How to stop 'LegacyScreenSaver' memory issue on Tahoe 26.5.2?

Running Tahoe 26.5.2 on a MacBook Pro. I get a dialog saying "LegacyScreenSaver" is making my Mac run out of memory. I deleted the screen saver but I'm still getting this same messages. I can not find what's doing this. I can quit it but it creeps back. Anybody know what's going on?LegacyScreenSaver


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: "LegacyScreenSaver" memory gobbler.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 26.5

Posted on Aug 6, 2026 7:18 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 7, 2026 1:44 AM

LegacyScreenSaver is a built-in macOS process that runs older screen saver components. 


A - The warning usually means that an old or incompatible screen saver, wallpaper extension, or related component is using excessive memory. 


B - Deleting the visible screen saver does not always remove the files that are causing the problem.


C - Check these folders for leftover screen saver files: ~/Library/Screen Savers and /Library/Screen Savers


D - Remove any old third-party .saver files, then restart your Mac.


E - You can also reset screen saver preferences by opening Terminal and running:


defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.screensaver


F - Then restart and select a built-in Apple screen saver.


G - If the issue continues, temporarily disable the screen saver in System Settings >>  Lock Screen and see if the memory warning stops. 


H - You can also check Activity Monitor to see whether LegacyScreenSaver continues growing in memory.


Apple’s related support pages:


Use Activity Monitor on Mac


Change Lock Screen settings on Mac


Update macOS on Mac

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 7, 2026 1:44 AM in response to kulajon

LegacyScreenSaver is a built-in macOS process that runs older screen saver components. 


A - The warning usually means that an old or incompatible screen saver, wallpaper extension, or related component is using excessive memory. 


B - Deleting the visible screen saver does not always remove the files that are causing the problem.


C - Check these folders for leftover screen saver files: ~/Library/Screen Savers and /Library/Screen Savers


D - Remove any old third-party .saver files, then restart your Mac.


E - You can also reset screen saver preferences by opening Terminal and running:


defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.screensaver


F - Then restart and select a built-in Apple screen saver.


G - If the issue continues, temporarily disable the screen saver in System Settings >>  Lock Screen and see if the memory warning stops. 


H - You can also check Activity Monitor to see whether LegacyScreenSaver continues growing in memory.


Apple’s related support pages:


Use Activity Monitor on Mac


Change Lock Screen settings on Mac


Update macOS on Mac

How to stop 'LegacyScreenSaver' memory issue on Tahoe 26.5.2?

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