2 Desktops open, want to delete one, MacBook Air

Question

2 Desktops open, want to delete one, MacBook Air

It seems as thought I have 2 desktops that open on my MacBook Air. One is the one I use all the time where I can see the folders & files I want access to all the time. The other opens from FINDER as a list format. I did research, and it seems the one in last format is probably a duplicate and I'd want to delete. But, I can't figure out how to delete it.

Also, I used to be able to use a swipe move between open apps to get to my desktop, and I no longer can, how do I bring that back?

Please see attached. Thanks, Linda

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.7

Posted on Dec 20, 2025 8:17 AM

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Answer 1

Zedairder

Level 4

1,405 points

Dec 20, 2025 8:28 AM in response to LindaSchminda

Hello. They are not different things. Your desktop is a file located within your user file. This means that it's just like your downloads folder. The only difference is that all the contents in your desktop folder get rendered and appear as items you can drag around. So you can use either one to store files.

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Answer 2

Dec 20, 2025 9:16 AM in response to LindaSchminda

Use the Finder on Mac - Apple Support

The open Finder window on your screen is a partial representation of the organized file structure of your startup drive. In your pic, we see that the contents of the Desktop folder is being displayed. If you don't want to see that window, simply close it as our friend @Niel has suggested.

There is more than one way to access, visualize and manipulate files on the Mac. I've posted a link to the Finder User Guide. Finder is the interface between you and the files on your Mac and external drives.

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Answer 3

Dec 21, 2025 6:08 PM in response to Niel

Ok, so yes, that's not a problem. List of files is gone. But I used to be able to just swipe right or left go move from one screen opened to another. My Desktop no longer just appears in a swipe option. I've been here on Community before, and I was told that I need to go to Finder to open & view my desktop.

That seems to be the only way I can get to my desktop nowadays. So this one opens in list form…. and opens over the original desktop that I'm looking for by swiping. I'm thinking so sort of setting or preference has been changed, so my desktop is not in the side by side swipe. Any ideas? Thanks.

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Answer 4

Dec 21, 2025 6:27 PM in response to LindaSchminda

I believe you are referring to Mission Control and multiple desktops (spaces).

Please see:

View open windows and spaces in Mission Control on Mac - Apple Support

and

Get to know the Mac desktop - Apple Support

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Answer 5

Zedairder

Level 4

1,405 points

Dec 21, 2025 6:34 PM in response to LindaSchminda

I'm confused by what you're trying to make appear. Your desktop is always open behind the apps. What swipe gesture are you talking about? How many fingers, in what direction, and from what location? Are you referring to swiping to another app or desktop with 3 fingers to the left or to the right? To do this, you need to swipe up with 3 fingers, and click the plus button on the top bar. Work in multiple spaces on Mac - Apple Support

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