When using Mission Control's 'Show Desktop' I can't click on the desktop.

Good job troubleshooting with a new account.

Try one more test: restart in Safe Mode, and login to your normal account.

Does it have the same problem in Safe Mode?

Please run Etrecheck and post its full report here. Use the "additional text" button and paste the report into the text box.

Hi Ma-ham,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. Testing in a different user was a great first step. Let's also have you test if this issue happens in safe mode. The resource below can help you restart in safe mode, and what to do based on the results of safe mode.

How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support

Thanks

ma-ham wrote:

Hello,

I'm unable to use Mission Control's 'Show Desktop' to access files on my desktop (Macbook Pro 16in M1 Max on macOS Monterey 12.1) . When I use the feature, it clears the screen to reveal the desktop, but I cannot actually click anything on the desktop with either my trackpad or an external mouse. I tried to set up a hot corner, but the issue still the same : screen cleared but icons disabled. Clicking on icons does nothing. Can't move it. Can't open it. Icons are there, but frozen.

I opened a new user account (fake admin) and find out that it's working as expected there. Came back on my account, but issue still there.

How to resolve this issue?

Regards,

Marc

Verify your software is up to date—

The current stable release of Monterey including bug fixes, is macOS 12.4

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/get-macos-updates-mchlpx1065/mac

Update your iPhone - current stable release iOS 15.5

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204204