How to Open System Settings in macOS 13 Ventura

With macOS 13 Ventura, Apple officially retired the long-standing "System Preferences" panel and introduced the redesigned "System Settings" app. Featuring a vertical sidebar layout heavily inspired by iOS and iPadOS, this updated interface consolidates your configuration options into a more unified design. This guide explains the fastest methods to locate, open, and navigate the new System Settings app on your Mac.

Method 1: The Apple Menu

The most common way to open System Settings is through the main menu bar:

  1. Click the Apple icon () located in the top-left corner of your screen.
  2. Select System Settings... from the drop-down menu (this replaces the old "System Preferences" option).

If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, Spotlight offers the quickest path:

  1. Press Command (⌘) + Spacebar to activate Spotlight search.
  2. Type System Settings.
  3. Press Return to launch the app immediately.

Method 3: The Applications Folder or Launchpad

You can also launch System Settings like any standard macOS application:

  • Via Finder: Open Finder, navigate to the Applications folder in the sidebar, and double-click System Settings (represented by a gray gear icon).
  • Via Launchpad: Open Launchpad from your Dock or by pinching with three fingers and a thumb on your trackpad, then click the System Settings icon.

Method 4: Using Siri

If voice control is enabled on your Mac:

  1. Activate Siri via the menu bar icon, Touch Bar, or the keyboard shortcut (hold Command + Spacebar or your custom shortcut).
  2. Say, "Open System Settings."

Once opened, you will notice that the traditional grid of icons has been replaced by a vertical sidebar on the left. You can scroll through the list to find categories like Wi-Fi, Sound, Displays, and General, or use the integrated Search bar at the top of the sidebar to quickly locate specific settings.