Why are all my files in "recents" in duplicate?

Just noticed that every file listed in this folder is duplicated. It seems to include every file I have opened or added to my MBP since 7/25/22, but I have not noticed it until now. When I click on a file to reveal the path at the bottom of the window, the dupes are both identical. However, when I open the folder indicated in the path, the file occurs only once. I suspect an iCloud issue - but I don't use iCloud for files (not on purpose anyway); only for Contacts, Notes, and Reminders. iCloud storage shows only 200MB of use. Some of the files listed twice in "Recents" are as large as 9 GB.

Anyone have any ideas about what is happening?

MacBook Pro

Posted on Sep 23, 2022 07:12 AM

Top-ranking reply

Luis Sequeira1

Level 9

72,012 points

Posted on Sep 23, 2022 07:24 AM

I suppose you are talking about the “Recents” as you may see in the Sidebar of Finder windows.

This is actually a small application embedded in Finder itself, that works much like a Smart Folder. But, contrary to Smart Folders, you have absolutely no control over what appears in Recents. I don’t see the point of using it, really, as it shows often hundreds of files.

By creating your own Smart Folders instead, YOU can decide what you want: it can be, say, all pdf files created in past week, or all images opened in the last day, or whatever combinations of criteria that make sense to your workflow. Name those Smart Folders and keep them in the Sidebar, alter, remove or add new ones as needed.

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Why are all my files in "recents" in duplicate?

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