Skip to content
nix-plist-manager

Finder

Everything under Finder, as Nix options. Each one is named after the control you'd click, and set under programs.nix-plist-manager.options in home-manager.

18 options 0 verified against System Settings
Section titled “Menu Bar”

View › Show Path Bar

Section titled “View › Show Path Bar”

Finder › Menu Bar › View › Show Path Bar

home-manager · per user Not verified Restarts Finder 
applications.finder.menuBar.view.showPathBar = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.finder ShowPathbar

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowPathbar -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowPathbar -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowPathbar 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowPathbar -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowPathbar -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowPathbar 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.finder ShowPathbar 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowPathbar 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

View › Show Sidebar

Section titled “View › Show Sidebar”

Finder › Menu Bar › View › Show Sidebar

home-manager · per user Not verified Restarts Finder 
applications.finder.menuBar.view.showSidebar = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.finder ShowSidebar

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowSidebar -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowSidebar -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowSidebar 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowSidebar -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowSidebar -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowSidebar 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.finder ShowSidebar 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowSidebar 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

View › Show Status Bar

Section titled “View › Show Status Bar”

Finder › Menu Bar › View › Show Status Bar

home-manager · per user Not verified Restarts Finder 
applications.finder.menuBar.view.showStatusBar = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.finder ShowStatusBar

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowStatusBar -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowStatusBar -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowStatusBar 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowStatusBar -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowStatusBar -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowStatusBar 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.finder ShowStatusBar 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowStatusBar 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

View › Show Tab Bar

Section titled “View › Show Tab Bar”

Finder › Menu Bar › View › Show Tab Bar

home-manager · per user Not verified Restarts Finder 
applications.finder.menuBar.view.showTabBar = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.finder NSWindowTabbingShoudShowTabBarKey-com.apple.finder.TBrowserWindow

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder NSWindowTabbingShoudShowTabBarKey-com.apple.finder.TBrowserWindow -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder NSWindowTabbingShoudShowTabBarKey-com.apple.finder.TBrowserWindow -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder NSWindowTabbingShoudShowTabBarKey-com.apple.finder.TBrowserWindow 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder NSWindowTabbingShoudShowTabBarKey-com.apple.finder.TBrowserWindow -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder NSWindowTabbingShoudShowTabBarKey-com.apple.finder.TBrowserWindow -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder NSWindowTabbingShoudShowTabBarKey-com.apple.finder.TBrowserWindow 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.finder NSWindowTabbingShoudShowTabBarKey-com.apple.finder.TBrowserWindow 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder NSWindowTabbingShoudShowTabBarKey-com.apple.finder.TBrowserWindow 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

Settings…

Section titled “Settings…”

Advanced › Keep folders on top › In windows when sorting by name

Section titled “Advanced › Keep folders on top › In windows when sorting by name”

Finder › Settings… › Advanced › Keep folders on top › In windows when sorting by name

home-manager · per user Not verified Restarts Finder 
applications.finder.settings.advanced.keepFoldersOnTop.inWindowsWhenSortingByName = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.finder _FXSortFoldersFirst

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder _FXSortFoldersFirst -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder _FXSortFoldersFirst -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder _FXSortFoldersFirst 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder _FXSortFoldersFirst -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder _FXSortFoldersFirst -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder _FXSortFoldersFirst 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.finder _FXSortFoldersFirst 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder _FXSortFoldersFirst 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

Advanced › Keep folders on top › On Desktop

Section titled “Advanced › Keep folders on top › On Desktop”

Finder › Settings… › Advanced › Keep folders on top › On Desktop

home-manager · per user Not verified Restarts Finder 
applications.finder.settings.advanced.keepFoldersOnTop.onDesktop = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.finder _FXSortFoldersFirstOnDesktop

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder _FXSortFoldersFirstOnDesktop -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder _FXSortFoldersFirstOnDesktop -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder _FXSortFoldersFirstOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder _FXSortFoldersFirstOnDesktop -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder _FXSortFoldersFirstOnDesktop -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder _FXSortFoldersFirstOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.finder _FXSortFoldersFirstOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder _FXSortFoldersFirstOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

