Moving window between desktops doesn't keep focus on window being moved

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Moving window between desktops doesn't keep focus on window being moved

I'm using Sonoma 14.3 on my 2021 MacBook M1 Max. I frequently work with multiple desktops. Whenever I move a window from one desktop to another, the window I move will sort behind any other window I have on that desktop. So then I have to hunt for that window on that desktop to give it focus. Note, this only occurs if another window on the target desktop had focus before I move a window from the source desktop to the target desktop (which is usually the case).

Repro (doing this with a track pad and gestures):

Open any application (App 1) on Desktop 1 and another application (App 2) Desktop 2.
Make sure App 2 has focus on Desktop 2.
Switch to Desktop 1.
Three-finger-swipe up to bring up Mission Control.
Click and move App 1 from Desktop 1 to Desktop 2.
Switch to Desktop 2, either by clicking Desktop 2 via Mission Control or returning to Desktop 1 and then swiping over to Desktop 2 (both produce the issue).

Results:

App 2 will retain focus when switching to Desktop 2.

Expected:

This is poor default behavior. App1 should retain focus on Desktop 2.

MacBook Pro (2021)

Posted on Feb 14, 2024 11:31 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 12, 2024 5:08 PM in response to baggadonuts

Hi,

It sounds like you're experiencing a frustrating issue with the window focus behavior when moving windows between desktops on Sonoma 14.3. This behavior can indeed disrupt workflow efficiency. Here are a few potential solutions or workarounds you could try:

Check System Preferences: Go to System Preferences > Mission Control and ensure that "When switching to an application, switch to a Space with open windows for the application" is checked. This setting should help maintain focus on the moved window.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Instead of using gestures, try using keyboard shortcuts to move windows between desktops. You can use Command + Control + Left/Right Arrow to move the window to the desktop to the left or right, respectively.
Third-Party Window Management Apps: Consider using third-party window management apps like Magnet or BetterTouchTool. These apps offer more advanced window management features and may provide better control over window focus behavior.
Feedback to Apple: If the issue persists and none of the above solutions work for you, consider providing feedback to Apple through the Feedback Assistant app or their support channels. They may address the issue in future updates.

Hopefully, one of these solutions helps improve your experience with managing windows across multiple desktops. Let me know if you need further assistance or have any other questions!

You may go here for more window solutions.

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