Desktop folder and hard drive dissapear

Today I noticed that when I click the desktop the hard rive and a folder that is on the desktop dissapears and when I click again it appears. That never happened before. How do I fix that. I want the hard drive and my desktop folders to stay there at all times.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 13.4

Posted on Jul 18, 2023 12:30 PM

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5 replies

Jul 19, 2023 10:55 AM in response to Elizabeth Rodriguez

Hi Elizabeth Rodriguez,


To confirm, when you click a folder or hard drive that appears on your desktop, that temporarily disappears until you click it again. Does that sound right? We want to make sure we fully understand what you are encountering.


If that is correct, the first step you can take is to restart your MacBook Air. This can refresh macOS and may help resolve this. If needed, the steps below from the following article show how: Shut down or restart your Mac


Restart your Mac
* On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > Restart.
* If you don’t want app windows that are open to reopen when your Mac restarts, deselect “Reopen windows when logging back in.”


Another step you can take is to restart into safe mode if a normal restart doesn't help. Safe mode only allows certain software to load, which can help isolate this further or possibly resolve the issue. This article shows how to start up a Mac into safe mode: Start up your Mac in safe mode


Please let us know if those steps help or if you've already tried those.


Take care!

Jul 19, 2023 11:34 AM in response to claire504

Claire504,


Thanks for your reply. I did try those steps but still is doing the same. When it boots up the desktop is empty and when I click on the desktop, then the hard drive and my folder appear. If I click again it disappears again. Very weird. If you have any other idea on how to troubleshoot this, let me know. Appreciate your help.


Elizabeth

Jul 19, 2023 11:49 AM in response to Elizabeth Rodriguez

Hello Elizabeth Rodriguez,


We understand that you're running  macOS 13.4. At this time, we suggest that you complete the update to  macOS 13.4.1. Doing so, may resolve the issue. We have provided the steps below:


"Before installing new software, it's a good idea to back up your Mac. If you have an external storage device, you can use it to back up your Mac with Time Machine.


Use Software Update

To check for new software, open Software Update. It's in System Settings (or System Preferences), which you can open from the Apple menu  in the corner of your screen:

  • Choose Apple menu  > System Settings. Click General on the left side of the System Settings window, then click Software Update on the right.
  • Or choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Software Update.

If Software Update finds new software, click the button to install it. You will be asked to enter your administrator password. During installation, your Mac might show a progress bar or blank screen several times, and you should avoid putting it to sleep or closing its lid.

If Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, then no new software is currently available for your Mac model. Software Update shows only software that is compatible with your Mac."


Software Update window in macOS Monterey


Click here for more details: Update macOS on Mac


Let us know if this helps.


Best wishes!


Desktop folder and hard drive dissapear

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