System Optimization

System Optimization brings together commonly used macOS settings for Finder, the Dock, window animations, screenshots, the keyboard, text input, Safari and privacy. Every item is built in, with a clear purpose and boundary. WashBear never runs arbitrary scripts or commands.

#Check current settings

When you open the page, WashBear reads the current state of each setting without changing anything. You can click Check Again later.

Use the category filter to show only Performance, Productivity, Privacy & Distractions, Storage or Appearance. Pending shows only the items you changed but have not applied yet.

#Choose a profile

Optimization profile starts at Keep current settings, which selects nothing. You can choose:

• Smart recommended: common settings that suit most people, and a safe place to start;
• Performance: Smart recommended plus items such as fewer animations and faster key response;
• Privacy: Smart recommended plus items that reduce ads, suggestions and sharing.

Profiles only turn on recommended settings; they never turn off something you already enabled. You can also flip individual switches, and the profile changes to Custom.

Items marked Caution involve a clear trade-off. For example, Remove old Trash items automatically makes Finder delete items after 30 days in the Trash, and no profile selects it for you.

#Apply changes

Flipping a switch only adds the item to the pending list, marked Will enable or Will disable. Nothing changes until you click Apply N Changes. These are preferences of your own user account, so no administrator password is needed.

After applying, WashBear reads each setting again to confirm the result. Items marked Takes effect after reopening the related system component or signing in again, such as Finder and Dock settings, show their effect after those components reopen or after you sign in again. You can restart Finder from System Maintenance.

#Restore previous settings

Before changing a setting for the first time, WashBear records its original value on your Mac. You can flip a switch back at any time, or click Restore Previous Settings to revert everything WashBear changed in one step. If you or another tool changed a setting afterward, it is left out of the bulk restore so your newer choice is not overwritten.

Every change and restore is recorded in Operation History.

#Ask AI about a setting

Not sure whether a setting suits you? Hover over it and click AI explanation to learn what it changes and what to watch out for. See AI Explanations.