macOS offers a powerful feature called Spaces, which allows users to organize their open applications across multiple virtual desktops or workspaces. This helps maintain an organized workflow by separating projects or tasks into distinct environments. However, a feature that automatically rearranges these desktops based on your recent app usage can sometimes disrupt this organization. If you prefer your desktops to remain in a fixed order, it is essential to disable this auto-rearrangement.
What is Desktop (Spaces) Auto Rearrangement?
By default, macOS reorders your desktops (also called Spaces) so that the most recently used desktop appears next to your current one. While this can be useful for some people to quickly switch between frequently used spaces, it often causes confusion and breaks your muscle memory of where apps or documents reside.
For instance, if you have Chrome on Desktop 2 and a document on Desktop 3, after switching between them, macOS might shuffle these desktops, making it hard to keep track of your workspace layout.
Why Disable Auto Rearrangement?
Disabling this feature locks your desktops in the order you set, avoiding unexpected shuffling and helping maintain a consistent workflow. It is especially helpful for users who rely heavily on multiple desktops or workspaces for different tasks, making navigation predictable and stable.
How to Disable Auto Rearrangement of Desktops on macOS
The process to disable automatic rearrangement is straightforward and involves adjusting the Mission Control settings from System Settings. Here’s how:
- Click the Apple menu () and open System Settings.
- In the sidebar, select Desktop & Dock.
- Scroll down to the Mission Control section.
- Find the option labeled "Automatically rearrange Spaces based on most recent use".
- Toggle this option off.
Once disabled, macOS will no longer move your desktops around based on usage, preserving the custom order you prefer.
Additional Tips
- This setting is relevant for macOS Ventura and later. On older macOS versions, look for the similar option under System Preferences > Mission Control.
- Disabling this feature does not affect your ability to create or delete desktops; it only stops the system from rearranging existing ones.
- If you use full-screen apps, they will still create new spaces as usual, just without automatic reshuffling.
Conclusion
The automatic rearrangement of deskspaces can disrupt productivity and cause frustration for users accustomed to a set order of virtual desktops. Thankfully, macOS allows you to disable this feature easily, giving you control back over your workspace organization. By following the steps outlined above, you can keep your desktops locked in place and enjoy a more stable and predictable workflow.
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