Why do my Mission Control Spaces keep changing order?
Most often it is the Automatically rearrange Spaces based on most recent use setting. Turn it off in System Settings > Desktop & Dock.
Mission Control guide
Mission Control Spaces keep resetting.
Mission Control layouts reset for a few reasons: automatic Space rearranging, monitors dropping off during sleep, full screen apps adding and removing Spaces, and apps that reopen at their own default size. Settings fix some of it. SnapState fixes the rest by saving windows on every Space and restoring each Space's layout when you switch to it.
Recommended fix: SnapState. SnapState restores layouts across multiple Spaces (apps go back to the Space they were saved on, full-screen windows return to full screen, and windows on other Spaces are placed when you switch to them). It also relaunches apps and reopens all open browser tabs. $9.99 one-time, up to three Macs.
Why does this happen?
The biggest cause is a single checkbox: Automatically rearrange Spaces based on most recent use. With it on, macOS reorders desktops as you use them.
The second cause is the display. When a monitor sleeps, switches input, or is unplugged, macOS moves its windows to another screen. Restarting or quitting apps loses window positions too, because many apps reopen at a default size.
What free settings help?
- Turn off automatic rearranging. System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Mission Control > Automatically rearrange Spaces based on most recent use: off.
- Check Displays have separate Spaces. Leave it on if each monitor should keep its own desktops. You need to log out after changing it.
- Turn off When switching to an application, switch to a Space with open windows. Only if you find macOS jumping between desktops when you click an app in the Dock.
- Assign apps to desktops. Dock > Options > Assign To keeps apps on a chosen Space.
These help macOS keep desktops in order, but none of them save window sizes and positions on each Space.
How does SnapState restore every Space?
- Set up your desktops. Put each window where you want it on each Space.
- Capture a workspace. From the SnapState menu bar, save and name it. With Include windows on all Spaces on (the default), windows on every Space are saved.
- Restore. Click the workspace, press its Control-Command shortcut, or arm it for wake and monitor connect. The current Space is restored at once.
- Switch Spaces. Each other Space's layout is restored when you switch to it.
How do the options compare?
| Feature | SnapState | macOS built-in | Fixing it by hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saves window position and size on every Space | Yes | No | No |
| Restores each Space's layout when you switch to it | Yes | No | By hand, one window at a time |
| Relaunches missing apps | Yes | No | No |
| Reopens all open browser tabs | Yes (Safari and Chromium browsers) | No | No |
| Restores after sleep, wake, or a monitor reconnect | Yes, automatic triggers | No | No |
| Keeps an app on one desktop | Restores where its windows were saved | Yes, Dock Options > Assign To | No |
| Cost | $9.99 once, up to three Macs | Free | Free, but slow |
See SnapState restore a workspace
Questions and answers
Why do windows move between Spaces after sleep?
External monitors often disconnect when they sleep, and macOS moves their windows to a remaining display. It does not reliably move them back on wake.
Can I get my Spaces layout back automatically?
Yes, with SnapState. SnapState restores layouts across multiple Spaces (apps go back to the Space they were saved on, full-screen windows return to full screen, and windows on other Spaces are placed when you switch to them). Arm a workspace for wake or monitor connect and it restores without a click.
Does SnapState change Mission Control settings?
No. It leaves your Spaces and settings alone and restores window positions, sizes, apps, and browser tabs.
What does SnapState need?
macOS 15.7 or later on Apple Silicon or Intel, plus Accessibility permission to move windows. It costs $9.99 once for up to three Macs, with a 14-day refund.
What are the practical details?
SnapState 2.7.2 is a native macOS menu bar app for macOS 15.7 or later on Apple Silicon and Intel. It costs $9.99 once for up to three Macs, with a 14-day refund, and updates itself. It needs Accessibility permission to move windows, and workspace data stays on your Mac. Firefox tabs are not supported.
Get SnapState for $9.99One-time purchase · up to three Macs · 14-day refund