You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Screen shows nothing except wallpaper, computer won't work

Hi!


Since updating my 2013 Mac Pro to Catalina a few weeks ago, I have been having this specific problem a handful of times now. My screen is showing the wallpaper, but nothing else. All my files that are on the desktop are not showing, the menu bar and dock are gone.

If I press any key, I get a sound but nothing else happens. I have tried certain key shortcuts, nothing.


The only way to fix it is to turn the computer of by holding the on/ off button for a little while. Which is something I really DON'T want to do.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-S5kD6hb5o&feature=youtu.be

Mac Pro, macOS 10.14

Posted on May 21, 2020 6:56 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 21, 2020 7:31 AM

I understand your Mac starts up ok but doesn't finish starting up completely, and you can't use it unless you force it to shut down. I agree that's not something you want to tolerate routinely.


Even though your Mac obviously turns on, begin with If your Mac doesn't turn on.


Read and follow each of its steps, including all the links within them, all the way through and including Step 4, which directs you to:


If your Mac starts up to a blank screen


Even though your Mac is not starting to a blank screen, read and follow each of it steps also, all the way through and including the end, which takes you to:


"If you still need help, please contact Apple Support."

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 21, 2020 7:31 AM in response to Illedill

I understand your Mac starts up ok but doesn't finish starting up completely, and you can't use it unless you force it to shut down. I agree that's not something you want to tolerate routinely.


Even though your Mac obviously turns on, begin with If your Mac doesn't turn on.


Read and follow each of its steps, including all the links within them, all the way through and including Step 4, which directs you to:


If your Mac starts up to a blank screen


Even though your Mac is not starting to a blank screen, read and follow each of it steps also, all the way through and including the end, which takes you to:


"If you still need help, please contact Apple Support."

Screen shows nothing except wallpaper, computer won't work

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.