macOS Tahoe 26.1: Slow 'Save As' and 'Open' dialogs

Juuggo wrote:

I uninstalled everything to see if that would solve it, but it's still the same... I used Moonlock mainly for security against attempts to connect to my Mac from third parties, and sometimes I have to use less secure websites

The damage caused by either or both of the previously mentioned software from MacPaw has caused deeper issues that weren’t fixed by uninstalling the software. 

Start Over from Scratch 

Heavy Handed ? - Yes

Effective ? - Yes 

You can spend hours or days hunting down all the bits and pieces of these softwares and never really get it all off the computer

For Apple Silicon computer >> Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon.

For Apple Intel computers >>   Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac followed by How to reinstall macOS

Always make a Time Machine Backup  before  proceeding 

Emphasis on User Account Only

If going this route - I suggest Not using Startup Assist to migrate everything back.

This will probably Re-Introduce ( CleanMyMac & Moonlock) back into the Operating System . 

Juuggo wrote:

yes, macbook pro 16, M3 Max

Thank you

The correct way to start over from scratch on Apple Silicon computers is to use " Erase all Content and Setting "

Refer For Apple Silicon computer >> Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon.

This will Not Touch the existing installed Operating System

Though it will remove everything else including CleanMyMac and Moonlock Protection

Effectively put the computer almost back to its original state when it ws new and out of the box new

Before asking would about the damages either or both of those mention applications have done

In Apples' infinite wisdom and to protect the Operating System

The Operating System is housed in a Sealed and Encrypted Volume that immune it from being tampered with, modified, alters or otherwise Touched by the User ( you ) or any software what so ever including CleanMyMac and Moonlock Protection

The damage or alteration that either of those software have done

They have Mucked Up the Home Folder ( User Folder )

As the Home folder ( User Folder ) has a mount point of /System/Voume/Data is significant being that a mount point of /System make it part of the Overall Operating System

One you have understood all this

I hope this may answer some of the More Important queries in your early posting

The videos are not accessible without permission.

There have been a few similar reports recently.

Having "Documents and Desktop in iCloud" may be involved.

Also: if you have some external drives connected, try with these drives disconnected from your Mac.

Finally, and since you mentioned Adobe, there is an Adobe "Finder sync extension", which could affect things - yes, a possible problem with it would not just affect Adobe applications.

Please run Etrecheck and post its full report here. Use the "additional text" button and paste the report into the text box.

Here’s what I did: opened Finder → Finder Settings, and under Sync Desktop and Documents folders, I unchecked that option. As soon as I turned it off, I noticed a difference.

Makes little sense. There aren’t few similar reports and many more people use Desktop & Documents in iCloud Drive without any issues.

Did you try Re-enabling it after repairing the drives?

I see this:

System Extensions:
  [Running] Moonlock Protection - version 2.8.0 (MacPaw Way Ltd - installed 2025-11-11)
    Application: /Applications/Moonlock.app - version 2.8.0 (MacPaw Way Ltd - installed 2025-11-18)
    Description: This extension allows Moonlock to neutralize malware and filter network traffic on your Mac.

Any "antivirus" or "cleaner" or similar program is useless and detrimental to your Mac normal working.

And I would not put anything from this particular developer in any Mac that I use. They're know for thriving on FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt), and unfortunately many user fall for it.

This is likely to be intervening any time you try to open or save, in order to "protect" you...

I strongly recommend that this is thoroughly uninstalled.

There are also at least remnants of their other product, know here unaffectionately as "brickmymac" :-(

CleanMyMac...

I used Moonlock mainly for security against attempts to connect to my

Mac from third parties, and sometimes I have to use less secure websites

5 years/ 10 years makes no difference today with your current macOS

Do not know how else to say it—

Uninstall all third party apps that are Cleaners/Optimizers/VPN/Anti-Virus

all known to cause issues on the macOS

you can trouble shoot further you can:

—A SafeBoot Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support will sort many anomalies

Does a quick disk repair before it fully boots up, and certain system caches get cleared and rebuilt, third party system modifications and system accelerations are disabled temporarily.

Login and test. Reboot as normal and test. Caches get rebuilt automatically.

This test will tell you if third party interference; most extensions etc are not loaded in safe boot mode.

—Test issue in another user (or guest user) account Change Users & Groups settings on Mac - Apple Support

This will tell you if it a universal issue or isolated to your user/admin account. 

Third party AntiVirus/Securtiy software is not recommended— it typically does nothing but add issues to the macOS and competes directly with Apple’s own built in security:

macOS antivirus - Protecting against malware in macOS - Apple Support

Security and your Apple Account Security and your Apple Account - Apple Support

Apple Platform Security - Apple Apple Platform Security - Apple Support

Protecting against malware in macOS

Protecting against malware in macOS - Apple Support

From the same Developer as CleanMyMac , aka “ BrickMyMac “

Third Party Security Software 

There are no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling UNIX  Foundation and Permission Limitation. 

The Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that cannot be opened by the User nor by Third Party Applications.

The Only thing this Antivirus software is protecting is the Bank Account of the Developers and for zero return to the User aside from the problems this software creates.

Security. Built right in

Mac app security enhancements

The Built in Security  is all that is required to protect the computer.

Protecting against malware in macOS

Adware and Malware can affect computers and are often downloaded from “shady” websites or developers who inject them into downloads.

Source: User tip from @Kurt Lang

What is malware? - Apple Community

Part 1 of 2

Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS,  is an invitation for disaster. 

Certain Applications maybe available on the Apple Apps Store like CleanMyMac - this only means the Developer is prepared to pay Apple a percentage on each sale. 

What the Application may do to the computer is up to the User to check this out before purchase

Part 2 of 2

Actions have consequences, which in turn have repercussions. These repercussions from CleanMyMac may not always appear immediately, but when they do, they are often the least expected.

I have the exact same problem. Everything was fine until after the last OS update, then the aggravating slow window openings began. I had tossed CleanMyMac, but now see remnants left behind. How can these be found and trashed?

I use Netgear's Armor. Another unneeded grifter app? I also use Express VPN, but only when doing banking, etc. Not needed?