Finder windows jumping back behind other application windows

Question

Finder windows jumping back behind other application windows

I'm experiencing a glitch in Finder that makes Finder windows jump back behind other application windows? It's driving me crazy.

When I use Mission Control or App Exposé to show all application windows, and then select any Finder window, it immediately drops back behind the other open application windows.

I'm using macOS Sierra (10.12.1) on a Macbook Pro, (Retina, mid-2012).

MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012), macOS Sierra (10.12.1), Finder, Mission Control, App Exposé

Posted on Oct 28, 2016 8:46 AM

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Answer 1

Mcmini

Level 1

4 points

Aug 28, 2017 1:20 AM in response to PaperbackDesign

Hi I had this problem and it's a simple fix when you find it had me stumped for weeks, but follow this I hope it helps;

Navigate to the finder icon in the dock with mouse
right click / cmd click
1. Navigate to the options (3rd up from bottom of list)
2. Select all desktops (Assign)

That's it should be fixed hope this helps you guys out

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Answer 2

Mar 19, 2017 11:00 PM in response to Asherpotter

THIS WAS DRIVING ME CRAZY BUT SWITCHING IT FROM "ALL DESKTOPS" TO "NONE" FIXED IT!!!!!

Sorry for the caps but you are a genius!!!!!

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Answer 3

Nov 29, 2016 3:37 PM in response to PaperbackDesign

I have the exact same issue and it's driving me nuts.

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Answer 4

Nov 29, 2016 3:39 PM in response to Asherpotter

Are you running the latest macOS Sierra also? The only thing that seems to help is restarting—it works properly for a little while and then goes back to the same problem.

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Answer 5

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,458 points

Nov 29, 2016 4:08 PM in response to PaperbackDesign

Some applications are purposely written so that their windows appear above all others. Change focus to another application written the same way, and then its windows will obstruct others. Use command+tab to quickly change between different application and Finder windows.

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Answer 6

Nov 29, 2016 6:42 PM in response to PaperbackDesign

Yeah, I'm running 10.12.1. The issue happens with every Macbook Pro I've tried, including the 2016 model.

I haven't tried monitoring it closely after a restart, but nothing really seems to help in the long term anyway.

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Answer 7

Nov 30, 2016 1:53 PM in response to Asherpotter

Do you use an external monitor? I switch back and forth a lot, but I'm not sure if it's related. (I use a Thunderbolt display at home and at my office.)

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Answer 8

Nov 30, 2016 2:49 PM in response to PaperbackDesign

I don't use an external monitor, but I might have figured out what it is.

I had assigned Finder to "All Desktops," and when I just tried to assign it to "None" the problem stopped occurring. Have you assigned Finder similarly?

I'm not sure yet if the fix is just temporary, though.

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