How to fix WindowServer high CPU usage on Mac? If you’re not happy with how your PC or laptop is running, it’s time to conduct some troubleshooting, and one of the most critical components to check is the processor (CPU). High CPU use is frequently the source of poor performance. This issue may be affecting your computer if you’re experiencing long loading times, crashes, or freezes.
But what exactly is CPU usage? And what do you do when it’s too high? Fortunately, there are various options for dealing with high CPU utilisation. Check them out in our detailed guide below.
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How to find WindowServer CPU usage?
- Navigate to Applications Utilities and launch Activity Monitor.
- From the menu, select the CPU tab.
- In the list, look for the WindowServer process.
How to fix WindowServer high CPU usage on Mac?
Here is the list of 6 methods to fix WindowServer high CPU usage on Mac:
Method #1. Quit the app
A flaw in a programme could cause your CPU use to increase. Use Activity Monitor to identify such apps. Use an app for 5-10 minutes and then check the CPU use. If the utilisation is high, simply close the programme and you should be fine.
Also, try updating or reinstalling a programme to see if the utilisation returns to normal. You can also boot into safe mode to examine Mac performance.
Method #2. Change display settings
The WindowServer process is in charge of rendering app displays. macOS includes a number of display options, including transparency. It looks nice by blurring the active open programmes. It could, however, be the cause of increased CPU utilisation. Follow the steps below to disable Transparency.
- Navigate to System Preferences.
- Navigate to Accessibility Display.
- Check Reduce movement and transparency.
Method #3. Clean up your desktop to fix WindowServer high CPU usage on Mac
As strange as it may sound, a cluttered desktop could be to blame. Each object on your desktop necessitates more resources. If you have a lot of objects on your desktop, this could be a good time to declutter. To clear up the desktop, I recommend utilising Stacks. Consider removing any icons or files that you aren’t utilising.
Method #4. Disconnect gaming accessories to fix WindowServer high CPU usage on Mac
In certain circumstances, Mac users attribute the increase in WindowServer CPU utilisation to the gaming mouse. Disconnect all gaming accessories and watch what happens.
Assume you have several accessories; plug in each one and monitor CPU utilisation. Once discovered, contact the accessory maker and request a remedy.
Method #5. Troubleshoot external monitor
Do you have an external monitor for your Mac? External displays might cause an increase in WindowsServer CPU utilisation. To put it another way, the WindowServer process will consume additional resources in order to run an external monitor. It’s because the external display lacks a GPU. As a result, graphic rendering is handled by the main CPU.
So, turn off the monitor and see if the problem has been resolved. This can happen when you set up numerous desktops. By going to Preferences Mission Control, you can minimise the number of virtual desktops. Uncheck Rearrange Spaces based on their most recent use. Uncheck Displays have distinct Spaces if the problem persists.
Method #6. Turn off Night Shift
Night Shift minimises eye strain by blocking out blue light. Some users have observed that turning off Night Shift reduced WindowServer use. Here’s how to use Night Shift on your Mac.