WindowServer high CPU usage while displaying fullscreen content (after Monterey update)

Hello Apple Support Community,

I use a Macbook Pro 13 2020 i5 16 GB RAM.

Ever since I upgraded to Monterey, I have troubles with WindowServer process using too much CPU power. I have no problem watching videos in normal mode, but when I go fullscreen, after around 1 minute, laptop temperature goes around 80 degree Celsius. Activity Monitor shows WindowServer using ~120% CPU. I get this problem while using Firefox and Microsoft Teams; Safari is so far okay. Weird thing is quitting the program won't do anything, WindowServer continues to use CPU around 100%.

Is there anything I can do besides doing a clean re-install of OS?

EtreCheck Report

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Nov 14, 2021 1:19 PM

Top-ranking reply

Kirill-Pixy

Level 1

8 points

Posted on Jan 31, 2022 2:05 AM

The same problem — MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020) 16Gb.

After installation of macOS Monterey I have the same problem — WindowServer use a lot of CPU and RAM. I found that the problem appear after full screen mode only on laptop screen. I tried solve this by reset SMC and NVRAM and all others advices — did not work.

Yesterday I found solution — go to System Preferences / Dock & Menu bar / Menu bar section has two checkboxes: "Automatically hide and show the menu bar on desktop" and "Automatically hide and show the menu bar in full screen" just switch off these checkboxes and WindowServer starting to use normal level of CPU and RAM. At least in my case it worked.

View in context

WindowServer high CPU usage while displaying fullscreen content (after Monterey update)

Similar questions