User level: Level 1 (18 points)Specific system setting panels (e.g. "Sound", "Spotlight", "Appearance") don't show up in spotlight results, even though "System Settings" is turned on in the "Results From App" section of the spotlight preferences.
I have disabled/re-enabled spotlight and rebuilt the index but neither has helped.
I'm running Mac OS 27 on an Macbook Air M3.
Anyone have any guidance here? Thank you for your help!
Posted on Sep 19, 2026 10:40 AM
User level: Level 1 (18 points)Sep 19, 2026 12:19 PM in response to neuroanatomist
Thanks you for your help @neuroanatomist!
I've found a solution that worked for me:
Confirming for other potential readers: if you just toggling the "System Settings" option off/on in the spotlight preference pane without the reboot, it did not fix the problem for me. You must turn it off, reboot, and then re-enable.
User level: Level 9 (72,871 points)Sep 19, 2026 11:03 AM in response to rbruggne
Just to confirm, you have System Settings > Spotlight set to Show results from System Settings:
Disable then re-enable that toggle.
If that does not help, then see if the problem is present when you boot in safe mode. That process performs some system cleanup and clears caches, and also disables 3rd party extensions that may cause problems.
Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support
If that does not correct the issue, test in a new user account. A newly-created user account will have all settings at default, and if the issue does not occur in that new account then it provides guidance on what may need to be changed to correct the issue.
Add a user or group on Mac - Apple Support
Once the testing is complete, the new account can easily be deleted.
Delete a user or group on Mac – Apple Support
Those steps will help to isolate the problem.
It might help to download and run EtreCheck, written by a long-time forum member. The free version is fine. Post the full report using the Additional Text button. No personal information is revealed.
Personally, I cannot replicate your issue on my M4 Pro MacBook Pro running macOS 27 Golden Gate. When I type "sound" into the Spotlight search field, all the top hits are from System Settings, as expected.
User level: Level 9 (72,871 points)Sep 19, 2026 1:16 PM in response to rbruggne
Well done and glad you got it sorted.
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256360635