Headless Screen Sharing - Unable to Move files, Copies instead

[walterhpdx]

Recently I made my Plex server running on a 2021 Mac Mini running Ventura 13.1 headless. Everything's been fine, except now that it's in headless mode, when I go to move files from one drive to another via Screen Sharing, my Command Key + Mouse, which used to move files, copies instead. Likewise, when I used to use the Command Key to try and click multiple files, Finder will allow me to select a maximum of 2 files instead of any amount I want.

If I tack a monitor onto the machine it works fine. It's only through Screen Sharing (and Apple Remote Desktop) that it behaves like this. Is this WAD? Or some sort of limitation?

 

[chown33]

This sounds like a bug. I suggest reporting it to Apple.

Until they fix it, you may need a dummy display adapter. Amazon sells a number of them for under $10.
Search keywords: dummy hdmi

See this similar thread:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/retiring-active-mac-mini-as-a-media-server-w-o-plex.2339210/

The last post in that thread mentions using SwitchResX, which may work in lieu of a dummy adapter.

I found that thread using search keywords: screen sharing dummy
A fair number of similar threads were also listed, so it might be worth doing the search.

Another search I used: screen sharing headless

 

[BrianBaughn]

Check out BetterDisplay, also, for creating dummy monitors.

GitHub - waydabber/BetterDisplay: Unlock your displays on your Mac! Flexible HiDPI scaling, XDR/HDR extra brightness, virtual screens, DDC control, extra dimming, PIP/streaming, EDID override and lots more!

Unlock your displays on your Mac! Flexible HiDPI scaling, XDR/HDR extra brightness, virtual screens, DDC control, extra dimming, PIP/streaming, EDID override and lots more! - waydabber/BetterDisplay

github.com

 

[Brian33]

my Command Key + Mouse, which used to move files, copies instead. Likewise, when I used to use the Command Key to try and click multiple files, Finder will allow me to select a maximum of 2 files instead of any amount I want.

That definitely sounds like a bug in Ventura. I use screen sharing quite a lot for a similar setup and have never had that happen. However, my "host" (the machine with screen sharing turned on) is still running High Sierra.