Cmd + Tab navigating to Safari opens a new empty window

Navigating to Safari with the application switcher (Command + Tab) always opens a new empty window with my default, Personal profile (even if one is already open). I've quit all other applications incl. hidden applications in status bar to confirm nothing is interfering.


Anyone else having this issue? It's infuriating because the application switcher is my main way to move between apps – and because opening a new window brings focus to that window, my MacBook is constantly swinging wildly between 3 of 4 Desktop Spaces… it's driving me nuts!


I'm using Safari Version 17.0 (19616.1.27.211.1)

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 11.5

Posted on Oct 25, 2023 6:19 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 26, 2023 1:34 PM

Hi ionakana1608,


We appreciate you reaching out to us.

We’d like to gather additional details that may help us be in a better position to assist you.

Have you always been experiencing this behavior?


To isolate, let’s test if the issue persists on a newly created user account. 

  1. "On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Users & Groups  in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)
  2. Click the Add Account button below the list of users on the right (you may be asked to enter your password.)
  3. Click the New Account pop-up menu, then choose a type of user.
  4. Enter a full name for the new user. An account name is generated automatically. To use a different account name, enter it now—you can’t change it later.
  5. Enter a password for the user, then enter it again to verify. Enter a password hint to help the user remember their password.
  6. Click Create User."


You can use the article below as a reference.

Add a user or group on Mac - Apple Support


If you are experiencing the issue when signed in on a different user account, please check if the issue persists while on safe mode. Safe mode does a basic check of your startup disk, similar to using First Aid in Disk Utility.

Performing this step may help resolve the issue, or further isolate the issue.

Below is an article to help guide you through the process.

Use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support




Take care!


Similar questions

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 26, 2023 1:34 PM in response to ionakana1608

Hi ionakana1608,


We appreciate you reaching out to us.

We’d like to gather additional details that may help us be in a better position to assist you.

Have you always been experiencing this behavior?


To isolate, let’s test if the issue persists on a newly created user account. 

  1. "On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Users & Groups  in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)
  2. Click the Add Account button below the list of users on the right (you may be asked to enter your password.)
  3. Click the New Account pop-up menu, then choose a type of user.
  4. Enter a full name for the new user. An account name is generated automatically. To use a different account name, enter it now—you can’t change it later.
  5. Enter a password for the user, then enter it again to verify. Enter a password hint to help the user remember their password.
  6. Click Create User."


You can use the article below as a reference.

Add a user or group on Mac - Apple Support


If you are experiencing the issue when signed in on a different user account, please check if the issue persists while on safe mode. Safe mode does a basic check of your startup disk, similar to using First Aid in Disk Utility.

Performing this step may help resolve the issue, or further isolate the issue.

Below is an article to help guide you through the process.

Use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support




Take care!


This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Cmd + Tab navigating to Safari opens a new empty window

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