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Turnhouse
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Mac external display issues after Golden Gate update

I use two screens occasionally on my M1 Mac Studio. Two oddities since moving to Golden Gate.

  1. Regardless of which screen I have an app GUI on, if I click on the green button to go over to full screen, the other screen goes black. If I then come out of full screen, the other screen picture zooms in again from the edge. Not a killer, but b$%%*y annoying.
  2. Running application on the supplementary screen (ie. not the nominated main screen) the menu bar does not follow it but remains on the primary display. I don't remember this behaviour in Tahoe ... or am I mistaken?

Any observations would be welcome.

Posted on Oct 16, 2026 5:05 PM

3 replies

neuroanatomist
User level: Level 9 (72,871 points)

Oct 16, 2026 5:20 PM in response to Turnhouse

There have been many issues reported with Mission Control and Spaces on macOS 27 Golden Gate, especially regarding the way apps are handled across internal and external displays, and the way Full Screen apps and app switching are handled. There have also been issues with Menu Bar location. Some have been resolved by identifying and removing incompatible 3rd party extensions, others are bona fide bugs. The minor point update, macOS 27.0.1, did not appear to address the more significant issues.

 

Bugs should be reported to Apple here:

Feedback - macOS - Apple

 

See if the problem is present when you boot in safe mode. That process performs some system cleanup and clears caches, and also disables 3rd party extensions that may cause problems.

 

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

 

If that does not correct the issue, test in a new user account. A newly-created user account will have all settings at default, and if the issue does not occur in that new account then it provides guidance on what may need to be changed to correct the issue.

 

Add a user or group on Mac - Apple Support

 

Once the testing is complete, the new account can easily be deleted.

 

Delete a user or group on Mac – Apple Support

 

Those steps will help to isolate the problem.

 

It might help to download and run EtreCheck, written by a long-time forum member. The free version is fine. Post the full report using the Additional Text button. No personal information is revealed. 



If the issue persists in safe mode and a new user account, that suggests that it's a bug that Apple needs to address. 

 

Reporting issues like this to Apple is the only way to get them fixed. They do prioritize bugs based on frequency of reports, so the more people who report it, the faster it will be addressed.

 

Personally, Mission Control is working fine for my use cases on my 16" M4 Pro MBP running 27.0.1. I have many Spaces and open windows, but I don't use full screen apps and I don't have my apps grouped, both of which are associated with reported issues.


Regarding the Menu Bar, for me it is always present on both my internal display and the external 5K:2K display (in extended mode, not mirrored). It's 'grayed out' on the inactive display (i.e., the one without the active app) but still there. Users with 3rd party tools (Bartender, etc.) have reported menu bar localization issues.

Turnhouse Author
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 16, 2026 5:35 PM in response to neuroanatomist

Hi Neuroanatomist.

Thanks for your swift and helpful reply.

Here in the UK it's just approaching 1.30am, so I hope you'll not be offended if I put off trying your suggestions 'til the morning. 🥱

I shall give all that a crack on the morrow (wife allowing) and let you know how I get on.

Cheers.

neuroanatomist
User level: Level 9 (72,871 points)

Oct 16, 2026 5:41 PM in response to Turnhouse

Early evening here in New England. Sleep well and good luck.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256377523