Finder keeps crashing

When Mac Finder keeps crashing, there could be several reasons why. From low memory storage, corrupt system files to errors with login items. Let's troubleshoot and fix this irritating issue.

Force Relaunch Finder

A quick Force Relaunch might help resolve issues when your Mac Finder keeps crashing.

Here's how to Force Quit Finder:

1. Select the Apple logo, top left.

2. Select Force Quit and select Finder in the list and press relaunch.

Relaunch Finder to see if the problem is resolved.

Restart in Safe Mode

If forcing Finder to relaunch hasn't worked, restart your Mac into Safe Mode to see if launch agents and login items could be the root cause of Finder crashing. 

Safe Mode: How to restart

• Select Apple logo top left, select Restart.

• Immediately press down and hold your Shift key, then when your Mac starts up let go of the Shift key, as the new login window pops up.

• Safe Boot sign-in will be in the top right-hand corner.

• Try to use your Mac as normal.

If Finder no longer crashes in Safe Mode, it's an issue with software or applications that automatically load upon logging in.

Remove your login items and launch agents

You are able to manually disable login items in Users & Groups menu in System Preferences.
But there are another group of startup objects that affect Finder. These are called Launch Agents, and some could steal your Finder’s memory in an unauthorized way.

But to manage your Launch Agents, you’ll need a little extra tool. You can use MacPaw’s CleanMyMac X: this Mac troubleshooting app is notarized by Apple, and it has a handy manager for Launch Agents. It's free to download here. 

Manage launch agents with CleanMyMac X:

• Launch the app, then select the Optimization module from the left sidebar.

• Press the View All Items button and then choose Login items and Launch Agents from the list. Select the ones you'd like to stop from opening when you log in.

• Finally, press Remove.

Manage Storage Space 

If your Mac is running out or running low on disk space, this could be the reason you're having issues with your Mac Finder crashing. You can easily check what space you have available and have a cleanout if necessary.

Check your available storage space:

• Click the Apple logo top left, then select About This Mac.

• Select the Storage tab, and take a look at the overview.

Reset Finder

If Finder is still crashing, it's time to reset Finder's related files; these could have become corrupt. Do this safely with the tool mentioned earlier, CleanMyMac X. 

But first, we need to give CleanMyMac X permission to reset your Finder. This doesn’t affect your system or user files, just in case.If you have CleanMyMac X installed on your Mac, click the CleanMyMac X name in the top left corner.

- Click on CleanMyMac X in the top left corner > Preferences.
- Click on the Ignore List tab > Uninstaller.
- Uncheck “Ignore system applications.”

Now we’re ready to reset the Finder-associated files.

• In CleanMyMac X from the left sidebar, select Uninstaller.

• Select Finder in the list, press the grey arrow to show the dropdown list.

• Select all items, and select Reset in the small dropdown next to Finder.

• Press Reset at the bottom.

Well done. Your Finder’s settings have been refreshed. Hopefully, it won’t crash again.