How to remove recent apps from the Dock on a Mac
2 min read · 3 steps · Updated 4 October 2026
Open System Settings, click Desktop & Dock, and switch off Show suggested and recent apps in Dock. The extra icons toward one end of the Dock, for suggested and recently opened apps, then disappear. Apps you put in the Dock yourself stay.
- Device
- Mac
- Shown on
- macOS Tahoe 26
- App
- System Settings
- Path
- System Settings › Desktop & Dock
- Real screenshots
- 3 of 3 steps
- Checked
- October 2026
- Sources
- 1 official, linked below
The Dock keeps a section for suggested and recently opened apps that are not already in it. It changes by itself and makes the Dock longer. One switch removes that section.
The screenshots show System Settings on macOS Tahoe 26.
Step by step
Open System Settings
Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen and choose System Settings.
Click Desktop & Dock in the sidebar
It is below Appearance. You may need to scroll down in the sidebar.
Switch off Show suggested and recent apps in Dock
It is the last switch of the Dock group. In the picture it is on.
Good to know
To make the Dock itself vanish when not needed: how to hide the Dock automatically on a Mac.
In short: System Settings, Desktop & Dock, Show suggested and recent apps in Dock off.
Links checked on 3 October 2026. Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.