System Preferences is in your Apple menu, top left of your screen

Open the Apple menu by clicking the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen. The first item in the dropdown menu is "System Settings" (on newer Macs running Monterey or later) or "System Preferences" (on older versions). Click it to open the settings window where you control how your Mac behaves.

The exact name changed in 2021. If you have a Mac from 2021 onward, you are looking for "System Settings". If your Mac is older, the menu item says "System Preferences". Both do the same job — they are just different names Apple used in different years.

Key Takeaways

  • System Settings or System Preferences opens from the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, not from the Applications folder or Dock.
  • Newer Macs call it "System Settings"; older Macs call it "System Preferences" — the location is the same either way.
  • You can also open it by pressing Command + Comma while any window is active, which is faster than using the menu.
  • Once open, use the search box at the top to find the specific setting you need instead of scrolling through categories.

Using the keyboard shortcut to open it faster

If you already have any Mac process open, press Command + Comma on your keyboard. This opens System Settings or System Preferences when ready without touching the menu. This works in Safari, Mail, Finder, or almost any other program.

This shortcut is worth learning because it is faster than clicking the Apple menu every time. Once you use it a few times, it becomes automatic.

Finding a specific setting using the search box

System Settings and System Preferences both have a search box at the top of the window. Type what you are looking for — for example, "battery", "display", "sound", or "network" — and the window shows only the settings that match.

This is much faster than clicking through categories. If you want to change your screen brightness or check your Wi-Fi settings, search for it instead of hunting through menus. The search works on both newer and older Mac versions.

Understanding the difference between System Settings and System Preferences

Apple redesigned System Preferences and renamed it to System Settings starting with macOS Monterey (released in 2021). The new version has a cleaner layout with larger icons and a sidebar on the left instead of a grid of buttons.

If you have an older Mac running Big Sur, Catalina, or earlier, your version still says "System Preferences" and looks different. The settings themselves are in similar places, but the organization changed. Both versions do the same things — change your display, sound, network, and other core Mac behavior.

Common settings you will find in System Settings

Once you open System Settings or System Preferences, you will see categories on the left side (in System Settings) or as a grid of icons (in System Preferences). The most common ones are:

  • General — appearance, startup settings, and software updates
  • Display — brightness, resolution, and refresh rate
  • Sound — volume, input and output devices
  • Network — Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and VPN settings
  • Battery — power saving options and battery health (on laptops)
  • Keyboard and Trackpad — speed, gestures, and key repeat
  • Security and Privacy — passwords, firewall, and app permissions

You do not need to memorize these. Use the search box to find what you need, and the system will take you directly to it.

What to do if System Settings will not open

If clicking the Apple menu or pressing Command + Comma does not open System Settings, try restarting your Mac. Sometimes the settings process gets stuck and needs a fresh start.

If it still will not open after a restart, open Finder (the blue and white face icon in your Dock), click "Applications" in the sidebar, and look for "System Settings" or "System Preferences" in the list. Double-click it to open it from there. This is a slower route, but it works when the menu is not responding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Mac say System Preferences instead of System Settings?

Your Mac is running an older version of macOS (Big Sur or earlier). Apple renamed and redesigned the process in 2021. Both names refer to the same place where you control your Mac's settings. The location and function are identical — only the name and appearance changed.

Can I pin System Settings to my Dock so I do not have to use the menu?

Yes. Open System Settings or System Preferences once, then right-click its icon in the Dock and select "Options" > "Keep in Dock". After that, you can click it directly from the Dock instead of using the Apple menu or keyboard shortcut.

What if I cannot find the setting I am looking for?

Use the search box at the top of System Settings or System Preferences. Type a keyword related to what you want to change — for example, "sleep", "startup", or "trackpad". The search narrows down the options when ready instead of making you click through categories.

Is it safe to change settings in System Preferences?

Most settings are safe to change. If you are unsure what a setting does, search for it or leave it alone. You cannot break your Mac by clicking around — the worst that happens is your display looks different or your sound changes until you change it back.