It is usually caused when your system is outdated. It can also occur when a shortcut path of an application is modified or removed or an application is not installed correctly.
To fix this problem you can try a few methods like updating your Mac or restarting/reinstalling an application or an update.
To understand it further let us start a breakdown of this error.
What Is This Error?
The “ErrorDomain=nsCocoaErrorDomain&ErrorMessage=Could Not Find the Specified Shortcut.&ErrorCode=4” error message looks quite long and hard to understand so let us break it down.
Understanding this error message is crucial for its fixation and for its further expansion.
Error Domain
This is the area where the error has occurred. “nsCocoaErrorDomain” indicates the the issue is in the Cocoa-based applications on macOS. So it means the error is due to the system’s way of handling tasks.
Error Message
This part indicates what the problem is. Here it is that it “Could Not Find the Specified Shortcut.”
Error Code
Error Code is the number that explains what the issue is. In this case, the error code is 4. It indicates the problem is arising while finding a file or folder.
So, the error means that the software couldn’t find the shortcut it was looking for.
To fix it, you might want to check if the shortcut exists, update the software, or you might have to ask for help from the software’s support team.
What are the Main Causes of This Error?
| Causes | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Missing or Deleted Shortcut | The Shortcut Path is Modified, Deleted, or Moved from the place it was referenced to. |
| Configuration Issue | The shortcut is not completely installed within the application, or there is difficulty in accessing it. |
| Software Glitch | There is a glitch or bug within the software that is interfering with the functioning of shortcuts. |
| Permissions Not Given | There are some permissions needed for the software to run that are not given. |
| Outdated Incompatible Applications | Using an outdated version of MacOS can lead to compatibility issues. |
| Corrupted Data | Cached files or temporary data associated with the shortcut or application may be corrupted. |
Methods to Fix This Error
Now there are some easy methods that can help you fix the error by yourself. But in case none of them works you might want to contact a professional for help.
But in any case, there’s no need to panic or get worried about heavy costs on this. It is not going to damage your laptop or its internal system.
Let’s discuss the methods we can use to fix this error.
Step 1: Restart/Reinstall the Application
Sometimes, just closing and reopening the app can fix it. The shortcuts might be stuck or couldn’t be accessed due to bugs or some temporary crashing. So just restart the app. If that doesn’t work, try reinstalling and then opening the application.
Step 2: Check Shortcut Settings
For this, follow these steps:
- Open System Preferences
- Go to Keyboard Settings
- Select Shortcuts Tab
- Choose App Shortcuts
- Find the Application
- Check Shortcut Settings and Verify that it Exists
- Add or Modify the Shortcut if needed
Now you can restart your app and see whether the error has been fixed. In case not, you can try the other methods.
Step 3. Update Software and Fix Bugs
Updating software and addressing bugs is an important part of maintaining the smooth functioning and security of applications. This can help you fix the error.
Step 4. Reset Shortcut
If your shortcut’s not working properly in MacOS, it might need a reset. It’s like restarting your computer to fix a glitch. Delete the old shortcut and set it up again.
Step 5. Clear Cache and Temporary Files
Sometimes when there is a lot of cached data and temporary files on our system it hinders its smooth working. It may lead to bugs and errors like this one. Try clearing these files from your computer and restarting your application.
6. Check Permissions
Ensure that the application you are trying to open has the necessary permissions. These permissions might be necessary to access the shortcut or any relevant resources. If these permissions are missing, you might want to adjust them.
7. Perform A System Restore And Restore Deleted Files
Performing a system restore reverts your computer to a previously smooth functioning state. Here’s how to do that:
- Click Start and type “System Restore” in the search box.
- Select “Create a restore point”.
- Click “System Restore.”
- Follow on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Or you can try restoring your recently deleted files which may have the documents that are needed for the shortcut application to run properly.
When to Get Professional Help?
Now the question arises when to ask for professional help.
If these given basic troubleshooting methods and advanced system tools fail to solve the issue, it is advisable to consult a professional.
Technical support specialists and repair services are trained to check and resolve these system-level issues that basic troubleshooting methods can’t address.
How to Prevent This Error from Happening Again?
Here’s how you can ensure this error does not occur again:
- Regularly check and verify shortcut configurations.
- Create backups of important shortcuts so that you can restore them if they are accidentally deleted or modified.
- Keep applications and your MacOS up-to-date to reduce bugs and compatibility issues.
- Double-check before making any changes to shortcut settings to avoid errors.
- Install applications from trusted sources.
Bottom Lines
The “ErrorDomain=nsCocoaErrorDomain&ErrorMessage=Could Not Find the Specified Shortcut.&ErrorCode=4” error on MacOS can be frustrating and confusing.
But don’t worry too much, there are steps you can take to fix and prevent it. Before looking for the solution, you must first understand why this error message has occurred.
Then, try troubleshooting methods like restarting or reinstalling the application, checking shortcut settings, updating software, resetting shortcuts, etc.
If these methods fail, consider seeking technical support. To prevent the error from happening again, regularly verify shortcut configurations, create backups, keep software updated, and install applications from trusted sources.
