If you’ve updated your macOS, you might have noticed that System Preferences is now called System Settings. This is where you go to set up devices, add printers, or manage user accounts on your Mac.
Sometimes, you might see an error message saying “System Preferences is busy and can’t be closed” or “System Settings is busy and can’t be closed”. Don’t worry – this is a common issue, and there are ways to fix it.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to solve this problem step by step. We’ll use the term System Preferences throughout, but the advice works for System Settings too.
Let’s get your Mac back to working smoothly!
Why do I see the error ‘System Preferences is busy and can’t be closed’?
Why do you see the ‘System Preferences is busy and can’t be closed‘ error?
This error can pop up for a few different reasons:
- There may be a Internal Glitch. Sometimes, a part of System Preferences itself might be having trouble.
- Hardware Issues. A device connected to your Mac, like a printer or external hard drive, could be causing problems.
- Software Issues. Some third-party software might not be playing nice with your system.
When System Preferences encounters these issues, it gets stuck trying to resolve them and won’t close normally.
But don’t worry – there are ways to fix this, and we’ll walk you through them.
How to fix ‘System Preferences is busy and can’t be closed’?
When System Preferences (now, System Settings) freezes on your Mac, it can be frustrating. But don’t worry – there are several steps you can take to resolve this issue.
Let’s go through them from the simplest to the more complex:
#1 Quit and Reopen System Preferences
First, try to close System Preferences normally:
- Press Command-Q on your keyboard
- Or go to the System Preferences menu and select Quit
Sometimes, applications can freeze – it’s a common computer hiccup. If this simple step works, great! If not, move on to the next solution.
#2 Force Quit System Preferences
If a normal quit doesn’t work, you’ll need to force quit:
- Press Command-Option-Escape to open the Force Quit window
- Select System Preferences from the list
- Click Force Quit
Alternatively, you can quit it from Apple Menu.
Just click the Apple menu at the top left of your screen and select Force Quit. Choose System Preferences and click Force Quit.
Or, if System Preferences is in your Dock, right-click on the System Preferences icon and select Force Quit from the menu that appears.
#3 Restart Your Mac
If force quitting didn’t solve the problem, try restarting your Mac:
- Click the Apple menu in the top left corner
- Select Restart
A fresh start can often clear up any underlying issues that might be causing System Preferences to hang.
#4 Check for macOS Updates
An outdated system can sometimes cause glitches like this. However, checking for updates might be tricky if you can’t access System Preferences. If you can open the App Store, you might be able to check for updates there.
#5 Boot into Safe Mode
Safe Mode can help diagnose and potentially fix issues by loading only the essential system extensions. Here’s how to do it:
For Macs with Apple Silicon:
- Shut down your Mac completely
- Press and hold the power button until you see the startup options screen
- Select your startup disk
- Hold the Shift key and click Continue in Safe Mode
For Intel-based Macs:
- Turn off your Mac
- Restart it and immediately hold down the Shift key
- Release the Shift key when you see the login window
After entering Safe Mode, try opening System Preferences. If it works correctly, restart your Mac normally and check if the problem is resolved.
In Conclusion To
While a frozen System Preferences can be frustrating, you now have the tools to tackle this issue. From simple restarts to more advanced troubleshooting, these steps should help you get back on track.
Remember, patience is key when dealing with tech hiccups. With these methods, you’ll likely resolve the problem and return to smooth sailing on your Mac.
If you’re still facing issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support for additional help. Your Mac experience should be enjoyable, not hindered by stubborn errors!
We’d love to hear about your experience – please share your thoughts in a single sentence in the comments below.
