Finder not launching on Mac: Error Domain=RBSRequestErrorDomain Code=5

When I try to launch the finder app from my dock it doesn’t respond, it only opens when I right click it and select a specific folder. Then when I try to open a new window through the icon, it yet again becomes unresponsive and I have to force quit and relaunch.


When it try to open via terminal: open -a Finder, it doesn’t shoot out any error but behaves the same way; becomes unresponsive. When I try to launch a new window: open -na Finder, it gives this error message:


The application /System/Library/CoreServices/Finder.app cannot be opened for an unexpected reason, error=Error Domain=RBSRequestErrorDomain Code=5 "Launch failed." UserInfo={NSLocalizedFailureReason=Launch failed., NSUnderlyingError=0x600001a5c600 {Error Domain=NSPOSIXErrorDomain Code=162 "Unknown error: 162" UserInfo={NSLocalizedDescription=Launchd job spawn failed}}}


I have tried restarting my Mac, but it hasn’t helped


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Finder not launching

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 14.7

Posted on Jul 26, 2025 08:40 PM

Reply
3 replies

Jul 26, 2025 08:43 PM in response to suren004

First, let’s see if this issue happens in Safe Mode:


  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Press and hold the power button on your Mac. As you continue to hold the power button, your Mac turns on and loads startup options. When you see Options, release the power button.
  3. Select your startup disk. It's named Macintosh HD, unless you changed its name.
  4. Press and hold the Shift key, then click the “Continue in Safe Mode” button below your startup disk.
  5. Log in to your Mac. You might be asked to log in again.


If the strange behaviors do not occur, then it may possibly be a software issue.


If the issue doesn't continue in safe mode:

Leave safe mode by restarting your Mac normally, then try to reproduce the issue.


If the issue doesn't return, it might have been resolved by the other things that safe mode did at startup, such as checking your disk and clearing caches.


If the problem persists, then let’s try this:


Need more help?


Good luck! 👋🏼😉

Finder not launching on Mac: Error Domain=RBSRequestErrorDomain Code=5

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