu bar, and select “Go to Folder.” Type `~/Library/LaunchAgents` and `/Library/LaunchDaemons` in separate searches to access each directory.

2. Inspect the files in each folder. These files control various automatic processes and applications that start with your Mac. Identify any files that are not necessary or that belong to applications you no longer use.

3. Before you delete any files, back them up. Copy the files to a separate folder or an external drive if you need to restore them later.

4. Remove any unnecessary or suspicious files from these folders. Alternatively, move them to a different location to prevent them from launching automatically without permanently deleting them.

5. After you make these changes, restart your Mac to apply them. Check if the error resolves upon reboot.

Method 4: Remove Apps from Login Items

Login items refer to applications that automatically launch each time you boot your Mac. Although this feature offers convenience, an excessive number of startup applications can significantly decelerate your system’s boot time. Moreover, if these applications are improperly configured or attempt to access files that no longer exist, they can lead to various errors and system issues.

Here’s how to clean up your startup process:

1. Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen, then select “System Settiings.”

2. Click on the “General” tab.

3. Click the “Login Items” to see a list of all startup apps.

4. Go through the list and identify any applications you do not need immediately upon startup. Select these applications and click the minus button below the list to remove them from your login items.

5. After you adjust your login items, reboot your Mac to see if the changes resolve the error. If the issue persists, continue with further troubleshooting.

Method 5: Restart Finder Process

Sometimes, the simplest solutions prove the most effective. If you encounter issues where Mac Finder can’t find files or your system behaves erratically, restarting the Finder might help. This process can refresh the Finder’s environment and potentially resolve minor glitches and display issues without requiring more invasive troubleshooting steps.

Follow these steps to restart Finder:

1. Press `Command + Option + Esc` on your keyboard to open the Force Quit window.
2. In the list of applications, select Finder.
3. Click the “Relaunch” button at the bottom of the window to restart Finder immediately.

4. After the Finder restarts, try accessing the files again or perform the task that caused the issue to see if the problem resolves.

Method 6: Reset NVRAM

Reset the NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) on your Mac to resolve various system-related issues, including errors related to file accessibility and other persistent problems. NVRAM quickly stores settings and information your Mac needs, such as display resolution, time zone, and startup disk selection. Sometimes, issues with these settings can cause errors like files can not be found or other related problems.

Here’s how to reset your Mac’s NVRAM:

1. First, completely power off your Mac.
2. Press the power button to turn on your Mac.
3. Immediately after pressing the power button, simultaneously hold down the `Option + Command + P + R` keys.
4. Continue holding the keys for about 20 seconds. Your Mac might restart during this process. Release the keys after the second startup sound or after the Apple logo appears and disappears for the second time on Macs with a T2 Security Chip.
5. After your Mac restarts, you may need to reconfigure some settings, such as display resolution or startup disk preference.

Method 7: Reinstall macOS

When all other troubleshooting methods fail to resolve persistent issues like the “file cannot be found” error, reinstalling macOS can provide a clean state for your system. This process refreshes the operating system while preserving your files and settings, and it addresses any underlying software issues that might cause the problem.

Follow these steps to reinstall macOS:

1. Although reinstalling macOS preserves your files, create a backup with Time Machine or another backup solution.
2. Shut down your Mac, then turn it on while holding `Command + R` until the Apple logo or a spinning globe appears. This action boots your Mac into macOS Recovery mode.
3. In the macOS Utilities window, select “Reinstall macOS” and click “Continue.”
4. Choose your startup disk (usually named “Macintosh HD”) and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Your Mac will download and install the latest version of macOS that is compatible with your system.
5. After the installation finishes, your Mac will restart. Log in as usual and check if the error has been resolved.

Reinstalling macOS often fixes deep-rooted system issues that other methods cannot resolve. If the error persists after a fresh installation, specific hardware may cause the problem and require further investigation or professional support.

How to Prevent the “File Can’t Be Found” Error in the Future

Prevent the “File can’t be found” error through anticipatory steps to maintain a stable and organized system. These precautions guarantee that your Mac remains efficient and files stay accessible whenever needed.

• Keep your operating system up to date to avoid bugs and compatibility issues that can cause file errors. Frequently check for updates through “System Preferences” > “Software Update.”
• Reduce the number of applications and processes that launch at startup. Remove unnecessary LaunchAgents, LaunchDaemons, and login items to minimize the chances of errors arising from misconfigured or outdated software.
• Organize and declutter your files regularly to prevent loss or oversight. Use clear and consistent naming conventions and store files in designated folders to make searching for and finding files on your Mac hard drive easier.
• To prevent potential file conflicts that may cause errors, use an application like AppCleaner to uninstall programs from your Mac. AppCleaner facilitates the removal of the program and all associated files, reducing the risk of leftover data that could disrupt file management and accessibility.

Conclusion

Address issues related to system settings, startup items, or software conflicts to resolve the “File can’t be found” error on your Mac. Regular maintenance, careful management of startup processes, and staying up to date with macOS updates help prevent these errors from recurring.

FAQ

What causes the “File Can’t Be Found” error on Mac?

The “File can’t be found” error typically occurs when your Mac tries to access a file that has been moved, deleted, or is located on an unavailable drive. It can also arise from permission issues, system updates that disrupt file paths, or corrupted files.

I keep getting a “File Can’t Be Found” error message. How can I stop this?

To stop receiving the “File can’t be found” error, confirm your macOS is up-to-date, as updates often fix bugs related to file management. Regularly clean your startup items and manage LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons to prevent software conflicts. Also, maintain organized file storage and use tools like Spotlight to verify the existence and location of files.

Why can’t I find files on my Mac even after extensive searching?

Suppose extensive searching on your Mac does not yield results. In that case, the files might have been accidentally deleted, moved to a different location, or saved on an external drive that is not currently connected. The Spotlight tool or a dedicated file recovery software might help locate or recover the missing files.

How can I find files that have disappeared on my Mac hard drive?

To locate files that have disappeared from your Mac hard drive, use Spotlight to search using keywords or file names. Check the Trash for any recently deleted items, and consider setting up a Time Machine for future instances. This allows you to restore lost or deleted files. A file recovery program like Disk Drill can help recover lost data if these methods fail.