WindowServer crashing on Macbook Air M2

Question

Level 1

4 points

WindowServer crashing on Macbook Air M2

I am using my Macbook Air M2 in clamshell mode with one external monitor via an USB-C to HDMI dongle. Recently after updating to MacOS 15.4.1 when I am using the fast user switching and switch between two users, the screen goes black. If I then open the Macbook the screen comes back, showing the lock screen, but the screen is frozen incl. a mouse courser, but I am still able to move around another mouse courser without being able to do anything.

The only way to get it working again, is to hold down the power button and force shut off the Macbook. After turning on the Macbook again and login in, there is a pop up, screen showing that WindowServer quit unexpectedly.

For now I have only tested using the dongle and external monitor, and the issue occurs every time after several user switches, but there is no apparent pattern of how many user switches.

MacBook Air (M2, 2023)

Posted on May 11, 2025 12:45 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Owl-53

Level 10

102,985 points

May 11, 2025 1:44 AM in response to Macloving

Quote from @ Grant Bennet-Alder

" WindowServer is the task that makes sure the right stuff is in every window, manages multiple windows in multiple positions on the screen, possibly overlapping or not, and generally manages all issues related to drawing the stuff on the screen. " End Quote

Very much agree with @BDAqua's suggestion Etrecheck application

This will help to avoid a session of Q&A, Q&A and Q&A

Download the Application Etrecheck ( External Link ) directly from the Developer.

This is a Diagnostic Tool that makes no changes to the computer.

It makes a coherent and readable inventory of both the Hardware and Software used on the computer

The application is free or paid for added features.

The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information.

Post back the Full Report - Share Report >> Copy , then paste >>>> using the Additional Text Icon <<<<

Lastly - should you decide to use and post the Report now or at a later time, we are willing to have a very close look

and offer some insights

Reply

Answer 2

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

May 11, 2025 8:14 AM in response to Macloving

Delete this file & restart...

/Library/LaunchAgents/com.logitech.manager.daemon.plist

Reply

Answer 3

Macloving Author

Level 1

4 points

May 12, 2025 11:33 AM in response to BDAqua

Deleted the Logitech file and will do a couple of test the next couple of hours.

I was also directed to some Logitech pages if I googled the WindowServer crash in macOS so maybe there is something there.

Reply

Answer 4

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

May 11, 2025 1:34 AM in response to Macloving

I think if you provide an etrecheck report for us, we might figure it out…

https://etrecheck.com/en/index.html

Reply

Answer 5

Macloving Author

Level 1

4 points

May 18, 2025 1:28 AM in response to Owl-53

So I did some testing today without the dock and external display, and the same thing happend. When I quick switched user the screen went black for around 20 seconds, after which the screen came back on and I was at the log in screen but not being able to do anything like the picture is frozen. Forced shut down the mac and when I logged back in I was greeted with the WindowServer quit unexpectedly.

Then it looks like it is an hardware failure?

Reply

Answer 6

Owl-53

Level 10

102,985 points

May 13, 2025 12:53 AM in response to Macloving

Macloving wrote:

Unfortunate not luck with this one, WindowServer crashed this morning after switching user one time.

Does this WindowServer crash without being connected to External Display ?

Reply

Answer 7

Owl-53

Level 10

102,985 points

May 11, 2025 3:08 AM in response to Macloving

I have seen the report and thank for doing so

Out of respect for and to my colleague @BDAqua who initially made this suggestion

I have certain self imposed protocols I try to adhere to

Helping but not taking over form someone else's work

I do see some significant things in the report

8 GB RAM - Not upgradeable

Lenovo - ThinkPad Thunderbolt 4 Dock USB Audio

No Time Machine backup - Time Machine backup not found.

Fresco Logic, Inc. - V1003

VIA Labs, Inc. - USB2.0 Hub

VPNProxyExtension - /Applications/DuckDuckGo.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/DuckDuckGo VPN.app

com.google.keystone.agent which means Google Chrome is present

AdGuard Login Helper

Reply

Answer 8

Macloving Author

Level 1

4 points

May 11, 2025 7:57 AM in response to Owl-53

Removed the DuckDuckGo Browser where the Proxy was a part of. Also tried a different dock, a Satechi USB-C dongle with an HDMI port and two USB-C's. Same result as the Lenovo dock, where I can do a couple of User switches, then the screen goes black and needs a force shut-down in order to use the MacBook again.

Reply