Mac WindowServer High CPU:

If you’re a Mac user, you may have encountered the problem of high CPU usage by WindowServer. This issue can cause your Mac to slow down, become unresponsive, and consume more power. In this article, we will discuss the causes of WindowServer high CPU usage, how to fix it, and how to prevent it from happening in the future.

Table of Contents

• What is WindowServer?
• What Causes WindowServer High CPU Usage?
• Symptoms of WindowServer High CPU Usage
• How to Check WindowServer CPU Usage
• How to Fix WindowServer High CPU Usage
• Solution 1: Close Unnecessary Applications
• Solution 2: Update macOS
• Solution 3: Disable Automatic Graphics Switching
• Solution 4: Disable Transparency and Reduce Motion
• Solution 5: Reset SMC and NVRAM
• Solution 6: Clean Up Your Mac
• How to Prevent WindowServer High CPU Usage
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What is WindowServer?

WindowServer is a system process that manages the display of graphics on your Mac. It handles the rendering of windows, animations, and other visual effects. WindowServer is responsible for coordinating the graphics hardware and software, and it runs as a separate process in the background.

What Causes WindowServer High CPU Usage?

There can be several reasons why WindowServer is using high CPU resources on your Mac. Some common causes include:

• Running too many applications simultaneously
• Outdated or incompatible macOS version
• Automatic graphics switching enabled
• Transparency and motion effects enabled
• Corrupted SMC or NVRAM
• Unoptimized settings and configuration
• Overheating or hardware issues

Symptoms of WindowServer High CPU Usage

You may notice the following symptoms when WindowServer is using high CPU resources:

• The Mac becomes slow and unresponsive
• Applications freeze or crash frequently
• The fan runs loudly and continuously
• Battery drains quickly
• The Mac heats up unusually

How to Check WindowServer CPU Usage

To check the CPU usage of WindowServer, follow these steps:

1. Open the Activity Monitor application from the Applications/Utilities folder or use Spotlight search.
2. Click on the CPU tab in the Activity Monitor window.
3. Locate the process named WindowServer in the list of processes.
4. Check the percentage of CPU usage in the % CPU column next to WindowServer.
5. If the CPU usage is abnormally high, it means that WindowServer is using too many resources.

How to Fix WindowServer High CPU Usage

Here are some solutions that can help you fix WindowServer high CPU usage:

Solution 1: Close Unnecessary Applications

If you have too many applications running simultaneously, it can cause WindowServer to use more CPU resources. To fix this issue, close all unnecessary applications that are running in the background.

Solution 2: Update macOS

If you are running an outdated or incompatible version of macOS, it can cause WindowServer to use more CPU resources. To fix this issue, update your macOS to the latest version available.

Solution 3: Disable Automatic Graphics Switching

If automatic graphics switching is enabled, it can cause WindowServer to use more CPU resources. To fix this issue, disable automatic graphics switching by following these steps:

1. Select System Preferences from the drop-down menu.
2. Click on the Energy Saver icon.

Solution 4: Disable Transparency and Reduce

macOS WindowServer High CPU:

Introduction

If you’re a Mac user, you may have noticed a performance issue where the WindowServer process consumes a lot of CPU. This can lead to sluggish performance, slow animations, and even system freezes. In this article, we’ll explain what WindowServer is, what causes it to use high CPU, and how you can fix it.

What is WindowServer?

WindowServer is a macOS system process that manages the user interface (UI) and graphics-related tasks. It’s responsible for rendering and displaying the content on the screen, including windows, icons, menus, and animations. WindowServer works in conjunction with other macOS processes, such as Dock, Finder, and Spotlight, to provide a seamless user experience.

Why does WindowServer use high CPU?

WindowServer uses CPU resources to perform its tasks, and it’s normal for it to use some CPU time. However, if WindowServer uses too much CPU, it can cause performance issues. There are several reasons why WindowServer might use high CPU:

1. Graphics-intensive applications

If you’re running graphics-intensive applications, such as video editors or 3D modeling software, WindowServer may use high CPU to render and display the graphics. This is normal, and you may need to upgrade your Mac’s hardware to handle the workload.

2. External displays

If you’re using external displays, WindowServer may use high CPU to manage the additional screen real estate. This is especially true if you’re using a 4K or 5K display. You can try disconnecting the external displays to see if it reduces the CPU usage.

3. macOS bugs or glitches

Sometimes, macOS bugs or glitches can cause WindowServer to use high CPU. This is more likely to happen after a major macOS update. You can try restarting your Mac or resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) to see if it resolves the issue.

4. Corrupted preference files

If your macOS preference files become corrupted, it can cause various issues, including WindowServer high CPU usage. You can try resetting your Mac’s PRAM/NVRAM or deleting the preference files to see if it helps.

5. Malware or viruses

Although macOS is generally considered more secure than other operating systems, it’s not immune to malware or viruses. If your Mac is infected with malware or viruses, it can cause high CPU usage, including WindowServer. You can use a reputable antivirus software to scan your Mac and remove any malicious software.

How to fix WindowServer high CPU usage

Now that we’ve discussed the common causes of WindowServer high CPU usage, let’s look at some fixes:

1. Update macOS

Apple often releases updates that include bug fixes and performance improvements, including for WindowServer.

2. Close graphics-intensive applications

If you’re running graphics-intensive applications, try closing them to reduce the workload on WindowServer.

3. Disconnect external displays

If you’re using external displays, try disconnecting them to see if it reduces the CPU usage.

4. Restart your Mac

Restarting your Mac can sometimes resolve performance issues, including WindowServer high CPU usage.

5. Reset SMC

Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can sometimes resolve hardware-related performance issues, including WindowServer high CPU usage.

6. Reset PRAM/NVRAM

Resetting your Mac’s PRAM/NVRAM can sometimes resolve software-related performance issues, including WindowServer high CPU usage. You can find instructions on how to reset the PRAM/NVRAM