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Dock not moving to external monitors after macOS update 27.0.1

dock doesn't move to my external monitors after update to 27.0.1


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: issues with update 27.0.1

2 replies

On your MacBook Pro, go to Apple menu  >> System Settings >> Desktop & Dock >> Mission Control and make sure Displays have separate Spaces is turned on. 


Apple says that with this enabled, the Dock is available on all displays. Apple Support — Desktop & Dock settings


Then open System Settings >> Displays and make sure macOS is recognising the external display and that the display arrangement is correct. Apple Support — Displays settings


Move the pointer to the bottom edge of the external display to see whether the Dock appears. 


If it does not , you can refresh the Dock by opening Terminal and entering killall Dock. ( this terminal command is case sensitive ) 


The Dock should briefly disappear and then restart. This is a general macOS troubleshooting step, not a fix specifically documented by Apple for macOS 27.0.1.


If the Dock still stays on the MacBook's display, the fact that this started after the 27.0.1 update is worth noting, but that timing alone does not establish that the update caused the problem. 


Note that for the Dock to switch displays, the Displays have separate Spaces setting must be enabled, and you must first click in the other display/Space before moving your cursor to the bottom of the display to make the Dock appear. Simply moving your cursor to the other display is not sufficient, you need to click to make that display active.



If that is not the behavior that you see, then o fix the Dock not moving to your external monitor after updating to macOS 27.0.1, check your "Displays have separate Spaces" setting and adjust your Display Arrangement.


Toggle "Displays have separate Spaces"

  • Open System Settings on your Mac.
  • Go to Desktop & Dock.
  • Scroll down to the Displays have separate Spaces option.
  • If it is on, turn it off and back on (or leave it on).



More info: Change Desktop & Dock settings on Mac - Apple Support


Reset Main Display Assignment

  • Go to System Settings ➔ Displays
  • Click the Arrange button
  • Drag the white menu bar in the Arrangement tab onto your external monitor to temporarily designate it as the Main Display to force the Dock to jump over, then drag it back if you prefer your laptop screen as primary