Apps disappear if using an external display

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Level 1

11 points

Apps disappear if using an external display

Hi, I saw this was an issue with Big Sur but thought it was fixed. I’m having the same issue with Monterey 12.0.1. When I come and go from my Mac “waken” it my apps have disappeared off screen. Bringing up control centre doesn’t even show them but I know they are still open. For example if I have two finder apps open one will possibly come back after the Mac has been woken but the other app doesn’t appear anywhere. I know it’s there because when you “right” click on the finder icon in the dock it shows the two active apps in the list. Clicking on the missing one does nothing. The issue seems to be more prevalent when I have tiled two apps on the one screen

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Dec 2, 2021 12:21 AM

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Answer 1

KMB_12

Community Specialist

Dec 2, 2021 6:35 PM in response to Byrnett

Hello and welcome to Apple Support Communities Byrnett,

We see that you're having an issue with apps disappearing from the screen when using an external display. We'd be happy to help.

First, for isolation purposes, have you tested to see if the issue remains with a different display? We are including the article below that can also help with using an external display.

Use one or more external displays with your Mac

Are you able to check to see if the Mac is switching to Extended Desktop and not Mirror Display?

It could possibly be an issue with the adapter that you're using. In that case, try resetting the SMC (system management controller ).

How to reset the SMC of your Mac

Let us know if you notice any changes.

Have a great day!

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Answer 2

Byrnett Author

Level 1

11 points

Dec 2, 2021 11:41 PM in response to KMB_12

Thanks for those suggestions Kareng12.

I am using two displays plugged into my MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro chip. One display is plugged directly into the HDMI port and the other display is plugged in via an HDMI cable to an adapter that is plugged into a thunderbolt port.

I have confirmed that the displays aren't switching to mirror. They do however seem to "swap" positions back and forth. When the MacBook is awakened, not only do apps go missing but sometimes the apps appear on the opposite display. I have checked that the display order matches the physical position of the displays. Display 1 is to the left of my MacBook and display 2 is to the right of my MacBook

I believe the resetting of the SMC only applies to intel chips?

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Answer 3

KMB_12

Community Specialist

Dec 7, 2021 12:42 PM in response to Byrnett

Hi Byrnett,

Thanks for those additional details. At this point we'd suggest to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance with what you have been experiencing with your Mac.

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Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

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Apps disappear if using an external display

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