Why does the layers panel stay behind everything?

I've been using Photoshop for about 20 years and it's starting to bug me how thinks are not working.

I know I'm using the beta program but hope someone can help.

Every time I open a file the layers panel goes to the back of all the open windows and even when I click on it it doesn't come to the front.

So I'm constantly having to move things out of the way to get to this pretty important selection.

Possibly some setting that I don't know about?

Also when using the pen tool it was just command a to get the direction selection tool, now I have to click the path and go and select the direct selection button so can edit handles etc.

Hope someone can help.