Can't Move Desktop Icons on macOS 27 Golden Gate

macos tips
1

I’m unable to move icons around my Mac desktop, even with View > Sort By > None and grid settings checked. Restarting my Mac sometimes fixes it temporarily, but the problem keeps coming back.

I’m using a MacBook Air with an M2 chip running macOS 27.0.1. Is this a known macOS bug, and is there a way to fix it without restarting every time?

2

This could be a Finder issue rather than a problem with your desktop settings.

I’d try these steps in order:

  1. Check the desktop sorting settings. Right-click the desktop and choose View Options. Make sure the icons aren’t being automatically sorted or arranged.
  2. Relaunch Finder. Hold Option and right-click the Finder icon in the Dock, then select Relaunch if the option appears. This is quicker than restarting your Mac.
  3. Test with another mouse or trackpad. If you use an external mouse, check whether the same thing happens with the built-in trackpad.
  4. Check for macOS updates. If this started after upgrading to macOS 27.0.1, see whether a newer update is available.

If relaunching Finder fixes it temporarily, that would point toward a Finder-related glitch, although it wouldn’t prove the cause.

I’d start with relaunching Finder before trying anything more complicated.

3

I found that many users’ Mac showing different problems after upgrading to macOS 27. The compatibility issue should be take into consideration. Besides, check if the Mac has enough free space after system upgrade.

Insufficient available space can always make improper performance of your Mac.

You’d better use a Mac cleaning tool, like the well-known iBoysoft Cleaner, to clean up your Mac in routine, letting it help you uninstall out-dated apps and their leftovers, system logs, cache files, and other junks.