System settings won't close

System settings won't close

I just upgraded to the new IOS for my MacBook Pro. Once it was downloaded and installed and my laptop restarted, the system settings screen opened and is still running an hour or so later and refuses to close. I have tried to do a force quit on the laptop to see if restarting the laptop will clear it up. I get a message that I must first close system settings, and it refuses to close.

Here’s the detailed guide to troubleshoot the issue where the System Settings application gets stuck and the problem recurs after forcing a shutdown, particularly when interacting with System Settings:

1. Reset NVRAM/PRAM

• Why: These settings store certain preferences that might interfere with System Settings.
• Steps:

1. 1. Shut down your Mac completely.
   2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R keys.
   3. Hold the keys for about 20 seconds until the Apple logo appears or you hear the startup sound twice.
   4. Test if System Settings works.

2. Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)

• Why: If the issue is hardware-related or linked to power management, resetting the SMC can help.
• Steps (for Macs with T2 Security Chip):

1. 1. Shut down the Mac.
   2. Press and hold Shift + Control + Option + Power simultaneously for 10 seconds.
   3. Release the keys and turn the Mac back on.
   4. Open System Settings to check if the issue persists.

3. Boot in Safe Mode

• Why: Safe Mode disables third-party software and caches, allowing you to isolate the issue.
• Steps:

1. 1. Shut down your Mac.
   2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
   3. Log in when prompted. You’ll see "Safe Boot" in the menu bar.
   4. Open System Settings to see if the problem occurs in Safe Mode.
   5. Restart your Mac normally to exit Safe Mode.

4. Delete Potentially Corrupt Preference Files

• Why: System Preferences-related .plist files might be corrupt.
• Steps:

1. 1. Open Finder and press Command + Shift + G.
   2. Enter ~/Library/Preferences and press Enter.
   3. Locate files like com.apple.systempreferences.plist or similar.
   4. Move these files to a temporary folder (e.g., Desktop).
   5. Restart your Mac and check System Settings.

5. Check for Third-Party App Conflicts

• Why: Certain login items or extensions might be causing the issue.
• Steps:

1. 1. Go to System Settings > Users & Groups > Login Items.
   2. Disable all login items by selecting and removing them.
   3. Restart your Mac and test System Settings.

6. Reinstall macOS

• Why: A corrupted macOS installation might cause this recurring issue.
• Steps:

1. 1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Recovery Mode.
   2. Select Reinstall macOS and follow the on-screen instructions.
   3. This will refresh your system files without deleting your personal data.

7. Create a New User Account

• Why: If the issue is profile-specific, testing in a new account can confirm this.
• Steps:

1. 1. Open System Settings > Users & Groups.
   2. Create a new admin user.
   3. Log in with the new account and test System Settings.

8. Contact Apple Support

• If none of the above works, the issue may require advanced diagnostics or a deeper inspection of your Mac's hardware or software. Visit an Apple Store or contact Apple Support.