MacOS – Applications gone from Dock. How to restore

dockmacos

Somehow the Applications icon is gone from my Dock. However I can't just drag the Applications folder (from Finder) into the Dock. How else can I restore it?

Is there a config file somewhere for the Dock that I can just edit with vi and fix this?

Thanks.

Best Answer

Hmm, depending on how precisely you formulated the question there are several possible answers:

  1. The Applications folder is missing from the Dock

    • Navigate to Computer in Finder (Shift-Command-C)
    • Open local hard drive (usually called "Macintosh HD" or computername)
    • Drag the Applications folder to the Dock (near the end where the other folders and the trash are located)
    • Right-click the folder in the Dock and select show as folder

  2. The Applications folder/link is missing from the Favorites list in any Finder window

    • Step 1 and 2 as above
    • Drag the Applications folder to the Favorites list

  3. You are actually missing the Launchpad icon from the Dock

    • Step 1 and 2 as above
    • Open the Applications folder
    • Locate Launchpad and drag it to the Dock (near the beginning this time)
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