Have you ever tried launching an app or accessing a file on your Mac, only to be met with a strange and frustrating message like:
errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4?
If so, you’re not alone. This cryptic error has been popping up for macOS users more frequently—and while it might look intimidating, it’s actually more manageable than it seems. So, what’s behind this puzzling code, and how can you get back on track?
Understanding the NSCocoaErrorDomain and Error Code 4
Before we dive into the fix, let’s break down the error message:
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ErrorDomain=NSCocoaErrorDomain: This tells us the error is from Apple’s Cocoa API, the framework behind many macOS applications.
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ErrorMessage=Could not find the specified shortcut: This suggests the system is looking for a shortcut (alias or symbolic link) that no longer exists or has been moved.
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ErrorCode=4: This code indicates a “file not found” error within the Cocoa framework.
In simpler terms, this error means macOS tried to locate a file or shortcut—perhaps a startup item, dock icon, or linked file—and failed to do so.
What Causes This Error?
There are several reasons why you might see errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4. Here are the most common:
1. Missing or Moved Shortcut
The shortcut (alias) that an app or system process relies on may have been:
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Deleted manually
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Moved to a different location
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Renamed or corrupted
This often happens when uninstalling apps improperly or cleaning up your desktop.
2. Broken Dock or Launchpad Items
If you dragged an app to your Dock or Launchpad and later deleted or moved it, macOS might throw this error when trying to launch it from there.
3. Startup Items or Login Scripts
Apps set to open on login might reference a shortcut that no longer exists. When macOS boots up, it checks for those paths and throws this error if it can’t find them.
4. Corrupted System Preferences or Plist Files
Preference files store app data, including shortcut paths. If these files become corrupted or outdated, you might encounter the dreaded NSCocoaErrorDomain message.
How to Fix “errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4”
Now that you understand the issue, let’s go over how to fix it—step-by-step.
Step 1: Restart Your Mac
It sounds simple, but a reboot can reset system caches and resolve temporary glitches that might be causing the error.
Step 2: Check the Dock or Launchpad
If clicking on an app in the Dock or Launchpad triggers the error:
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Right-click the icon and choose “Options” > “Remove from Dock”
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Then open the app from Finder or Spotlight (Cmd + Space) and drag it back to the Dock
This refreshes the shortcut to its correct path.
Step 3: Review Startup Items
Go to:
System Settings > General > Login Items
Here you’ll see all the apps set to open at login. If one of them refers to a deleted or missing app, remove it by clicking the minus button.
Step 4: Use Finder to Locate the Missing File
If you know which shortcut is causing the problem (maybe a custom alias or symbolic link):
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Open Finder and search for the file name
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If found, move it back to its original location
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If not, you may need to recreate the alias
To recreate a shortcut:
Right-click a file > “Make Alias” > Move that alias where it was originally expected.
Step 5: Delete Corrupted .plist Files
Many macOS errors trace back to corrupt .plist (property list) files. To clear them:
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Open Finder and press
Cmd + Shift + G -
Enter
~/Library/Preferences/ -
Look for recently modified files related to the app or system function causing the issue
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Move them to the Trash (don’t delete system-level plists unless you’re sure)
After this, restart your Mac and see if the error persists.
Step 6: Reinstall the App
If this error appears when trying to launch a specific app:
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Delete the app using Finder
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Re-download it from the App Store or developer’s website
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Install it again
This resets all shortcut links and related files.
Advanced Tip: Use Terminal to Identify Broken Aliases
You can use Terminal to track down broken shortcuts on your system:
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried all the above and still see errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4, it might be time to consult Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider.
Especially if the error is tied to a system-level process or a critical workflow, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Preventing Future Shortcut Errors
To avoid similar errors down the line:
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Always uninstall apps using an app cleaner or official uninstaller
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Avoid manually moving or deleting app files in the Applications folder
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Regularly check login items and Dock for outdated entries
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Back up your system with Time Machine before making major changes
Final Thoughts
While the message errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4 might appear overwhelming, it usually boils down to a missing or broken shortcut. With a little investigation and the right troubleshooting steps, you can fix it in no time.
Remember, macOS errors often sound scarier than they are. Next time you see this error, you’ll know exactly what it means—and more importantly, how to handle it.
