Since macOS Sonoma, clicking on an empty space on the desktop automatically displays the entire desktop. All windows will then be moved aside and you can view the desktop.
This feature was already present in Ventura last year, but only when using Stage Manger for Mac. Since Sonoma, this has been applied universally and even when you do not use the extended view. Fortunately, you can turn this off.
Desktop shown on click disable
- Go to  ▸ System Settings
- Click on ‘Desktop and Dock’
- Scroll down to ‘Desktop and Stage Manager’
- Next to ‘Click background to show desktop’, click ‘Always’
- Change this to ‘Only in Stage Manager’
When you now click on the background of the desktop, the windows will no longer automatically be pushed aside and the desktop will be shown. This will still be the case if you use Stage Manager.
Stage Manager for Mac
Stage Manager automatically clears up your Mac’s screen and is the ideal tool for optimal multitasking. This feature merges all your apps and windows on each Mac into a single view so you can better focus on your work.
You can easily switch between apps or windows with just a few clicks. The files on your desktop are automatically hidden and by clicking on the desktop you can view the contents or quickly go back to a file or folder.
The function may sound familiar, because we have already mentioned it many times for the iPad. For example, Stage Manager for iPad is also available on a limited number of iPads, including the iPad Pro with M1 chip or newer.