Hi,
macOS Sequoia forgetting Safari window assignments across different Spaces (Desktops) after a reboot is a long-standing macOS limitation. While macOS is designed to remember window placements via its "Resume" feature, it frequently dumps all restored Safari windows onto a single desktop (usually Desktop 1) upon a system restart.
You can fix or work around this behavior by adjusting your system configurations and leveraging automated tools.
1. Fix Native macOS Settings
Incorrectly toggled system settings often exacerbate window shuffling. Verify and update the following preferences:
- Prevent Spaces from Shuffling: Go to System Settings > Desktop & Dock > scroll down to Mission Control. Turn off "Automatically rearrange Spaces based on most recent use". This prevents macOS from dynamically changing your desktop order.
- Keep Application Windows Open: In System Settings > Desktop & Dock, navigate to the Windowssection. Turn off "Close windows when quitting an application". This ensures macOS attempts to preserve window history when applications shut down.
- Verify Login Prompts: When manually restarting or shutting down your Mac, always check the box for "Reopen windows when logging back in" on the confirmation pop-up.
2. Configure Safari’s Default Startup Behavior
Ensure Safari is natively programmed to recall your previous session:
- Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar > Settings.
- In the General tab, find "Safari opens with".
- Set this option to All windows from last session.
3. Use Workspace Management Software (The Definitive Fix)
Because the native macOS window restoration engine is historically inconsistent with browser windows across multiple virtual desktops, the most reliable solution is a dedicated window management utility. These applications explicitly save your window layouts and force them back into their assigned Spaces upon login:
