Command Tilde in Finder, prevent focus on Desktop at end of cycle

Solution 1:

Change Finder App Cycle Window Behaviour

To prevent the Desktop from receiving focus on ⌘+~, you will need to change the shortcut for Finder's menu option Cycle Through Windows.

1. Open System Preferences
2. Open the Keyboard setting
3. Select the Shortcuts menu button
4. Select the App Shorcuts from the list in the left window pane
5. Click the + button
6. For Application: option, select Finder
7. For Menu Title: enter Cycle Through Windows
8. For Keyboard Shortcut: perform ⌃+⌥+⇥ (or any you are comfortable)

Check Keyboard Shortcut for Move Focus to Next Window

1. Open System Preferences
2. Open the Keyboard setting
3. Select the Shortcuts menu button
4. Select the Keyboard from the list in the left window pane
5. Check the keyboard shortcut for Move focus to next window
6. You may need to enable it, and you may need to change it to ⌘+`

Note: ⌘+⇧+` will then be your ⌘+~ and will be for Move focus to *previous* window shortcut.

Operating System

macOS (High Sierra) v10.13.6

Solution 2:

It is selecting the Desktop, and any icons on it.