macOS Apps settings
Installed apps, optional features, and what runs on startup.
- Mission Control & SpacesMission Control gives you a bird's-eye view of every open window and virtual desktop (called a Space) on your Mac, so you can quickly find a window or switch contexts. Spaces let you group apps by project or activity instead of piling every window onto one desktop.
- General & Default AppsThe General settings pane covers system-wide basics like software update, storage, and login items, while default app settings let you choose which app opens web links, email, and specific file types instead of relying on Apple's built-in apps.
- Login Items & ExtensionsLogin Items & Extensions settings control which apps and documents open automatically when you log in, plus which system extensions — like Finder add-ons, sharing options, and background helper processes — are allowed to run.
- Siri & SpotlightSiri settings control your Mac's voice assistant — activation phrase, voice, and language — while Spotlight settings determine what shows up when you search with Command-Space, including which categories of results and suggestions appear.
- ExtensionsExtensions settings let you enable or disable add-ons that other apps install into Finder, the Share menu, Today widgets, and other system surfaces, giving you control over what third-party code can hook into.
- Passwords AppThe Passwords app provides a dedicated interface for viewing, organizing, and sharing the passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes stored in iCloud Keychain, separate from Safari's AutoFill settings.
- Game ControllersGame Controllers settings let you pair Bluetooth controllers such as PlayStation DualSense, Xbox Wireless Controllers, and MFi controllers with your Mac, and customize button mapping for supported games.
- Universal ControlUniversal Control lets you use a single keyboard and mouse or trackpad to work seamlessly across a Mac and a nearby iPad or second Mac, and drag content such as files and images between them.
- Shortcuts AppThe Shortcuts app lets you build multi-step automations that run apps, files, and system actions in sequence, either manually, on a schedule, or triggered by an event.
- Screenshots & Screen RecordingThe Screenshot toolbar (opened with Shift-Command-5) controls where captures are saved, whether the pointer is included, a capture timer, and lets you record all or part of the screen as a video.
Other macOS categories
- SystemKeep your device current and configure core system behavior.
- Privacy & SecurityControl which apps can access your camera, microphone, and data.
- Network & InternetWi-Fi, Bluetooth, and network connection settings.
- Display & SoundScreen, audio, and alert preferences.
- Storage & BackupManage space, back up your data, and stay protected against loss.
- Accounts & FamilyAccount sign-in, sync, and family/parental controls.
- AccessibilityAssistive features, input, and language & region settings.
- TroubleshootingReset, restart, and diagnose common issues.
- PersonalizationThemes, wallpaper, lock screen, and layout of your device.
- DevicesMice, keyboards, trackpads, printers, and other connected hardware.
- System InfoDevice details, advanced settings, and activation status.