How to Modify the Finder's Default Opening Folder

Finder is without a doubt one of the most often used applications on a Mac. It is where all of your files and folders are stored. That is why it is perpetually active. Additionally, Finder connects with your iCloud account to display cloud-based files, and any external drive connected to your Mac may be accessed via the software.

While Finder allows you to view all of your Mac's files, folders, and directories, you've probably noticed that each time you click on the Finder icon, a specific folder appears in a new Finder window. This folder is persistent, which means that it will appear the same way each time you start a new Finder window. It's time consuming if you don't commonly access the default folder.

You will then need to manually go to the appropriate folder, which adds time and a few extra steps. All of this may be avoided simply altering the default opening folder in Finder. You can configure Finder's default folder to open a specific folder of your choice, which can streamline your workflow. This is how you do it.

WHAT IS FINDER'S BY-DEFAULT FOLDER?

When you purchase a new Mac, the default Finder interface displays your recently accessed files. This may be convenient for some users, as it allows you to rapidly launch recently opened files from this panel. However, this is inconvenient if you want to access a particular folder every time you open a new Finder window.

By altering the default opening folder, you can gain quick access to a specific folder on your Mac that you frequent.

HOW TO MODIFY THE FINDER DEFAULT FOLDER

Changing the default opening folder in Finder is an easy process that requires only a few clicks. This is how you do it on a Mac.

Step 1: On your Mac, open a new Finder window.

Step 2: At the top of your screen, the menu bar will now display 'Finder' alongside the Apple logo. Simply click on it.

Step 3: Navigate to the 'Preferences' menu.

Step 4: If it hasn't already been selected, click on the 'General' tab.

Step 5: You'll notice an option labelled 'New Finder windows show:' here. Click the drop-down menu to the right of it.

Step 6: If your selected default folder is presented here, select it. If not, select the 'Other...' option.

Step 7: You will now be prompted to select a folder as the default opening folder.

Step 8: Select the desired directory by navigating to it and clicking on 'Choose'.

You have now successfully changed the Finder's default opening folder. If you open a new Finder window, you will notice that the folder or directory you picked is opened.

REMOVAL OF DISKS AND NETWORKS FROM FINDER'S SIDEBAR

You've successfully changed the default Finder folder by following the steps above. This one is more of a bonus for new macOS users who need help navigating the Finder. It's rather scary the first time you use Finder, especially with several discs and networks listed in the left column — more generally referred to as the sidebar.

Here's how to remove those unnecessary items and make Finder easier to use.

Step 1: On your Mac, open a new Finder window.

Step 2: At the top of your screen, the menu bar will now display 'Finder' alongside the Apple logo. Simply click on it.

step 3:Select 'Preferences'.

Step 4: Select the 'Sidebar' tab from the menu bar.

Step 5: The Sidebar will now provide a list of all folders, files, and devices. Remove any that you don't wish to see or use. You can, for example, deselect 'Cloud Storage,' 'Connected servers,' and 'Hard discs.'

Each time you open Finder, you will now see only the elements that you chose in the Sidebar. This simplifies the process of locating and navigating to the desired folder. By adding additional drives and network devices, you are simply adding superfluous options to the clutter. You may even disable iCloud on your Mac if you don't use it. Otherwise, all of your iCloud files synchronised from your phone will appear on your Mac as well.

ACCESS YOUR DESIRED FOLDER VIA THE FINDER

Following these basic procedures will save you some additional clicks the next time you use Finder. You can streamline your workflow by opening a Finder window containing the relevant folder and selecting only the necessary directories to see.