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Why is my safari window always on top?


I don’t remember this always being true, but now my Safari window is always on top on my desktop. By this I mean windows behind my Safari window do not pop to the top when I click on part of them. When I minimize Safari, other windows on the desktop behave as they always did ... a click on a visible part of the window brings it to the top (fully visible).


Is there some setting I have accidentally reset that makes this happen? It is annoying.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 13.2

Posted on Apr 8, 2023 12:23 PM

Reply
9 replies

Aug 19, 2023 1:39 AM in response to rcacrook

I've the same issue: after some use, Safari stay always on top.

If I quit and reopen Safari, the problem disappear for some time, but it return after some use.

very annoying.

note: this problem is present from MacOS Monterey and persist on Ventura 13.5.1 (22G90)

note 2: this problem is present on all MacOS account that I've on this MacStudioM2 (and previously on iMac 2015 with Monterey)


Regards, Mirco.

Apr 10, 2023 2:45 PM in response to rcacrook

Hi rcacrook,


The behavior that you're describing is not a function of macOS, but may be possible through third party plug-ins or software. To help determine if that is the situation for your specific case, test the window placement while the Mac is started into safe mode per How to use safe mode on your Mac. If the app windows respond as expected in that mode, it's possible you have a software or plug-in operating that is causing Safari to stay on top that can be further investigated. Since "Safe mode prevents your Mac from loading certain software as it starts up, including login items, system extensions not required by macOS, and fonts not installed by macOS", those would be the next elements to check if safe mode corrects the behavior.


Regards.

Jul 7, 2023 7:59 AM in response to rcacrook

Hi


I experienced the same behavior of safari and other windows on a new Mac with only few installations (Safari stays in front if I open an other application; not if the application is already opened in the background). Quitting Safari solved the problem for a period of time, but after a time it occurs again. I'm in contact with apple support, but the problem seems not to be in their database.


Kind regards

Marco

Jan 13, 2024 11:59 PM in response to rcacrook

This worked for me and I'm wondering if it was a coincidence or if this is a solution to the real problem: In Safari Preferences, under Advanced, enable "Show features for web developers". A new “Develop” entry will appear in the menu line. On the Develop menu, click "Empty Caches", then uncheck "Show features for web developers" again. Does this also fix the Safari behavior for you?

Why is my safari window always on top?

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