Missing folders after 14.5 update

[lbsimon50]

After updating my 2021 M1 14" MacBookPro to Sonoma 14.5, three folders disappeared from the Finder's side panel: Applications, Downloads ,and Users. They are not deleted, and still can be found where they are supposed to be if I go to them directly from Finder's Go option. I did a lot of searches on Google, did not help. Hopefully, some of our experts here can suggest a solution.

-Leo

 

[Raz0rEdge]

Open Finder. Ensure that you have Path Bar enabled, if not, click on View->Show Path Bar. Then click on Macintosh HD which will give you about 4 folders. Grab the Applications and Users folder and drag it to the sidebar.

Then click into Users/<username> and drag the Downloads folder to the sidebar.

 

[lbsimon50]

Tried that from the very start. Did not and still does not work. When I try to drug a folder to the sidebar, there is a "no" icon (crossed circle) appears next to the folder name, and when I release the folder on the sidebar, it jumps back to the folder list on the right.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

That is very odd. My 14.5 upgrade didn't have this effect and I can drag any folder to the sidebar with no issue and can remove the existing ones as well.

Does a reboot make anything better or does it not matter?

 

[lbsimon50]

Yes, tried to reboot (have not tried safe mode), did not help.

In general, not for this thread, every OS update breaks something. The previous update broke automatic sleep mode, I could only do it manually. This one - the sidebar!

 

[Jimmysb]

Click Finder / Settings:

 

[lbsimon50]

Yep, this was the first thing I looked into. Downloads and Applications folders are checked, and still no difference, they do not appear on the sidebar.

Guys, any more suggestions?

 

[ferrarr]

Maybe delete the preferences for Finder. See this article, Finder issues? How to delete its preferences (outdated link removed)

 

[lbsimon50]

Update (and solution):

I contacted Apple support over a chat line, and because I had to restart the Mac a few times, I had to speak with three separate agents. The last one resolved the issue and I felt stupid how simple it was.

All the missing folders were hidden under Favorites header. I had no idea that I needed to bring the mouse over that word (Favorite) to see a down arrow. Clicking on that arrow unfolded the folders, and I was able to see them all.

This arrow is not visible until the mouse is over it. And even though I said that I felt stupid, I believe that it is a user experience issue, as a user should be able to see the arrow at all times.

Thanks to all who tried to help me here.

 

[pm-r]

This arrow is not visible until the mouse is over it. And even though I said that I felt stupid, I believe that it is a user experience issue, as a user should be able to see the arrow at all times.

I guess that's just another thing that Apple considers a"New and Improved" OS Feature even if and when they don't document the fact or how it works.

I'm glad you were able to get your problem sorted out.



- Patrick
=======

 

[MacInWin]

I guess that's just another thing that Apple considers a"New and Improved" OS Feature even if and when they don't document the fact or how it works.

Not new, been around for a while. And it's documented here:

Customize the Finder sidebar on Mac

In the Finder on your Mac, hide, show, or resize the sidebar, and change or rearrange its contents.

support.apple.com

where it says

• Show or hide all the items in a section of the sidebar: Position the pointer over the section heading until the Hide button
  
  or the Show button
  
  appears, then click the button. For example, to temporarily hide your Favorites, position the pointer over the Favorites heading in the sidebar, then click the Hide button
  
  .

 

[Raz0rEdge]

For a long time a lot of UI elements are only visible when hovered over. For example, the scrollbar isn't visible until you scroll, etc.

But glad you got resolution to your issue.

 

[Rod]

This feature has been around for ages. It's there to minimise/roll up the items under any of the headings in the side bar. Some people, like my wife, have dozens under favourites. It saves scrolling when using Tags, Devices or other items. The question is why would an update change these settings? Well, it's a bit unfair to say, "every OS update breaks something." In this case all it did was return a preference to its default state. Of course some preferences are "set an forget" so we might not remember it was a choice made some time ago. The other thing is they're not universal. I have exactly the same MacBook and this did not happen to me but it was going to be my suggestion just before the issue was solved.

 

[pm-r]

Not new, been around for a while. And it's documented here:

Maybe so, but it certainly isn't exactly obvious and could easily be overlooked.


- Patrick
=======

 

[Rod]

Sorta like the button on the side of the back doors in our car that initiates the child Lock.

 

[toMACsh]

Well, the "hover over this to make the thing you need appear" was an innovation that should have been deep-sixed before it ever was released into the wild. It is now rampant, and is, in my opinion, the dumbest idea to ever see the light of day in the computing world. How is the user supposed to know how to make the invisible thing they need visible? Just, plain, stupid.

Now Rod, it's been a long time since I've purchased a new vehicle. But, in days gone by, there was a written owner's manual that told you about the child lock. The purpose for making it "hidden" is obvious, and makes all the sense in the world. Yes, you said "sorta", but it's far from a perfect analogy.