You may have clicked something and watched all your windows slide to the left side of the screen. That is Stage Manager. Some people love it, others switch it off within minutes. Here is what it does and how to control it.
What Stage Manager does
Apple says Stage Manager keeps the app you are working with front and center and your desktop clutter-free. Your recently used apps are arranged along the left side for quick access, while the current window sits in the middle. You can also group apps so they open together in the center.
How to turn it on or off
There are two ways, both from Apple:
- Control Center: click the Control Center icon in the menu bar, then click Stage Manager.
- System Settings: go to Desktop & Dock, find Desktop & Stage Manager, and turn Stage Manager on or off.
How to use it
- Switch apps: click an app on the left.
- Arrange windows: move, resize and overlap them as you like.
- Group apps: drag an app from the left side into the center group.
- Ungroup: drag an app back to the left.
If the list of apps on the left is hidden, Apple says you may have turned off “Show recent apps in Stage Manager”. Move the pointer to the left edge to show it.
I cannot turn Stage Manager on
Apple gives a specific fix: open System Settings, click Desktop & Dock, go to Mission Control, and turn on Displays have separate Spaces.
Handy settings
- Show or hide desktop items when Stage Manager is on.
- Choose whether clicking the wallpaper moves all windows aside to show desktop items and widgets.
- Add Stage Manager to the menu bar: Control Center, Edit Controls, then Desktop & Finder, then Add to Menu Bar.
Should you use it?
That depends on how you work. It suits people who keep a lot of windows open and want focus. If you like seeing all your windows at once, or you use Command-Tab all day (see our keyboard shortcuts list), the traditional layout may feel faster. That is our view, not Apple’s.
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn off Stage Manager?
Control Center, then click Stage Manager, or use Desktop & Dock in System Settings.
Why are my windows on the left side?
Those are your recent apps in Stage Manager.
Sources
Last checked November 3, 2026. Apple changes its instructions between updates, so if a menu looks different on your Mac, check the linked Apple page.
