Stop open Mac apps from hiding when you click the desktop

Find out how to stop open apps and windows on your Mac from hiding automatically when you click the desktop wallpaper.

I don’t like how clicking the desktop on my Mac makes all open windows disappear out of view, revealing my wallpaper, device icons, and widgets. This also hides the app window if Stage Manager is active.

Since you’re reading this post, I believe you’re not fond of this feature either. Don’t worry, macOS has a toggle to prevent windows from hiding when you click the desktop wallpaper.

Stop apps from hiding when you click outside the window

1. Open System Settings on your Mac running macOS Sonoma or later.
2. Select Desktop & Dock in the sidebar.
3. Click the menu next to “Click wallpaper to reveal desktop” or “Click wallpaper to show desktop items” and select Only in Stage Manager.
4. Next, be sure to switch off the Stage Manager option.

Test this by clicking anywhere outside the System Settings window; it won’t hide or minimize into the Stage Manager sidebar.

If your Mac uses the older macOS Ventura software, turning off Stage Manager in System Settings or Control Center will stop the open app window from transforming into a small tile on the left side of the screen.

On a related note:

• How to hide desktop icons on Mac with a single click
• How to automatically hide a Mac app when clicking elsewhere on the screen