Spotlight Not Opening Folder (Opening File) Since Recent Update?!

If a normal reboot doesn't help give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

_daniel_ wrote:

Hi,

For years, I have used the Spotlight search function to locate files. Typically, not to open them but to just find them in Finder (to copy them, attach them to email etc.). That is: If you wanted to open a file search result, you would click; if you wanted to open Finder to show the file in its folder, you would Command-click.

Since recently --- presumably a update of MacOS? --- the second option, Command-click or "Open in Folder", does not work anymore. It now also opens the file (in Word or whatever the associated app etc.)?!

Is that per design? (If so, that would be ****** design!) Is it only me? How can I re-enable the "Open in Folder" function? I searched online but could not find a solution.

Thank you for any advice

Try rebooting the computer and try again.

_daniel_ wrote:

Hi,

For years, I have used the Spotlight search function to locate files. Typically, not to open them but to just find them in Finder (to copy them, attach them to email etc.). That is: If you wanted to open a file search result, you would click; if you wanted to open Finder to show the file in its folder, you would Command-click.

Since recently --- presumably a update of MacOS? --- the second option, Command-click or "Open in Folder", does not work anymore. It now also opens the file (in Word or whatever the associated app etc.)?!

Is that per design? (If so, that would be ****** design!) Is it only me? How can I re-enable the "Open in Folder" function? I searched online but could not find a solution.

Thank you for any advice

It works exactly as it always had for me. There are several posts saying it doesn't work. I can't explain why it works as it did for some, but others have problems. Try selecting it in Spotlight and cmd-R to "Reveal" in Finder.

It may be a long shot but you might try this: How to rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac - Apple Support  

Have you installed and run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus or VPN apps on your Mac?