macOS Sequoia: Presentation Mode auto-activates when HDMI display is activated -- even when disabled

M

MichaelH113

Bit poster
Hi all -- I've been a Parallels Toolbox user for many years, and I'm encountering a persistent issue on macOS Sequoia with my Mac M4 Pro.
Every time my Mac activates the second display (an HDMI-connected TV), Presentation Mode auto-starts, even though:
• All Presentation Mode settings are disabled
• "Clear remembered display settings" has been used
• The tool has not been manually launched
This happens during events like waking from sleep, rebooting, or when the Mac detects and activates the HDMI display.
I've confirmed via launchctl list that the Presentation Mode background agent is running, even though all related settings in Toolbox are off.

I attempted to manually block it using Terminal (chmod, mv, etc.), but macOS SIP (System Integrity Protection) prevents any changes to app contents, even with admin rights -- so there's currently no way to stop it from launching.

I no longer use Parallels Desktop, but I still find Toolbox extremely useful and want to continue using it. However, unless this bug is addressed, I'll have no choice but to uninstall Toolbox entirely, as it interferes with my desktop every time my TV activates.

This issue wasn't reportable for some time -- I had no forum access and no support form, which made the experience even more frustrating. Now that I can post, I hope someone from the Parallels team can confirm whether this is a known issue under Sequoia and whether a fix is being developed.
Thanks,
Michael (Toolbox user since 2017)
 
Just to add -- the reason this issue is particularly disruptive is that Presentation Mode hides all desktop files when it activates.
So every time my Mac M4 Pro switches to the HDMI TV, my entire desktop appears empty -- even though I haven't launched Presentation Mode and all its settings are turned off.
This confirms the tool isn't just running in the background -- it's actively altering the desktop environment without user consent.
 
MichaelH113 said:
Just to add -- the reason this issue is particularly disruptive is that Presentation Mode hides all desktop files when it activates.
So every time my Mac M4 Pro switches to the HDMI TV, my entire desktop appears empty -- even though I haven't launched Presentation Mode and all its settings are turned off.
This confirms the tool isn't just running in the background -- it's actively altering the desktop environment without user consent.
Click to expand...

Hello,

Please reproduce the issue and collect a technical report :

  1. Enable detailed log messages: Click the Parallels Toolbox icon > Click on the little gearbox > Preferences > enable the "Use detailed log messages" checkbox" > click the "X" button on the left side to close the preferences box
  2. Collect a technical report: Click the Parallels Toolbox icon > Click on the little gearbox> Help > Send technical data > check "Attach screenshots..." > press Send Report) and send the report's 9-digit ID in reply to this post.
 
I have issues using parallels client on my MacBook Pro m4 when launching win team software for payroll. On my MacBook Pro it looks all squished and everything is overlapping everything else. When I connect it to my monitor, everything works and looks good. l Is there a fix for this?
 
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