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This happens about once a month. My Safari window opens up full of static. I have to restart the computer to get it to go away. Since it is so random I'm trying to recall if it happens in the Brave Browser as well. You can see from the attached screen shots that it doesn't affect the rest of the window. First screenshot is the problem. Restarting Safari does not help. Second screenshot is after restarting the computer.
MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 10.15
If it happens with other websites and/or other browsers, then it has something to do with some add-on software you have, Tim Rogan.
Are you sure this ever happened before installation of the Citrix software?
Logging in as a different user will clear this up, if it is what I think it is, until you run the errant software/add-on, and the issue reappears.
If you want to see what may be “wrong” with your system, you can install and run the Free version of Etrecheck - the handy reporting tool for … - Apple Community, and post the text of the generated report, here, using the “Extra Text” button, in your message.
Many, here, can help you interpret the report.
My apology. I've now run it in full mode (and bought the pro version). **I did see it again briefly in the Spotify app window. The ad in the middle was normal, but the background behind it was static. It only lasted 3-5 seconds then went back to normal. At the same time the finder window was normal.**
I'm attaching the full run of the report.
I've gone through and deleted the unsigned apps for now.
Also updated the Wacom driver and the xrite software (monitor calibration).
Just updated to PhotoShop 2021 late last week. Deleted all PS 2020 parts. I didn't realize 2020 had crashed 10 times. I don't recall that happening.
Spotify is a stand alone app.
I deleted everything I could find on HP printers, but when I restarted the computer it reloaded the Apple software. I do have an old HP printer on the network.
Not sure what is being used to draw those windows inside of apps like Safari and Spotify. I agree that it most likely isn't the video card or video RAM as that would cause the whole screen to go wonky. I know it can't be on purpose though. Terribly frustrating. I appreciate your insights. I'll continue to monitor it.
Welcome, Tim Rogan, to Apple Support Communities!
We see that you are experiencing some strange behaviors with an online application you are accessing through Safari.
Hopefully, we can help you with this.
Have you tried accessing this online application using other browsers?
Have you tried clearing the cache of Safari?
It will probably help us, in helping you, if you can tell us more about this online application.
I’m thinking it has a great deal to do with the technology being used by that site.
Are you running any browser “plugins”, for that site?
It certainly is not affecting all of Safari, or its window. Only the content of that website.
Note: I just did a search for Citrix Receiver—which appears to be what you are running:
Other than advising you to make sure you are using the latest version of this add-on, I can only advise you to contact the manufacturer.
Thank you for your time and input. I agree. It has to be something with these web sites. But it is not just this website. I think it has happened in Brave Browser as well, but with it being so random I haven't kept detailed notes - yet. I'll start taking better notes.
I'll try clearing the cache. Apple also has me trying to log in as a different user, etc.
This was only the latest time it has happened. It has been happening since getting this laptop but I only set up the account on that web page in the last two weeks. I wish I had made screen shots of all the times it has happened to see if there is something on the pages that is a common factor. Another screen shot I have is the home screen on Safari, but I don't recall if that came from after going to a web site and then going back to the home screen. This only happens 1 or 2 times a month so I've used all the web pages with no problems. Then it will happen. I'll take screen shots if it happens again.
Again - thank you for your input. It gives me more direction on what to look for.
I’m sorry this is such an intermittent problem («only happens 1 or 2 times a month»)!
That will make it more difficult to reproduce, which, in turn, makes it more difficult to diagnose!
I look forward to further screenshots, especially if they occur under quite different circumstances.
I’m sorry I didn’t notice your replies until now!
Well, Tim Rogan, while I don’t see anything that “stands out” as the culprit to your observed issue, you do have the following:
Minor Issues:
These issues do not need immediate attention but they may indicate future problems or opportunities for improvement.
Heavy RAM usage - Apps are using a large amount of RAM.
Apps crashing - There have been numerous app crashes.
Unsigned files - There are unsigned software files installed. Apple has said that unsigned software will not run by default in a future version of the operating system.
System modifications - There are a large number of system modifications running in the background.
32-bit Apps - This computer has 32-bits apps will not work on current versions of the operating system.
Limited drive access - More information may be available with Full Drive Access.
Kernel extensions present - This computer has kernel extensions that may not work in the future.
Later, in the report, there are some more specifics on these.
Running EtreCheckPro with Full Drive Access (a little checkbox near the bottom of the starting dialogue box) will provide some additional information.
Do you actually have both Adobe Photoshop 2020 and Adobe Photoshop 2021?
The 2020 version has Crashed recently (22 Oct.).
Not much has changed in the report: essentially the same “Minor” issues.
You still have a useless 32-bit App on your system (not likely to cause troubles, but cannot run on Catalina).
You have four (4) unsigned Apps on your system. These can be problems.
Note:
The “static” like look cannot have anything to do with any “failing” of your display, since that’s not how a digital display will fail.
However, it can be caused by software that is causing such a visual affect (probably intentionally, but possibly unintentionally).
It could also be caused within the display processor itself, due to some code that is running within the display processor: maybe causing some odd sort of “dithering” that resembles video “static”. (Perhaps on purpose.)
When you saw it happen in the Spotify App, is that a standalone App, or does it run within the Safari browser.
Aside:
Do you have an HP printer? I see an HP (Not Loaded) Startup Item.
Not necessarily a problem, but some people have been having difficulty with HP printer software components that have lost their certificates (“signing”). More an annoyance than anything.
When I was alluding to potential “on purpose”, I could simply imagine some thinking it would be a “clever” affect—so “retro”.
However, I could also think how a dithering algorithm could “go wrong” is such a way as to produce something like the “static” affect.
Really, just brainstorming.
Something that just occurred to me: you can have Activity Monitor give you a GPU History graph.
You can place that somewhere on your screen, out of the way, but where you can glance at it, at any time.
Then, when you see the “static” misbehavior, you can glance at the GPU History to see if, maybe, your GPU is being “stressed”, or something.
Just a thought.
It definitely was happening before installing Citrix. I'll check what add ons I have running and also download Etrecheck. I have it on another computer so am familiar with it.
Excellent idea. I wasn't aware of that feature in the Activity Monitor. Turned on. Thank you.
You are mist entirely welcome, Tim Rogan!
Hopefully, as you watch for recurrences, you’ll be able to “zero in” on the issue.
May good fortune be with you!
Safari window displays static like old TV
