M1 Mac Mini won't let me click on files or buttons in file windows

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Level 1

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M1 Mac Mini won't let me click on files or buttons in file windows

Here are a few examples of what is going on:

I click on the Numbers icon to open a file. The finder window opens showing my iCloud Numbers files. I try to click on a file but nothing happens. I try to click on the sidebar items but nothing happens. When I press the tab key it will switch to the search bar at the top right but all I can do is type something in. When I type the name of a file, it still won't let me select it.
Same as #1 for any application (i.e., Word, Pages, etc)
When the system window pops up for me to enter my admin password I can't click on the button that says enter password. If I press return on the keyboard it is selects as if I clicked it with a mouse and the window where I enter my password opens.
I press COMMAND-SPACE BAR to open a search menu. I type in the name of a Numbers file and it opens. I click FILE-OPEN to open a different file but after the window pops up I can't click on any files.

This happens every few days or about once every week or two. I restart my computer and everything works normally. How do I stop this from happening?

macOS Monterey Version 12.2.1 (21D62)

Mac mini (M1, 2020)

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Mar 9, 2022 7:44 PM

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Answer 1

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PRP_53

Level 10

85,621 points

Mar 10, 2022 1:44 AM in response to jjodom1010

To compare using same machine Mac Mini M1 Monterey version 12.2.1 and zero issues here.

1 - Suggest restarting in Safe Mode. This will perform a Disk Repair, clear cache files and only load Apple Software, extensions and fonts. The boot up will be slow and can take some time - Normal.

2 - Does the issue present in this mode ?

3 - If not - there could be something in the main User Account playing up. To further isolate this - Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac. Then log out of the Main User account and log into the dummy account and test again if the issue persists.

4 - If the issue is present in the dummy account - then this appears to be a System Wide issue.

5 - Suggest downloading the Application Etrecheck directly from a well Respected ASC Contributor. And Safe to use.

The application is free or paid from added features.

Run the application with Full Disc Access ( Security & Privacy - Full Disc Access ).

It will take a Snap Shot - both the hardware and software.

The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information.

Post back the Full Report - copy and paste - using the Additional Text Icon ( 3rd Icon to last )

We can have a look at the report for possible issues and may have possible suggestions to resolve the issues.

Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS, alter, modify, remove or delete or attempt to do so is an invitation for disaster and may require a Reinstallation of the OS.

Any of the below should be removed as per Developers Instructions

This includes AntiVirus, Disk Cleaners, Disk Optimizes, UnInstaller etc.

This will include CleanMyMac , This will include BitDefender ,

This will included Norton Antivirus , Sophos Av Software

Intego AntiVirus, McAfee, MacKeeper, Avast AntiVirus

Ad Guard, Webroot

The The Built in Security is all that is required.

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M1 Mac Mini won't let me click on files or buttons in file windows

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