Can't navigate macOS Tahoe 26.0.1 on MacBook Pro

Question

Level 1

4 points

Can't navigate macOS Tahoe 26.0.1 on MacBook Pro

I brought my 2025 MacBook Pro to the Apple Store for some problems; they decided the computer needed to be wiped and reset. Luckily most things were backed up on iCloud however now, with this new system, EVERYTHING is screwy.

The only way I can access Safari is via the small button in my dock, then an entire Safari option appears & I have to select Email before I can access my Email.

There's an obnoxious calendar, clock, and photo that appear on my desktop and I can't get rid of them.

I can't Airdrop photos where I can find them.

There are no options for icons to ID the various items in the Menu Bar.

And so, SO, many other problems. I want my old OS back - the one I understood, the one that wasn't not totally different.

Can anyone guide me on how to understand this totally new system? Or, otherwise, how to return to my old OS?

Thanks in advance,

D*******@gmail.com

[Edited by Moderator]

Original Title: Tahoe 26.0.1 - HELP! Everything is screwy :(

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 26.0

Posted on Oct 3, 2025 12:03 AM

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Answer 1

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,090 points

Oct 3, 2025 5:27 AM in response to DK1225

Any widget on your desktop you can control right click and select remove or delete. Your Airdrop files by default go to your downloads folder. Using the Safari icon in the dock will open Safari to your designated home page which you can change in the Safari settings menu.

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Answer 2

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,090 points

Oct 5, 2025 7:51 AM in response to DK1225

Did you try to change your desktop wallpaper to a darker hue to help read the folder labels? Try accessibility. display and uncheck reduce transparency and see if you can read menu items better.

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Answer 3

Oct 3, 2025 6:03 AM in response to DK1225

Mac User Guide - Apple Support

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Answer 4

DK1225 Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 4, 2025 7:58 PM in response to DK1225

Thank you but neither of these answers help with my 2 major problems. I’ve spent 3 days reviewing the manual and going to every Google help site I can fine.

Here are my issues:

I added items to my menu bar, but I can’t see what they are. The option for labels when you hover over the icon is not available. Knerr is an option to make the icons/menu bar larger.
On my desktop, the file folders are there in their colors, which I love however, the labels for the file folders can barely be seen. They are white and almost transparent.

If anyone can advise me, I’d be very appreciative.

Thank you in advance

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