User profile for user: Joe Faber
Joe Faber Author
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Login / WindowServer crash on Mac Mini M4 Pro / Tahoe 26.2?

It's happened twice recently. When machine wakes from sleep in the morning, machine unlocks via watch and then becomes unresponsive. Only mouse moves - cannot click, keyboard unresponsive. Can't force quit anything. About 30 seconds to a minute later, system effectively crashes and brings me back to login screen. This time requires password. And then error log sends a report about a window server like the below. Anyone experiencing similar?


Mac mini, macOS 26.2

Posted on Jan 10, 2026 8:36 AM

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User profile for user: Mac Jim ID
Mac Jim ID
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User level: Level 9
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Posted on Jan 10, 2026 8:40 AM

WindowServer is the catch-all for crashes and it is likely possible that you have a third party process running on your computer that is causing a conflict. First uninstall all AntiVirus, Cleaners, and VPN, then post the free EtreCheck report using the Additional Text option when posting. The report contains no personal information and will provide more details about the startup processes along with recent crashes and hangs.

How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community


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User profile for user: Mac Jim ID
Mac Jim ID
Community+ 2026
User level: Level 9
67,040 points

Jan 10, 2026 8:40 AM in response to Joe Faber

WindowServer is the catch-all for crashes and it is likely possible that you have a third party process running on your computer that is causing a conflict. First uninstall all AntiVirus, Cleaners, and VPN, then post the free EtreCheck report using the Additional Text option when posting. The report contains no personal information and will provide more details about the startup processes along with recent crashes and hangs.

How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community


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User profile for user: den.thed
den.thed
User level: Level 10
92,986 points

Jan 10, 2026 8:50 AM in response to Joe Faber

Allowing automatic computer sleep is causing this issue for a lot of folks.


As a test:


Turn On "Prevent automatic sleeping when display is off"



Set "Turn display off when inactive" to 5 or 10 minutes



Leave the Mac Mini On and only allow the display(s) to turn Off

Do not manually Sleep from the Apple Drop Down menu

Turn off/deactivate and do not use the Screen Saver

Shut Down the Mac when away for a day or more


To be proactive, send Feedback to Apple.

using > Feedback - Mac mini - Apple

and > Feedback - macOS - Apple

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Login / WindowServer crash on Mac Mini M4 Pro / Tahoe 26.2?

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