How to remove recent apps from the Dock on a Mac (macOS 26)

You are viewing the macOS 26 version of this guide, recorded on macOS Tahoe 26 (MacBook Pro) on 4 October 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 4 October 2026 · MacBook Pro · macOS Tahoe 26

In this guide

Open System Settings
Click Desktop & Dock in the sidebar
Switch off Show suggested and recent apps in Dock
Good to know
Sources

Quick answer

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: 4 October 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.
Done
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.
Done
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.
Done

What we saw on our device

Click Desktop & Dock in the sidebar: On our MacBook Neo it sits between Appearance and Displays.
Switch off Show suggested and recent apps in Dock: On our MacBook Neo it was 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.