Menu bar unresponsive

I am having the same problem on two different Macs (Mac mini and iMac) with the M1 processor. when i click the top left menu bar, the application menu at the top from whatever app is running switches to the Finder menu. When I try to click on any of the finder menu icons nothing happens, there is no response, like I didn’t click them at all. none of the menu icons including the apple logo is responsive. Note that the iMac is running the latest version of Monterey and the Mac mini is running the latest version of Ventura.  

I have restarted both machines multiple times but the issue always returns. I'm able to click on volume, wifi, anything on the right side. But the Apple logo, File, Edit, etc. is all frozen on the left side. I have also tried force quitting the finder, but the issue persists.


There is a thread on the forum from 2021 and it seems like this issue was never resolved.

Posted on Mar 6, 2023 10:05 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 18, 2023 3:51 PM

Hello frito_bandito,


Thank for trying that for us.


Next, let’s test in a new user on one of the computers. To do that, follow the steps here to create a new user: Add a user or group on Mac - Apple Support


Once the account is created, log into it and try to use finder. Make sure to not turn on any apps, change default settings, or download anything to the new user. This will allow us to test on a profile with no changes.


If it does not work in the new user, we recommend reaching out to Apple Support so they can look into this in more detail. You can do that here: Contact - Official Apple Support


If it does work in the new user, this tells us there is some kind of software that is causing it to happen. Try to look at both computers and see what details those two profiles have in common. This could be apps or settings. 


Kindest regards. 


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3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 18, 2023 3:51 PM in response to frito_bandito

Hello frito_bandito,


Thank for trying that for us.


Next, let’s test in a new user on one of the computers. To do that, follow the steps here to create a new user: Add a user or group on Mac - Apple Support


Once the account is created, log into it and try to use finder. Make sure to not turn on any apps, change default settings, or download anything to the new user. This will allow us to test on a profile with no changes.


If it does not work in the new user, we recommend reaching out to Apple Support so they can look into this in more detail. You can do that here: Contact - Official Apple Support


If it does work in the new user, this tells us there is some kind of software that is causing it to happen. Try to look at both computers and see what details those two profiles have in common. This could be apps or settings. 


Kindest regards. 


Mar 8, 2023 7:02 AM in response to frito_bandito

Hello frito_bandito,


We would like to see how we can help you with Finder not responding as expected. Have you tried starting one of the affected Mac computers into safe mode? That will help you rule out some potential software causes. Here's How to use safe mode on your Mac:


"Apple silicon

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Turn on your Mac and continue to press and hold the power button until you see the startup options window.
  3. Select your startup disk, then press and hold the Shift key while clicking “Continue in Safe Mode.”
  4. Log in to your Mac. You might be asked to log in again."


Then test it out, and click Apple menu () > Restart to get back to normal. Let us know the results.


Cheers!


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Menu bar unresponsive

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