The Shuffling Desktops
macOS features a powerful virtual desktop system called “Spaces,” allowing you to organize different applications across multiple full-screen workspaces. By default, macOS tries to be “helpful” by automatically rearranging the order of these Spaces based on which one you used most recently. If you switch to a Space to check your email, macOS will quietly move that Space to the front of the line.
While this sounds smart in theory, it completely destroys any spatial memory or organizational logic you have established. If you intentionally put your web browser in Space 1, your code editor in Space 2, and your music player in Space 3, the automatic rearranging will constantly scramble them. Pressing Ctrl + Right Arrow to move to your editor might suddenly drop you into your music player. If you want a consistent, predictable workflow, you must disable this automatic shuffling.
How to Lock Your Spaces in Order
You can force macOS to respect your manual arrangement in the Desktop & Dock settings.
- Click the Apple Logo in the top-left corner of the menu bar and select System Settings… (or System Preferences).
- In the left-hand sidebar, click on Desktop & Dock (In older macOS versions, click on “Mission Control”).
- Scroll down to the Mission Control section at the very bottom of the right-hand pane.
- Look for the setting labelled Automatically rearrange Spaces based on most recent use.
- Toggle the switch to the Off position (or uncheck the box).
Your Spaces are now locked into the exact order you place them. You can open Mission Control (swipe up with three or four fingers) and drag the Spaces into your preferred sequence at the top of the screen; they will never move again unless you drag them yourself.