How to fix disappeared system preferences icon on MacBook Pro

donotunderstand Said:

"System Preferences Icon is non: Suddenly for no apparent reason, the system preferences icon is missing from my dock - I've looked in the applications folder to drag it to the dock, but it is not there. Can anyone help me, please. I have a MacBook Pro"

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Relocate System Settings:

System Settings is what you are looking for. In Ventura, System Preferences was renames to System Settings.

Screenshot:

"Whether I start System Preferences in the Applications folder OR select System Preferences in the Apple menu, I see the same screen. The icon on the top left will not stay set! I can select it, change it, and as soon as I quit the System Preferences and re-start it, the icon reverts to this drum! This drum is NOT even available to select in the first place!!"

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Thank you for the screenshot.

Troubleshooting Application Not Working as they Should:

A. Single-Out this User::

For troubleshooting purposes, create a new administrator user, and see if you still get the issue. If so, then it is an issue with the entire macOS. If not, then it is an issue pertaining to this user.

B. Reinstall the macOS:

Also, one option would be to reinstall the macOS to fix any bugs in this app. Nothing would be lost. It's just that misplaced items would be placed back to where they should be and corrupt system files would be replaced by clean files. Go Here: Reinstall macOS - Apple Support. Boot into Recovery Mode (Intel or Silicon).  Important: Prior to installing an update or performing a reinstallation, to prevent data loss, be sure to Back up your Mac with Time Machine.

Whether I start System Preferences in the Applications folder OR select System Preferences in the Apple menu, I see the same screen. The icon on the top left will not stay set! I can select it, change it, and as soon as I quit the System Preferences and re-start it, the icon reverts to this drum! This drum is NOT even available to select in the first place!!

[Edited by Moderator]

"Whether I start System Preferences in the Applications folder OR select System Preferences in the Apple menu, I see the same screen. The icon on the top left will not stay set! I can select it, change it, and as soon as I quit the System Preferences and re-start it, the icon reverts to this drum! This drum is NOT even available to select in the first place!!"

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IMPORTANT NOTE:

Keep Personal Info off of these Forums:

These forums are here for everyone out there to view. So, just be certain to keep personal information(Names) off of these forums and other forums too. Anyone out there can read this info. For your Security & Privacy: I have asked the host to edit or rid of the image you've provided.

donotunderstand Said:

"System Preferences Icon is non: Suddenly for no apparent reason, the system preferences icon is missing from my dock - I've looked in the applications folder to drag it to the dock, but it is not there. Can anyone help me, please. I have a MacBook Pro"

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Avatar:

If suspicious of what that drum is representing, then I agree 100% that it’s your avatar. But, do you think it would be a different avatar? What happens when you log in as a user? That is your official avatar —the macOS GUI has its own defaults, but your avatar is what you selected upon setting up your user.

donotunderstand Said:

"oh geez, no kidding! Thanks for this, I thought I was losing my mind!!"

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System Settings:

So, is this all solved and you are all set? Or are you not seeing System Settings?

The drum Icon in the position shown is the icon for...

wait for it...

... YOU! that is your MacOS login Avatar.

that is why your name appears right there next to it.