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

Niel

Community+ 2025

Level 10

741,359 points

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

1. Click the red button in the window.

2. Click on an open spot of the desktop.

(262298)

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