System Preferences (or System Settings if you are running macOS Ventura or Sonoma) is an integral part of the Mac’s operating system. It is the gateway to personalizing various settings on your system. In fact, you must have come across “System Preferences” on various tutorials and guides explaining the functions on Mac devices or how to modify the settings to make the system align with your workflow.
Although System Preferences is mentioned ubiquitously, there is an air of mystery. This is particularly true among users who have not yet tried their hand at tinkering with the system settings. However, all that changes today. Continue reading to learn everything about System Preferences so you have better control when working on your Mac.
System Preferences on Mac: What is It?
Mac devices come with endless preferences and options, and they are all managed and personalized through System Preferences on Mac. This application allows you to customize the appearance and settings of your device so you can enjoy better control over its feel, look, and functionality.
Mastering the use of this application will truly ensure a personalized user experience like no other.
Where is the System Preferences App Located?
The System Preferences (or System Settings) app is found in the Apple menu on all Mac models. It can be accessed in the following ways:
- From the Apple menu
This is the simplest way to access System Preferences. Click on the Apple menu > choose System Preferences.
- Via Finder
Yes, the System Preferences app can be accessed from Finder. Simply open Finder > choose the Applications folder > scroll down to find System Preferences. Double-click to open the app.
- From Launchpad
From the Dock, click Launchpad > find System Preferences and click to open it.
- Via Spotlight
Spotlight is the most important search tool that is much-loved by Mac users. You can find and access System Preferences by opening Spotlight Search (press Command + Option) > type System Preferences into the search box.
What are the Different Aspects of Your Mac You Can Modify Via System Preferences?
The various settings that can be customized through the System Preferences application are as follows:
- Display
Your Mac’s visual appearance can be transformed through this app. You can change the desktop wallpaper, set the screensaver, and also modify the behavior of the Dock and the layout of the menu bar.
Additionally, you can adjust the screen brightness and resolution and enable Night Shift settings for an optimal viewing experience.
- Enhance Mac’s accessibility
While on this app, you can make your device more user-friendly and inclusive by tinkering with features like closed captions or VoiceOver.
- Bluetooth
From this settings pane, you can enable or disable Bluetooth, search for nearby devices, and connect or disconnect other devices.
- Apple ID management
Here, you can control and manage your Apple ID. Also, you can access different Apple services and subscriptions like FaceTime, iCloud, and so on.
By entering your Apple ID and password, you can make changes to your passwords, personal details, payment preferences, and your iCloud account.
- Security and privacy
In this settings pane, you can modify the settings to secure your privacy and data. You can control the website and app permissions, user accounts, and firewall settings.
- Siri
Siri’s functionality can be activated and deactivated through System Preferences. You can also customize Siri’s response settings through this app.
- Sound settings
Your Mac’s audio can be controlled and managed while you are in the System Preferences app. Besides managing the volume, you can also control the sound effects and the output devices. You can change the startup sound and modify the settings related to notifications and alerts.
- Keyboard settings
Want to increase your typing efficiency? You can open the System Preferences application to change the keyboard settings so that they are aligned with your workflow. From customizing keyboard shortcuts to dictation functionality and changing the input sources, you can modify every aspect of typing.
- Trackpad settings
Whether you want to change the cursor size, customize trackpad gestures, or adjust the scrolling speed, it can be done in the System Preferences app. Trackpad settings can be modified here so you can improve your Mac experience.
- Software update
It is essential to keep your Mac’s software up-to-date. Hence, you can turn on automatic updates for your apps and macOS by going to the System Preferences app.
Other settings options available here are related to Wi-Fi, Family Sharing, Network, Screen Time, Focus, Time Machine, Battery, Game Center, and Storage.
So, as you can see, all the integral Mac settings can be modified in the System Preferences (System Settings) app. You cannot not know how this app functions.
What to Do if System Preferences is Unresponsive?
Although rare, this does happen. You can fix this by force quitting System Preferences or restarting your Mac.
So, now you know all the important things about System Preferences.