I have just got a new M1 iMac with Big Sur. Safari seems to be randomly closing windows, often when I hide it, often when I put the computer to sleep, but I haven't found a pattern. Never when I am active in a window. There never seems to be more than 4 windows open at once, with a small number of tabs each. This never happened on my previous iMac with High Sierra.
What might be happening?
Paul.
iMac Line (2012 and Later)
I have not seen this. What happens if you deliberately open, say, eight windows now? Do they immediately start to close?
What happens if you start in Safe Mode? Can you then open windows normally? (Note: to use Safe Mode in an M1 mac, press and hold the power button until you get some options, then choose Safe Mode)
Does the problem occur in a new user account?
Please run Etrecheck and post its full report here.
Use the “additional text” button and paste the report into the text box.
It's great that the problem seems to have been solved. If it recurs, let us know.
Thanks. That was helpful.
Things have changed.
The EtreCheck report showed a lot of CPU usage associated with the HP Printer Utility. That utility was causing trouble and a separate post resolved part of that. Since then, this problem has not recurred, and I have been able to open 10 Safari windows and have them stay. Obviously I cannot state that there was a connection, but coincidence or not the problem has now disappeared.
I can still send the EtreCheck report if you like, but don't want to waste your time. If the problem recurs, I will follow your suggestions, run a new report, and post back.
Paul.
Big Sur Safari keeps closing windows
