If I am on a screen on my 14-inch 2023 M2 Macbook Pro, when I click on another app in the dock, I am not immediately taken there, I am taken back to the desktop first. How can I stop this from happening and go directly to my chosen app?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Mac Pro (2023)
Mimi0110 Said:
“Maybe I didn't describe my problem clearly. When I go to the "dock" and choose an app like mail for instance, the computer does not take me right to the mail page, it goes to the desktop first, then if I click the mail icon again, it goes to that screen. But how can I get the computer to take me there the first time and not have to do the steps twice?”
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Thank you for the followup reply.
A. Extended Display, Perhaps?
Do you have an extra external monitor attached? If so, it may be going to that monitor, if extended. That would mean you have to decide which is to be the default monitor. I get this in my Mac when my projector is plugged in, even though it is powered on. So, see if you need to make this your extended screen or to simply mirror it. Learn more here: Extend or Mirror your Mac Desktop Across Multiple Displays - Apple Support
B. Remove a Focus or all Focusses:
If you have a focus being used, if might be closing it, when you open it. So, see if you need to remove one, or remove them all, if you have no need for one: Set Up a Focus on Mac - Apple Support
Not sure if you resolved this, but seems to be working so far, I turned off stage manager.
ShebaJ Said:
"macOS brings me back to main desktop when opening an app, not to the app itself: Not sure if you resolved this, but seems to be working so far, I turned off stage manager."
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Excellent job troubleshooting!
Thank you for sharing a solution. It will help many, for certain.
Provide the Source?
Where did you come across this solution?
Inform Apple of this Bug and Solution:
Report this solution to Apple. Doing so, they will know what fixes to issues that come about are out there.
Mimi0110 wrote:
Maybe I didn't describe my problem clearly. When I go to the "dock" and choose an app like mail for instance, the computer does not take me right to the mail page, it goes to the desktop first, then if I click the mail icon again, it goes to that screen. But how can I get the computer to take me there the first time and not have to do the steps twice?
What's happening is that when you click on the dock, your first click goes to the desktop, as though the dock is not there. That's why you get the desktop coming back. But, your 2nd click on the app icon, opens it, meaning the dock is there at that time. A really strange situation. So, better reinstall your OS, then maybe the dock will be there the first time. Or, put into autohiding, bring the dock to view, click on the app icon.
Or, first put the dock in autohiding mode, shut down the Mac, then bring it back to normal stage, and then check if dock and the app icons work as it should be. One of these will work out.
Go to System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Desktop and Stage Manager and disable Click wallpaper to reveal desktop. You might be (double) clicking slightly above the dock.
Mimi0110 Said:
"macOS brings me back to main desktop when opening an app, not to the app itself: If I am on a screen on my 14-inch 2023 M2 Macbook Pro, when I click on another app in the dock, I am not immediately taken there, I am taken back to the desktop first. How can I stop this from happening and go directly to my chosen app?"
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Troubleshooting Opening Apps:
A. Perhaps the App is Immediately Closing?
Are you able to go back to the app after the Desktop shows? If not, I'd say you have a coaching app, and need to uninstall it. Go here: If an App Freezes or Quits Unexpectedly on Mac - Apple Support
B. Add as a Login Item:
What happens when you add Activity Monitor as a Login Item? Add it as such, log out, and then log back in, seeing if you still get this error. Go Here: Open Items Automatically when you Log In on Mac - Apple Support
Not really clear what "taken back to the desktop first" means.
What is the name that shows right next to the Apple symbol in the menu bar? Is it the name of the application whose icon you have clicked on?
Some applications may start and not have any window open.
Also: if the application for some reason does not become active, what is, and then how do you then switch to the desired application? Using Command-tab? In some other way?
And, last but not least, which application is this? Does the same problem happen with other applications?
Maybe I didn't describe my problem clearly. When I go to the "dock" and choose an app like mail for instance, the computer does not take me right to the mail page, it goes to the desktop first, then if I click the mail icon again, it goes to that screen. But how can I get the computer to take me there the first time and not have to do the steps twice?
macOS brings me back to main desktop when opening an app, not to the app itself
