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Remote access resolution and screensaver issues

I'm a Mac newbie, with Windows and Linux experience, running a new Mac Mini M1 with Big Sur 11.1, having various issues with VNC access.


When the physical 4K monitor is disconnected from the Mini, the client window shrinks to 1920x1080. About -> Displays shows an 'unknown display' 1920x1080. No other resolution setting is available. I installed EasyRes, but it also doesn't show any other settings. My present workaround is running an HDMI cable to an unused input on a 4K monitor. A dummy display HDMI dongle would likely also work, but I'd prefer a software solution. How can I find the config file that defines the 'default' display (gets used when no hardware display is connected)? Is it safe to edit?


When the remote connection is active, the screensaver would start up after 10 minutes of inactivity, even though in System Preferences -> Desktop & Screensaver, Start After is set to Never. Also, in Energy Saver, Turn display off after is set to Never, with Prevent computer from sleeping ... checked. A search suggested disabling fast user switching, which helped, but the screen saver still comes up after a few hours. Once this happens, control from VNC is lost. Keystrokes or mouse clicks don't stop the screensaver, nor does putting the cursor in a Hot Corner set to disable it. Disconnecting and reconnecting, which correctly brings up the login screen doesn't help; after login the screensaver gets immediately displayed again. Even selecting Restart from the login screen doesn't kill it. I can log in via ssh and reboot to regain control, but this obviously results in lost work.


Finally, I'd like to log into a virtual display, concurrent with a user on the physical display. There are various articles explaining how to do it, but they imply that the two sessions must use different user accounts. Is there a way around this? If not, is there a way to be logged in remotely as user A but be able to access and modify user B's files, without permission issues, while user B is logged in on the physical display?


Thanks in advance for any guidance on these issues.


Mac mini, macOS 11.1

Posted on Jan 17, 2021 11:10 PM

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Jan 19, 2021 4:57 PM in response to MigratoryBird

Hello MigratoryBird,


It sounds as though you're having issues with the screensaver turning on after a period of time although it's set to never come on, display resolution is changing, and questions regarding logging onto the Mac remotely


With reference to remote access Apple's options for gaining access to a Mac remotely would be with Apple Remote Desktop. More information on how to use this feature ca be found in Apple Remote Desktop User Guide.


With the screen saver issue you're facing is this on the Mac in possession, or the Mac you're accessing remotely? If you're accessing the Mac remotely and having this issue do you know if the screen saver issue occurs when the Mac is not remotely accessed? Or is the screen saver appearing on the computer you're using to access the Mac Mini? If you're remotely accessing a Mac, and adjusting the settings for the screen saver on the Mac you're remotely accessing you would need to adjust the settings on the Mac you're using. screen saver settings are specific to that computer, and although you're accessing that Mac remotely, your computer can still utilize the screen saver settings it has set.


With the resolution issue, it sounds as though you're seeing this change when the physical monitor of the Mac Mini is disconnected, and you remotely access that Mac Mini you're not getting the resolution of the Display you're using. If so, that would be expected as the Mac Mini doesn't have a monitor connected. To get the resolution that's expected from the Mac Mini, a display that utilizes that resolution would need to be connected. Apple does appreciate all feedback regarding their products and features, and if you'd like to provide this feedback you can do so via the Product Feedback website.


Have a wonderful week.

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Remote access resolution and screensaver issues

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