Safari can't make a new window

When I launch Safari, it doesn't open a window like it normally should. Cmd+N flashes the File menu but then doesn't do anything. Cmd+t opens an empty window with no controls or anything. Once that window is open, I can select New Tab Group and it will load the homepage and show bookmarks, but no location bar or status bar (even though they are active under View).


Logging into another user account does not have the same problem, so it's just this user with the issue.


Tried running Malwarebytes (clean), reinstalling the OS (no change), run all updates (OS is Catalina, btw).

Boot into Safe Mode (no change)

Removed the Safari folder from ~/Library, no change.

Removed all plists from ~/Library/Preferences with Safari in the name, no change. When relaunching Safari, it did not create a new com.apple.Safari.plist as I expected it to.

Copied Safari from another Mac running Catalina and launched it from USB drive. No change.


There are no other issues observed on this 2013 iMac. Aside from this issue, it runs flawlessly.


I'm running out of ideas here.

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Dec 19, 2023 11:22 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 19, 2023 11:29 AM

Well, of course as soon as I post this I find the answer myself. In case anyone else has this issue, deleting the com.apple.Safari folder from ~/Library/Containers fixed the issue.


Cheers

Similar questions

1 reply

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.

Safari can't make a new window

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.