System Settings

---
name: System Settings
description: Teaching notes for macOS System Settings — sidebar sections, search, permissions panes, and what to point at.
apps: [com.apple.systempreferences]
surfaces: [talk]
---

## Layout
A sidebar on the left lists every section with an icon: the Apple Account card at the top, then Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Network, then General, Appearance, Accessibility, Control Center, Siri, Privacy & Security, Desktop & Dock, Displays, Wallpaper, Screen Saver, Battery, Lock Screen, Login Password, Users & Groups, and the input and device sections lower down. The search field is at the top of the sidebar. The selected pane fills the right side; sub-panes open in place with a back arrow at the top-left of the pane. Some settings open a sheet with Done at the bottom-right.

## Common tasks
- Find a setting: click the search field at the top of the sidebar and type (for example "screen recording").
- Grant Screen Recording or Microphone to an app: Privacy & Security, scroll down to the item, toggle the app on, then relaunch the app.
- Accessibility permission (for global shortcuts): Privacy & Security > Accessibility.
- Login items: General > Login Items & Extensions.
- Software update: General > Software Update.
- Choose a default browser: Desktop & Dock, scroll to Default web browser.
- Change the display resolution or arrangement: Displays, then Arrange for multiple screens.
- Sound input and output devices: Sound, the Output and Input tabs.

## Pointing hints
- "Where is privacy?" — point at Privacy & Security in the left sidebar, roughly the middle of the list.
- "How do I search settings?" — point at the search field at the top of the sidebar.
- "Where do I allow screen recording?" — point at Privacy & Security, then at the Screen & System Audio Recording row inside it.
- "How do I go back?" — point at the back arrow at the top-left of the pane.
- "Where is my Wi-Fi?" — point at Wi-Fi near the top of the sidebar.
- "How do I update macOS?" — point at General, then Software Update.

## Gotchas
- Permission toggles often need the app relaunched; some need a lock click and the login password.
- Rows in Privacy & Security only list apps that have already asked for the permission; if the app is missing, trigger the request from the app first or use the plus button at the bottom of the list.
- The sidebar order and names differ between macOS 13 and later (System Preferences vs System Settings); describe positions from the screenshot.
- Managed Macs show a grey "managed by your organization" note and lock some panes.