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User profile for user: SirTH
SirTH Author
User level: Level 1
10 points

Cant open any existing windows?

On my Macbook Air, I keep on running into a problem from time to time. Every so often, I will not be able to switch to windows of apps that are currently running.


For example: I'll have a couple windows open in Google Chrome- in my dock I'll see that small white dot beneath the icon and right-clicking it shows me the names of the page that the window would open on. However, when I try to click it- it won't open. The option ''Show all windows'' will either do nothing, or show me a small box in the centre of the screen that says ''No available windows'' (even when I can see multiple windows when right-clicking the application's icon!)


- This doesn't only happen to Google Chrome but also to other apps such as Word, Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat etc. - Just anything with any windows will not show up anymore after the window was switched to another one. This problem doesn't always occur with all apps simultaneously, sometimes just a couple, sometimes there's no problem at all and other times the windows of all applications seem to be affected... Couldn't find anything about it, anyone knows what's up?

Posted on Mar 1, 2022 1:57 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Erica_S1
Erica_S1
User level: Community Specialist

Posted on Mar 2, 2022 9:35 AM

Hey there SirTH,


We understand you're experiencing an issue with windows not showing up for open apps intermittently.


First, if you haven't already, restart your MacBook Air, and see if the issue persists.


If so, try starting up in safe mode, and test for the issue there: How to use safe mode on your Mac


Depending on your results there, check out the next steps in the specific section below:

"If the issue continues in safe mode

If the issue continues while in safe mode, or your Mac restarts several times and then shuts down while starting up in safe mode, you should reinstall macOS and make sure that your Apple software and third-party apps are up to date.


If the issue doesn't continue in safe mode

If the issue doesn't continue while in safe mode, leave safe mode by restarting your Mac normally. Then test for the issue again. The issue might be resolved.

If the issue returns after leaving safe mode, startup items are probably at fault. Apps can install such items in numerous places, and they aren't always easy to find or recognize. For that reason, you should first make sure that you've installed any available updates for your Apple software and third-party apps.

If updating your software doesn't help, try any of these solutions:

  • Test your login items.
  • To learn whether software in your user account is causing the issue, set up a new user account, then log in to it and try to reproduce the issue in that account.
  • Unplug all accessories from your Mac, including printers, drives, USB hubs, and other nonessential devices. You could have an issue with one or more of those devices or their cables.
  • Reinstall macOS.

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


We hope this helps.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Erica_S1
Erica_S1
User level: Community Specialist

Mar 2, 2022 9:35 AM in response to SirTH

Hey there SirTH,


We understand you're experiencing an issue with windows not showing up for open apps intermittently.


First, if you haven't already, restart your MacBook Air, and see if the issue persists.


If so, try starting up in safe mode, and test for the issue there: How to use safe mode on your Mac


Depending on your results there, check out the next steps in the specific section below:

"If the issue continues in safe mode

If the issue continues while in safe mode, or your Mac restarts several times and then shuts down while starting up in safe mode, you should reinstall macOS and make sure that your Apple software and third-party apps are up to date.


If the issue doesn't continue in safe mode

If the issue doesn't continue while in safe mode, leave safe mode by restarting your Mac normally. Then test for the issue again. The issue might be resolved.

If the issue returns after leaving safe mode, startup items are probably at fault. Apps can install such items in numerous places, and they aren't always easy to find or recognize. For that reason, you should first make sure that you've installed any available updates for your Apple software and third-party apps.

If updating your software doesn't help, try any of these solutions:

  • Test your login items.
  • To learn whether software in your user account is causing the issue, set up a new user account, then log in to it and try to reproduce the issue in that account.
  • Unplug all accessories from your Mac, including printers, drives, USB hubs, and other nonessential devices. You could have an issue with one or more of those devices or their cables.
  • Reinstall macOS.

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


We hope this helps.

Reply

Cant open any existing windows?

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