Set Which Folder New Finder Windows Open To
Replace the default “Recents” target with Documents, Home, or any folder.
Write `NewWindowTarget` (e.g. PfDe for Documents) and `NewWindowTargetPath`, then `killall Finder`.
01Command
Command
$ defaults write com.apple.finder NewWindowTarget -string "PfDe" && defaults write com.apple.finder NewWindowTargetPath "file:///Users/apple/Documents/" && killall Finder02What it does
The Finder settings pane offers only a few targets; the `NewWindowTarget` key accepts codes such as PfHm (Home), PfDe (Documents), PfLo (Other) plus a full `file:///` path, opening up any folder as the default. This is one of the first tweaks power users apply to a new Mac.
03Risk
!Warning: For “Other”, the path must be a proper URL-encoded `file:///` string. `killall Finder` briefly restarts all open Finder windows; delete the keys to restore the Recents default.
04Undo
Undo
$ defaults delete com.apple.finder NewWindowTarget; defaults delete com.apple.finder NewWindowTargetPath; killall Finder05Sources
- defaults – Read and write macOS user defaultsEvidence: com.apple.finder NewWindowTarget/Path keys define the new-window target
Last verified: 2026-09-18 · Category: System & Settings
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