Show Desktop Items in macOS Stage Manager

By default, macOS 13 Ventura hides your desktop icons when Stage Manager is active to provide a distraction-free workspace. However, you can easily disable this automatic hiding feature. Apple includes a built-in configuration toggle within System Settings that allows you to keep your files, folders, and drives permanently visible on the desktop while still taking advantage of Stage Manager’s window grouping features.

How to Keep Desktop Items Visible

To prevent Stage Manager from hiding your desktop icons, follow these steps:

1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.
2. In the left sidebar, click on Desktop & Dock.
3. Scroll down to the Stage Manager section on the right.
4. Ensure the Stage Manager toggle is turned on, then click the Customize... button next to it.
5. In the pop-up window, toggle the switch next to Desktop items to the On position.
6. Click Done to apply the changes.

Once enabled, your desktop shortcuts, files, and external volumes will remain visible on the wallpaper behind your active window groups. You can interact with these desktop items normally without having to click the background to reveal them first. If you ever want to re-hide the desktop items, simply return to this menu and toggle Desktop items off.