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ptodorof
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

MacBook Air Space Bar applies extension instead of space when renaming files

I'm facing Space bar issues on a new MacBook Air. The SpaceBar will not create a space in certain situations, such as when renaming a file. Instead of a space, it applies the extension as if I'm done typing. It seems to work fine in most other applications.

Posted on Oct 5, 2026 12:09 PM

4 replies

6x6
User level: Level 7 (26,777 points)

Oct 5, 2026 6:16 PM in response to ptodorof

Try to turn off Full Keyboard Access:


  1. On your Mac, go to System Settings, then click Accessibility in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)
  2. Go to Motor, click Keyboard, then turn Full Keyboard Access off.
ptodorof Author
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 5, 2026 6:06 PM in response to ptodorof

The Space Bar will not insert a space in other applications as well. For example, in a drop down message box on a retail site where I had to explain why I was cancelling an order, the space bar wouldn't work. I had to separate/the/words/this/way.

ptodorof Author
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 5, 2026 6:54 PM in response to 6x6

Thank you. I think that worked. It is puzzling why that is a default setting, however. But I'm grateful for your assistance.

6x6
User level: Level 7 (26,777 points)

Oct 5, 2026 7:03 PM in response to ptodorof

Glad it worked. A few users have had the surprise to see this setting turned on after a macOS upgrade.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256370969