Advanced › Remove items from the Trash after 30 days

Section titled “Advanced › Remove items from the Trash after 30 days”

Finder › Settings… › Advanced › Remove items from the Trash after 30 days

home-manager · per user Not verified Restarts Finder 
applications.finder.settings.advanced.removeItemsFromTheTrashAfter30Days = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.finder FXRemoveOldTrashItems

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder FXRemoveOldTrashItems -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder FXRemoveOldTrashItems -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder FXRemoveOldTrashItems 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder FXRemoveOldTrashItems -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder FXRemoveOldTrashItems -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder FXRemoveOldTrashItems 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.finder FXRemoveOldTrashItems 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder FXRemoveOldTrashItems 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

Advanced › Show all filename extensions

Section titled “Advanced › Show all filename extensions”

Finder › Settings… › Advanced › Show all filename extensions

home-manager · per user Not verified Restarts Finder 
applications.finder.settings.advanced.showAllFilenameExtensions = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • NSGlobalDomain AppleShowAllExtensions

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleShowAllExtensions -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleShowAllExtensions -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete NSGlobalDomain AppleShowAllExtensions 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleShowAllExtensions -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleShowAllExtensions -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete NSGlobalDomain AppleShowAllExtensions 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete NSGlobalDomain AppleShowAllExtensions 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete NSGlobalDomain AppleShowAllExtensions 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

Advanced › Show warning before changing an extension

Section titled “Advanced › Show warning before changing an extension”

Finder › Settings… › Advanced › Show warning before changing an extension

home-manager · per user Not verified Restarts Finder 
applications.finder.settings.advanced.showWarningBeforeChangingAnExtension = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.finder FXEnableExtensionChangeWarning

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder FXEnableExtensionChangeWarning -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder FXEnableExtensionChangeWarning -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder FXEnableExtensionChangeWarning 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder FXEnableExtensionChangeWarning -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder FXEnableExtensionChangeWarning -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder FXEnableExtensionChangeWarning 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.finder FXEnableExtensionChangeWarning 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder FXEnableExtensionChangeWarning 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

Advanced › Show warning before emptying the Trash

Section titled “Advanced › Show warning before emptying the Trash”

Finder › Settings… › Advanced › Show warning before emptying the Trash

home-manager · per user Not verified Restarts Finder 
applications.finder.settings.advanced.showWarningBeforeEmptyingTheTrash = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.finder WarnOnEmptyTrash

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder WarnOnEmptyTrash -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder WarnOnEmptyTrash -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder WarnOnEmptyTrash 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder WarnOnEmptyTrash -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder WarnOnEmptyTrash -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder WarnOnEmptyTrash 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.finder WarnOnEmptyTrash 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder WarnOnEmptyTrash 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

Advanced › Show warning before removing from iCloud Drive

Section titled “Advanced › Show warning before removing from iCloud Drive”

Finder › Settings… › Advanced › Show warning before removing from iCloud Drive

home-manager · per user Not verified Restarts Finder 
applications.finder.settings.advanced.showWarningBeforeRemovingFromiCloudDrive = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.bird com.apple.clouddocs.unshared.moveOut.suppress

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.bird com.apple.clouddocs.unshared.moveOut.suppress -int 1 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.bird com.apple.clouddocs.unshared.moveOut.suppress -int 1' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.bird com.apple.clouddocs.unshared.moveOut.suppress 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.bird com.apple.clouddocs.unshared.moveOut.suppress -int 0 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.bird com.apple.clouddocs.unshared.moveOut.suppress -int 0' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.bird com.apple.clouddocs.unshared.moveOut.suppress 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.bird com.apple.clouddocs.unshared.moveOut.suppress 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.bird com.apple.clouddocs.unshared.moveOut.suppress 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

Advanced › When performing a search

Section titled “Advanced › When performing a search”

Finder › Settings… › Advanced › When performing a search

home-manager · per user Not verified Restarts Finder 
applications.finder.settings.advanced.whenPerformingASearch = "Search This Mac";

One of: "Search This Mac""Search the Current Folder""Use the Previous Search Scope" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.finder FXDefaultSearchScope

