How to customize System Preferences on macOS to make it easier to use

In macOS, System Preferences (System Preferences) they are the “central” for solving your problems: as a rule, this is the first “place” you visit when you want to change some configuration of your computer or need to solve something with it.

There is only one problem: over the years, the site has gained more and more options / icons on its home screen – which is natural, considering the natural progression of macOS development and the fact that it gains new features and functionality every major version. This makes it somewhat difficult to use System Preferences without spending a few seconds looking for the option you want.

That’s exactly what we’re here for: giving you two tips that will potentially make your relationship with System Preferences more friendly and agile. Come on?

Sort options alphabetically

For some time now, Apple started to display the options on the main screen of the application according to the type – at the top we have the icons related to your Apple ID and Family Sharing, while the “cake” of preferences is divided into two subgroups.

The idea is good, but sometimes all you need is an organization of all icons alphabetically. Fortunately, this is possible: just click on the option “View” in the menu bar and select the option “Organize Alphabetically” – it is worth noting that, in that same menu, you can have quick access in alphabetical order to all areas of the Preferences of the system.

Hide icons you don’t use

Not in the habit of connecting mice to your MacBook? Don’t have an iPad giving soup to use the Sidecar feature? Doesn’t your backup solution go through Time Machine? Don’t be afraid: all icons related to preferences that you don’t use (or don’t use often, at least) can be hidden so that you can find what really matters more easily.

To do this, simply access the “View” menu again and click on the “Customize …” option. Then, uncheck all the icons you want to hide and click “OK”.

Ready! All less used options will be hidden immediately. But don’t worry: you can still find them using the System Preferences search – or restore them on the app’s home screen simply by performing the same process described above.

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Did you like the tips? Leave other advice – and also doubts, existential anxieties, criticisms or praise – below. See you next time! ?