IllustrationYou are viewing the macOS 26 version of this guide, recorded on macOS Tahoe 26 (MacBook Pro) on 9 November 2026. It is kept as it was and not updated. See the macOS 27 version.
howtosimply.com/guides/how-to-remove-recent-apps-from-the-dock-on-a-mac/ · Checked 9 November 2026 · MacBook Pro · macOS Tahoe 26
In this guide
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.
3 of 3 steps with real screenshots · 1 official source below
- Device
- Mac
- Shown on
- macOS Tahoe 26 (MacBook Pro)
- App
- System Settings
- Real screenshots
- 3 of 3 steps
- Checked
- 9 November 2026
- Sources
- 1 official, linked below
Step by step
Tap the picture to see it full size Open System Settings
Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen and choose System Settings.
Tap the picture to see it full size Click Desktop & Dock in the sidebar
It is below Appearance. You may need to scroll down in the sidebar.
Tap the picture to see it full size Switch off Show suggested and recent apps in Dock
It is the last switch of the Dock group. In the picture it is on.
About this guide
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.
Good to know
To make the Dock itself vanish when not needed: how to hide the Dock automatically on a Mac.
In short: Apple menu > System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Show suggested and recent apps in Dock off.
Links checked in October 2026. Menus and features can change after software updates. These steps match the version named at the top.
📷 Camera Lab: the same 6 scenes photographed with 11 phones, side by side.
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