For Search This Mac:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder FXDefaultSearchScope -string SCev || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder FXDefaultSearchScope -string SCev' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder FXDefaultSearchScope 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For Search the Current Folder:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder FXDefaultSearchScope -string SCcf || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder FXDefaultSearchScope -string SCcf' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder FXDefaultSearchScope 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For Use the Previous Search Scope:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder FXDefaultSearchScope -string SCsp || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder FXDefaultSearchScope -string SCsp' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder FXDefaultSearchScope 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.finder FXDefaultSearchScope 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder FXDefaultSearchScope 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

General › Open folders in tabs instead of new windows

Section titled “General › Open folders in tabs instead of new windows”

Finder › Settings… › General › Open folders in tabs instead of new windows

home-manager · per user Not verified Restarts Finder 
applications.finder.settings.general.openFoldersInTabsInsteadOfNewWindows = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.finder FinderSpawnTab

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder FinderSpawnTab -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder FinderSpawnTab -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder FinderSpawnTab 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder FinderSpawnTab -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder FinderSpawnTab -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder FinderSpawnTab 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.finder FinderSpawnTab 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder FinderSpawnTab 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

General › Show these items on the desktop › CDs, DVDs, and iPods

Section titled “General › Show these items on the desktop › CDs, DVDs, and iPods”

Finder › Settings… › General › Show these items on the desktop › CDs, DVDs, and iPods

home-manager · per user Not verified Restarts Finder 
applications.finder.settings.general.showTheseItemsOnTheDesktop.cdsDvdsAndiPods = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.finder ShowRemovableMediaOnDesktop

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowRemovableMediaOnDesktop -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowRemovableMediaOnDesktop -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowRemovableMediaOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowRemovableMediaOnDesktop -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowRemovableMediaOnDesktop -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowRemovableMediaOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.finder ShowRemovableMediaOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowRemovableMediaOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

General › Show these items on the desktop › Connected servers

Section titled “General › Show these items on the desktop › Connected servers”

Finder › Settings… › General › Show these items on the desktop › Connected servers

home-manager · per user Not verified Restarts Finder 
applications.finder.settings.general.showTheseItemsOnTheDesktop.connectedServers = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.finder ShowMountedServersOnDesktop

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowMountedServersOnDesktop -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowMountedServersOnDesktop -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowMountedServersOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowMountedServersOnDesktop -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowMountedServersOnDesktop -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowMountedServersOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.finder ShowMountedServersOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowMountedServersOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

General › Show these items on the desktop › External disks

Section titled “General › Show these items on the desktop › External disks”

Finder › Settings… › General › Show these items on the desktop › External disks

home-manager · per user Not verified Restarts Finder 
applications.finder.settings.general.showTheseItemsOnTheDesktop.externalDisks = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.finder ShowExternalHardDrivesOnDesktop

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowExternalHardDrivesOnDesktop -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowExternalHardDrivesOnDesktop -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowExternalHardDrivesOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowExternalHardDrivesOnDesktop -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowExternalHardDrivesOnDesktop -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowExternalHardDrivesOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.finder ShowExternalHardDrivesOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowExternalHardDrivesOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

General › Show these items on the desktop › Hard disks

Section titled “General › Show these items on the desktop › Hard disks”

Finder › Settings… › General › Show these items on the desktop › Hard disks

home-manager · per user Not verified Restarts Finder 
applications.finder.settings.general.showTheseItemsOnTheDesktop.hardDisks = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.finder ShowHardDrivesOnDesktop

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowHardDrivesOnDesktop -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowHardDrivesOnDesktop -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowHardDrivesOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowHardDrivesOnDesktop -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowHardDrivesOnDesktop -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowHardDrivesOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.finder ShowHardDrivesOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowHardDrivesOnDesktop 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

Sidebar › Recent Tags

Section titled “Sidebar › Recent Tags”

Finder › Settings… › Sidebar › Recent Tags

home-manager · per user Not verified Restarts Finder 
applications.finder.settings.sidebar.recentTags = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.finder ShowRecentTags

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowRecentTags -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowRecentTags -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowRecentTags 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowRecentTags -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.finder ShowRecentTags -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowRecentTags 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.finder ShowRecentTags 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.finder ShowRecentTags 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/killall Finder 2>/dev/null || true