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.

Desktop rearranges after using external monitor

Hi


I have a and a new MBP 14.

Daily I use my MBP with a 27" 4K external monitor as my main display and this is fine until I want to use the MBP on its own because the desktop icons rearrage themselves randomly.

I understand that because of different space/sizing, but...

How do I stop my desktop from re-arranging all the icons when switching between the laptops use and the external monitor setup (I use mini-display port)?


Is there any fix for this?

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Jan 28, 2022 6:22 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 18, 2022 7:47 AM

michelediscardi wrote:

Hi

I have a and a new MBP 14.
Daily I use my MBP with a 27" 4K external monitor as my main display and this is fine until I want to use the MBP on its own because the desktop icons rearrage themselves randomly.
I understand that because of different space/sizing, but...
How do I stop my desktop from re-arranging all the icons when switching between the laptops use and the external monitor setup (I use mini-display port)?

Is there any fix for this?


I know of no fix... it is not a perfect science..


You can try Stacks on the Desktop and see if makes any difference for you

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/ways-to-organize-files-on-your-mac-desktop-mh35951/12.0/mac/12.0



you can submit your Apple Feedback

https://www.apple.com/feedback/macos.html



Similar questions

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 18, 2022 7:47 AM in response to michelediscardi

michelediscardi wrote:

Hi

I have a and a new MBP 14.
Daily I use my MBP with a 27" 4K external monitor as my main display and this is fine until I want to use the MBP on its own because the desktop icons rearrage themselves randomly.
I understand that because of different space/sizing, but...
How do I stop my desktop from re-arranging all the icons when switching between the laptops use and the external monitor setup (I use mini-display port)?

Is there any fix for this?


I know of no fix... it is not a perfect science..


You can try Stacks on the Desktop and see if makes any difference for you

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/ways-to-organize-files-on-your-mac-desktop-mh35951/12.0/mac/12.0



you can submit your Apple Feedback

https://www.apple.com/feedback/macos.html



Desktop rearranges after using external monitor

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