Some apps won't launch and login items disappeared Post Ventura update on MacBook Pro

I had similar symptoms (login items empty/unmodifiable, unresponsive applications) immediately after the 13.6.5 update on a 2021 M1 Macbook Pro.

I tried upgrading to Sonoma, but the installer would also lock up after selecting the disk.

I then used Recovery Mode to reinstall Ventura, which didn’t fix the login items, but did at least let the Sonoma upgrade complete.

After the Sonoma upgrade, all my menu items were back.

I had the same issue on upgrading to Ventura 13.6.5 and this post of Kevin Mehall at

https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/471082/after-updating-to-ventura-13-6-5-the-login-items-are-missing-and-the-computer-i

solved it.

Thank you!! it worked!!

that one line command saved me:

sudo mv /var/db/com.apple.backgroundtaskmanagement/BackgroundItems-v8.btm{,.bak}

reinstalling Ventura does not solve it. Going into Safe Boot not solving it. I had antivirus and VPN, but none are working now - all not responding.

Upgrading to Sonoma not an option as I have a macbook pro 2017 on which Sonoma is not supported.

it's been almost a week trying to figure this out, trying a lot of things people suggested, but no luck :(

paulmestereaga wrote:

reinstalling Ventura does not solve it. Going into Safe Boot not solving it. I had antivirus and VPN, but none are working now - all not responding.

If you still have the A/V and VPN installed you should install them according to the developers instructions. Because there is no reason to ever install or run any 3rd party "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus, VPN or security apps on your Mac.  This documents describe what you need to know and do in order to protect your Mac: Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community and Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support.  

There are no known viruses, i.e. self propagating, for Macs.  There are, however, adware and malware which require the user to install although unwittingly most of the time thru sneaky links, etc.   

Anti Virus developers try to group all types as viruses into their ad campaigns of fear.  They do a poor job of the detecting and isolating the adware and malware.  Since there are no viruses these apps use up a lot of system resources searching for what is non-existent and adversely affect system and app performance.

There is one app, Malwarebytes, which was developed by a long time contributor to these forums and a highly respected member of the computer security community, that is designed solely to seek out adware and known malware and remove it.  The free version is more than adequate for most users.  

Unless you're using a true VPN tunnel, such as between you and your employer's, school's or bank's servers, they provide false security from a privacy standpoint. 

I have exactly the same issue after updating to Ventura 13.6.5. Does anyone has a solution?

Have you installed and run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus or VPN apps on your Mac?

Before upgrading to Sonora you should try Boot into the Recovery volume (boot with the Command + R keys held down  - Intel Macs) or  (How to Boot an M1 Mac into Recovery Mode) and reinstall the system. It won't affect the user data but you should have a full and recent backup, i.e. Time Machine or equivalent, regardless of what you try.

I am having the same issue with login items empty and apps not working. Upgrading to Sonoma is not an option since I'm on a 2017 iMac.

I've exact same issue on my M1 Laptop. No login items and half of my applications don't work.

I know how frustrating it is. Just do safety check and change your Apple ID, sounds like someone has your password or sharing with you. Best wishes. I’m here this is really annoying but be Patient.

I got the same problem. Anyone knows the reason and how to fix it?

Ran into this and solved it by upgrading to Sonoma (14.4).