Why Do My Windows Close When My Mac Goes to Sleep?
It's frustrating to return to your Mac after a brief sleep only to find all your open applications have vanished. You might have been working on an important document, browsing a website, or even just enjoying a movie, and suddenly it's all gone! This can happen for several reasons, and luckily, there are solutions.
Common Causes:
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Energy Saver Settings: Your Mac's "Energy Saver" settings might be configured to close all windows when the computer goes to sleep. This is a common feature, but sometimes it can be an unwanted annoyance.
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Application Preferences: Some applications, especially older ones, might have their own settings related to closing windows when the Mac goes to sleep. It's worth checking the individual application preferences.
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Accidental Keyboard Shortcut: If you've accidentally pressed a keyboard shortcut like Command + Q, this will close the current application and may close all windows in the process.
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System Issue: In rare cases, a software bug or system issue can cause windows to close unexpectedly when the Mac wakes up.
How to Fix the "Windows Close When Mac Sleeps" Issue:
1. Check Energy Saver Settings:
- Open System Settings (previously "System Preferences").
- Click on Battery (or Energy Saver on older macOS versions).
- Locate the "Power Button" section and ensure "Put hard disks to sleep" is not selected.
- In the same section, make sure "Turn display off" and "Put computer to sleep" are set to the desired values. If these settings are set to "Immediately," then your Mac might be going to sleep before you're ready.
2. Review Application Preferences:
- Open the application that is closing unexpectedly when your Mac wakes up.
- Navigate to the Preferences section.
- Look for settings related to "Close Windows on Quit" or "Close Windows on Sleep." If you find these settings, make sure they are not enabled.
3. Check for Accidental Keyboard Shortcut:
- If you suspect you might have accidentally pressed a keyboard shortcut, ensure that you haven't accidentally configured a shortcut that closes all windows.
- Open System Settings (previously "System Preferences").
- Go to Keyboard and then Shortcuts.
- Check the list of shortcuts and see if any are assigned to actions that might be causing the issue.
4. Restart or Update Your Mac:
- Sometimes a simple restart can fix software glitches.
- If restarting doesn't resolve the issue, consider updating macOS to the latest version. Updates often include fixes for bugs and system errors.
5. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC):
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The SMC controls many aspects of your Mac's hardware, including sleep modes. Resetting the SMC can help fix some sleep-related problems.
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To reset the SMC, follow these steps:
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For Macs with Apple T2 Security Chip:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Press and hold the left side Power button, the Touch ID button, and the Volume Down button simultaneously for at least 10 seconds.
- Release all buttons and turn on your Mac.
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For Macs without Apple T2 Security Chip:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Press and hold the Shift, Control, and Option keys, and the Power button simultaneously for at least 10 seconds.
- Release all buttons and turn on your Mac.
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6. Contact Apple Support:
- If none of these solutions work, it might be a more serious issue. Consider contacting Apple Support for further assistance.
Additional Tips:
- Try a Different User Account: To see if the issue is specific to your user account, try logging into another user account on your Mac and see if the problem persists.
- Check Disk Utility: A corrupted disk can also cause strange behavior, including issues with sleep. Open Disk Utility and run a check on your hard drive to rule out this possibility.
- Disable Third-Party Applications: If you recently installed any new applications, try temporarily disabling them to see if they are contributing to the problem.
Conclusion:
The "windows close when Mac goes to sleep" issue can be frustrating, but there are solutions! By carefully checking your settings, updating your Mac, and potentially resetting the SMC, you should be able to find a solution. Remember, sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective! If you're still facing trouble, don't hesitate to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.