How to Resolve errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut

1. Introduction

If you’ve encountered the error:

errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut

you may be struggling to access a shortcut or command that no longer exists in macOS.

This error typically occurs when a system process or an application references a shortcut that has been deleted, moved, or corrupted. It may also be due to a misconfiguration within macOS, especially after an update or software change.

This guide will break down the possible causes of this error and provide actionable solutions to help you fix it efficiently.

2. Understanding NSCocoaErrorDomain

What is NSCocoaErrorDomain?

NSCocoaErrorDomain is a macOS error domain associated with Apple’s Cocoa framework, which handles various system functions related to:

• File management
• User preferences
• Application behavior

Errors within this domain indicate an issue within macOS’s underlying framework, often linked to file paths, shortcuts, or application settings.

How Does NSCocoaErrorDomain Relate to This Error?

This particular error suggests that macOS or an application is trying to access a shortcut that no longer exists or is inaccessible due to permission issues.

3. Breaking Down the Error Message

This error consists of two key components:

1. errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain → This indicates that the error originates from the Cocoa framework, which handles system operations and applications on macOS.
2. errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut → This suggests that a referenced shortcut does not exist or cannot be accessed.

Common Scenarios Where This Error Appears

• When launching an application that relies on a deleted shortcut.
• After moving or renaming a file linked to a shortcut.
• When restoring a system backup where shortcut paths have changed.
• If macOS fails to locate a system-level shortcut due to permission restrictions.

4. Causes of the NSCocoaErrorDomain Shortcut Error

1. Missing or Deleted Shortcuts

If a shortcut was manually deleted or moved, macOS may fail to locate it, triggering this error.

2. Corrupt Application Settings

Some applications store shortcut references in their settings. If these become corrupted, macOS might report that the shortcut cannot be found.

3. macOS Updates Causing Compatibility Issues

A macOS update might remove or modify system shortcuts, leading to this error.

4. File Permission Restrictions

If the system or user does not have the proper permissions to access a shortcut, macOS may fail to resolve the shortcut’s path.

5. Quick Fixes for the Error

Fix 1: Restart Your Mac

Restarting can clear temporary system errors and refresh macOS file paths.

Fix 2: Verify and Restore Missing Shortcuts

• Open Finder and navigate to ~/Library/Application Support/
• Search for the missing shortcut
• If deleted, try restoring it from Time Machine

Fix 3: Update macOS and Applications

Ensure that both macOS and installed applications are up to date:

1. Go to Apple Menu > System Settings > Software Update
2. Install any pending updates
3. Check the Mac App Store for application updates

Fix 4: Reset Application Preferences

Some apps store shortcut preferences in .plist files. Reset them by:

1. Navigating to ~/Library/Preferences/
2. Locating the app’s preference file (com.apple.YourApp.plist)
3. Deleting it and restarting the app

Fix 5: Rebuild Spotlight Index

If shortcuts are not recognized by Spotlight, rebuilding the index might help:

This forces macOS to rebuild the search index, resolving shortcut-related issues.

Fix 6: Repair Disk Permissions

Permissions issues may prevent macOS from accessing shortcuts. Run Disk Utility:

1. Open Disk Utility
2. Select your startup disk
3. Click First Aid and let macOS repair any errors

Fix 7: Use Terminal Commands to Fix Shortcut Issues

Run the following command to check for broken symbolic links (shortcuts):

This will list all broken shortcuts. You can then delete or fix them.

6. Advanced Troubleshooting Methods

Checking Console Logs for More Details

1. Open Console.app from Applications > Utilities
2. Search for error logs related to the missing shortcut

Booting Into Safe Mode for Diagnostics

Safe Mode loads macOS with minimal extensions, which can help identify software conflicts:

1. Restart your Mac
2. Hold Shift while it boots
3. Test if the error persists in Safe Mode

Reinstalling macOS (Last Resort)

If none of the fixes work, reinstalling macOS may resolve system-wide shortcut errors:

1. Restart your Mac and enter macOS Recovery Mode
2. Select Reinstall macOS
3. Follow the on-screen instructions

7. Preventing Shortcut-Related NSCocoaErrorDomain Issues

• Regularly update macOS to prevent compatibility issues
• Keep a backup of important shortcuts using Time Machine
• Avoid modifying system shortcuts manually

8. Conclusion

The error errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut occurs when macOS or an application tries to access a missing, moved, or inaccessible shortcut.

By following the troubleshooting steps in this guide, you can quickly resolve the issue and prevent similar problems in the future.

9. FAQs

1. What does NSCocoaErrorDomain mean?

NSCocoaErrorDomain is an error domain in macOS that relates to Apple’s Cocoa framework, which manages system functions, file operations, and application behavior. Errors under this domain usually indicate issues with file paths, shortcuts, permissions, or application settings.

2. How do I restore a missing shortcut?

If a shortcut has been deleted or lost, you can restore it using these methods:

• Check the Trash – Open the Trash bin and look for the missing shortcut. If found, right-click and choose Put Back.
• Use Time Machine Backup – If you previously backed up your system, open Time Machine and restore the missing file.
• Manually Recreate the Shortcut – If the shortcut is missing, you can create a new one:
  1. Locate the original file or application.
  2. Right-click and choose Make Alias.
  3. Drag the alias to its original location or the desired folder.

3. Can reinstalling an application fix this error?

Yes. If the error occurs within a specific application, reinstalling it may resolve the issue. Follow these steps:

1. Uninstall the app – Drag the app from Applications to the Trash, then empty the Trash.
2. Download the latest version – Visit the official website or Mac App Store and install a fresh copy.
3. Restart your Mac – A restart ensures that all old files are removed and the new installation works correctly.

4. Why do shortcuts disappear on macOS?

Shortcuts may disappear due to:

• macOS updates that remove outdated or system-modified shortcuts.
• Accidental deletion when organizing files.
• Corrupt Finder settings, which prevent shortcuts from being recognized.
• File path changes – If a file is moved or renamed, the shortcut may no longer work.

5. Are there automatic tools to repair shortcut-related errors?

Yes! Several tools can help detect and repair missing or broken shortcuts:

• OnyX – A powerful maintenance tool that can clean system caches and repair settings.
• CleanMyMac – Scans for broken shortcuts and unnecessary files.
• Disk Utility – Can repair disk permissions, which may fix shortcut-related errors.

If the issue persists, consider running macOS First Aid in Disk Utility or rebuilding your Spotlight index with the following Terminal command:

By following these solutions, you can easily troubleshoot and fix shortcut-related NSCocoaErrorDomain errors on macOS. If the issue persists, seek help from Apple Support or macOS community forums.