A Trick to Fix 'Launchpad Won't Open' on macOS Tahoe Beta 5

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Apple replaced the traditional Launchpad feature with the Apps interface integrated with Spotlight on macOS Tahoe. This made many users who are used to using Launchpad restore Launchpad to the Dock.

However, the macOS Tahoe Developer Beta 5, released on Aug. 5, 2025, has put you in trouble - Launchpad won't open.

If you're also struggling with the Launchpad that won't open on macOS Tahoe Developer Beta 5, follow my simple trick to quickly fix it.

Launchpad wont open on macOS Tahoe Developer Beta 5

How to fix Launchpad won't open on macOS Tahoe Beta 5

macOS Tahoe Developer Beta 5 includes various bug fixes, patches, and performance enhancements that conflict with the Launchpad you forced to restore. As a result, Launchpad doesn't function properly.

Since the Launchpad cannot be opened, you just need to disable it. In other words, delete the SpotlightUI PLIST file you've created.

Here's how:

  1. Open Finder and move to the top Finder menu bar.
  2. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  3. Enter the following path into the search box and press Return. 
    /Library/Preferences/FeatureFlags/Domain 
    open FeatureFlags folder
  4. Drag and drop the SpotlightUI PLIST file to the Trash. 
    delete the SpotlightUI PLIST file
  5. Restart your Mac.

Also, if you would like to use Terminal to turn off Launchpad, follow these steps:

  1. Open Terminal from Finder > the Applications folder > Utilities. 
    open Terminal
  2. Copy and paste the command below into the Terminal window. sudo rm /Library/Preferences/FeatureFlags/Domain/SpotlightUI.plist
  3. Enter your admin password and press Return to remove the SpotlightUI PLIST file. This will turn off the force-enabled Launchpad on your Mac. 
    disable Launchpad with Terminal

After that, you can use the built-in Apps interface on macOS Tahoe. You can quickly access applications on your Mac with it.

If the trick in this post for fixing the "Launchpad not working macOS Tahoe Developer Beta 5" issue is feasible, share it with more people.

FAQs about Launchpad won't open macOS Tahoe Developer Beta 5

Q1.Why won't my Launchpad open on my Mac?
A

Maybe there are some software conflicts between the Launchpad and your Mac or temporary bugs in the system. You can try restarting your Mac and deleting the corrupted Dock PLIST file to fix the issue.

Q2.What to do if the Launchpad is not working?
A

You can open Finder, click Go > Go to Folder, enter ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.dock.plist to access the Dock PLIST file, then delete it and restart your Mac to let the Dock PLIST file be automatically re-created. This is to check if the corrupted Dock PLIST file leads to your Launchpad not working.