Step-by-step guide to stop showing recently used apps in the Mac Dock

It is often a good idea to keep a log of the applications you have used on a Mac device. Mac OS gives you the ability to view your recent apps in the dock menu. If you are an individual who wishes to visit an application you visited recently, you can do so on the recently used apps section in the dock menu. However, certain users may not find this feature useful or may not have any need for it. This blog will cover how you can stop showing recently used apps in the Mac Dock.

You can edit the preferences for the Mac Dock in your system preferences section. There will be an option for you to customize your dock menu options within this section. Here you will be able to find the options for the recently used apps, and then you will be able to stop them from displaying. Have a read-through and see what you need to do to stop apps from displaying on the Mac Dock. 

  1. Firstly, open the “launchpad” Mac drawer. 
  2. Now click on the “System preferences” option. 
  3. Then click on the option that says “Dock & Menu Bar.” 
  4. Now uncheck the box that says “Show recent applications in Dock.” 
  5. Finally, close the “System preferences” panel. 

When you have completed the steps shown above, you will have successfully stopped showing recent apps in the Mac Dock. Any apps that have been opened recently and are showing in the Dock will disappear once the option has been unselected. It might be worthwhile to restart your device if the steps do not function properly. However, there should not be an issue with completing the steps shown above regarding not displaying the doc options for recent apps. 

An in-depth guide on how to stop showing recently used apps in the Mac Dock

If you struggle to follow the steps shown above, you can use the in-depth guide to help. The guide includes screenshots that allow you to navigate the process without issues. The screenshots also serve as a visual context if you struggle to understand what the step requires. If you require more assistance, there is also an in-depth analysis of some complex steps. The in-depth analysis of these steps will allow you to progress through the process without any issues. Read through our in-depth guide to better understand how to stop showing recently used apps on the Mac Dock. 

  • Firstly, open the “launchpad” Mac drawer. 

The launchpad is an area where you can access all your applications on your Mac OS device. To proceed with the process, you will need to click on it. 

  • Now click on the “System preferences” option. 
  • Then click on the option that says “Dock & Menu Bar.” 
  • Now uncheck the box that says “Show recent applications in Dock.” 
  • Finally, close the “System preferences” panel. 

Mac OS will stop showing recently used apps on the Dock once you have completed the steps illustrated above. You must remember that they would all disappear if applications were in the recently used section. They will vanish once the steps above her are completed, and the option has been unselected. If you find that the steps have not given you the results required, you can restart your Mac OS device to resolve the issue. If you have followed the steps shown above, there will be no issues with recently used apps showing on the dock menu. 

Why may you want to stop showing recently used apps in the Mac Dock?

While having the recently used app section in your Mac drawer is a useful feature, there may be instances where you may not require this feature. For example, if you have multiple apps in your Dock, the recently used apps may create a lot of unnecessary clutter that can cause an inconvenience. You may not be able to navigate and find the apps you require from the Dock. Therefore completing the process shown above will remove all the unnecessary clutter and prevent the applications from residing in the Mac Dock. 

Another instance where you may find that stopping apps from showing in the Mac dock is useful is when you have visual difficulty. If there are several apps in the Mac Dock, this can cause the application icons to go smaller. The smaller application icons will make it difficult to see them properly, and it can cause issues with navigation. However, following the steps shown above will ensure that any unnecessary applications are not stored in the Mac Dock. This will allow you to properly see the necessary applications and then navigate them. 

Another reason why you may want to stop showing recently used apps is for aesthetic purposes. The unnecessary apps create clutter in the Dock, but it also doesn’t look visually appealing. Following the steps shown above and removing the unnecessary applications will prevent any unnecessary clutter and help improve visual aesthetics. You will also ensure that only the most important applications you need stay on the dock menu. 

What are you want to show recently used apps in the Mac Dock again?

The recently used application section on your Mac device can serve a purpose if you open the same application regularly. If you find that you require the recently used application section in the Mac Dock, you can simply reverse the process and make sure the option is selected. To allow the Dock to show recently used applications, you must go into the “System preferences” section and make sure the option is selected.

Conclusion

Thank you for taking the time to read our content on how you can stop showing the recently used apps in the Mac Dock. We have given you the process on how you can achieve this and an in-depth guide if you struggle to understand the process. We have also provided instances where you may find the steps shown above useful. If you do not find the option that we have shown useful, you can use the steps and then make sure the option for “Show recent applications in Dock” is selected. If you require more assistance, simply drop a comment below, and we will address the issues you may have. 

Saajid Gangat

Saajid Gangat has been a researcher and content writer at Business Tech Planet since 2021. Saajid is a tech-savvy writer with expertise in web and graphic design and has extensive knowledge of Microsoft 365, Adobe, Shopify, WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and more! You can connect with Saajid on Linkedin.

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