Duplicate files · Scanning and Auto-scan
Why does the duplicate scan say "Waiting" and never seem to run?
Short answer: Auto-scan waits on purpose so it never gets in your way: while you're using the Mac, when This Mac isn't plugged in, in Low Power Mode, when the Mac is hot, or because it ran recently. The status line says which. Click Scan now to check immediately.
It's waiting on purpose, and the status line tells you what for. Background scanning holds off so it never interrupts you:
- "Waiting until you step away for a moment" — you're actively using your Mac.
- "Waiting until you're on power" — This Mac is only scanned while plugged in.
- "Waiting — Low Power Mode is on".
- "Waiting — your Mac is running hot".
- "Auto-scan: next check in about …" — it ran recently and will check again later.
If you don't want to wait, click Scan now to check that source straight away.