How to Fix the "zsh: command not found" Issue on Mac

If you’re encountering the “zsh: command not found” issue on your Mac while using the z Shell (zsh) instead of the default bash, don’t worry; you’re not alone. This problem can be quite frustrating, but there are solutions available. In this guide, we’ll explore the causes behind this issue and provide several methods to resolve it.

Understanding the Problem

When you encounter the “zsh: command not found” error, it means that your zsh shell is unable to locate the commands you’re trying to run. This typically happens when there’s an issue with your PATH variable or when your zsh configuration is incorrect.

Checking Your PATH Variable

The PATH variable is a crucial part of your shell environment, as it tells your shell where to look for executable files when you enter a command. If the PATH variable is incorrectly configured, you might see the “zsh: command not found” error.

You can check your current PATH variable by running the following command:

echo $PATH

Your output may look something like this:

/Users/Malloc/bin/Sencha/Cmd/3.1.2.342:/usr/local/bin/mate

Method 1: Resetting Your PATH

To fix the issue, you can reset your PATH variable. Open your terminal and use the following commands:

export PATH=/bin:/usr/bin:/usr/local/bin:/sbin:${PATH}

This command sets your PATH variable to the default system paths, ensuring that essential commands can be found. After running this command, try using the previously inaccessible commands to see if the issue is resolved.

Method 2: Specify the Shell Path

If resetting the PATH variable doesn’t work, you can specify the complete path to the zsh shell by running:

exec /bin/zsh

Alternatively, you can use:

exec /usr/bin/zsh

This will execute the zsh shell directly, allowing you to regain access to your commands.

Method 3: Check Your .zshrc Configuration

Sometimes, the issue may be related to your zsh configuration. You can investigate your .zshrc file by running:

code ~/.zshrc

This opens the .zshrc file in your default code editor. Review its contents and ensure that there are no errors or misconfigurations. Make necessary corrections and save the file.

Method 4: Open Terminal Preferences

If you’re still experiencing issues, you can try changing the default shell in your terminal preferences:

Open your terminal application.
Navigate to “Terminal” > “Preferences.”
In the “General” tab, find the “Shells open with” section.
Select “Command (complete path)” and set it to /bin/bash.
Close the terminal preferences window.

This change will set your default shell to bash instead of zsh. Restart your terminal to see if the issue is resolved.

Conclusion

The “zsh: command not found” issue can be frustrating, but it’s usually caused by misconfigurations in your PATH variable or zsh settings. By following the methods outlined above, you should be able to resolve the problem and regain access to your commands. If the issue persists, consider seeking help from your system administrator or a technical expert to further investigate and address the problem.

How to Fix the “zsh: command not found” Issue on Mac