Make Finder Search the Current Folder by Default
Change the scope behind the magnifying glass in Finder windows via defaults.
Run `defaults write com.apple.finder FXDefaultSearchScope -string "SCcf"` and restart Finder.
01Command
Command
$ defaults write com.apple.finder FXDefaultSearchScope -string "SCcf" && killall Finder02What it does
By default the Search field in a Finder window falls back to "This Mac", which returns thousands of hits when you only wanted the folder on screen. The hidden `FXDefaultSearchScope` preference changes that: `SCcf` means current folder, `SCev` means the Mac, and `SCsp` restores the "ask each time" prompt. Finder restarts instantly and remembers the setting until changed.
03Risk
!Warning: `killall Finder` closes and reopens all Finder windows — fine for most users, but save any in-progress Finder operations first. The value must be typed exactly (case-sensitive), otherwise Finder silently keeps the old behavior.
04Undo
Undo
$ defaults delete com.apple.finder FXDefaultSearchScope; killall Finder05Sources
- defaults – Read and write macOS user defaultsEvidence: com.apple.finder FXDefaultSearchScope key controls the default search scope in Finder windows
- defaults(1) – command line interface to user defaultsEvidence: defaults write/delete syntax for com.apple preference domains
Last verified: 2026-09-18 · Category: System & Settings
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