10.13.4 Displaylink no longer working

I have never used any DisplayLink equipment, but I read this thread after previously seeing complaints on other web sites and forums about DisplayLink breaking in 10.13.4. I just did a Google search and DisplayLink has a statement and beta drivers on their web site. They caution that their beta drivers are not a complete solution. Here is the link:

http://www.displaylink.com/downloads/macos

Important Information about macOS 10.13.4 update

We have become aware that installing macOS release Version 10.13.4 will cause DisplayLink connected displays to go blank after the OS upgrade, with the current DisplayLink driver [4.1] installed. Functionality such as Ethernet and audio, where implemented, is unaffected. We have alerted Apple to this issue and are working hard to find a resolution. These features continue to work as expected in 10.13.3.

In the meantime, we have a new driver [4.3] that will enable clone mode, but not mirror or extended mode displays in 10.13.4. If you require mirror or extended mode displays, we recommend that you stay on macOS 10.13.3 or earlier at this time.

Some are wondering if DisplayLink got broken as a result of the major video re-coding that Apple did to roll out final support for eGPUs in 10.13.4.

There are USB C to HDMI adapters as well as USB C docks with HDMI ports. There are limitations on the quality of the video what they support if you do not have a Mac with Thunderbolt 3 through USB C (if you have been using DisplayLink boxes, it should be comparable).

OWC USB-C Dock - Space Gray

This are also simple USB C to HDMI adapters such as this:

Aukey's USB-C to HDMI Cable - Worth it for MacBook owners? - YouTube

If you have Thunderbolt 1 or 2 available, there are inexpensive adapters that will give better video results. Like USB C to HDMI above, these are adapters, not 3rd party solutions—if you have the port, these work fine. There's no advantage to the Apple branded unit as there is no proprietary chip inside.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Mini-DisplayPort-Thunderbolt-Adapter/dp/B00N H13K8S

A few Macs have TB 3 available through USB C: This includes all Mid-2017 and later iMacs, iMac Pros and MacBook Pros.

All 3rd party monitor solutions were killed in OS 10.13.4 — 10.13.5 except eGPU over Thunderbolt 3. This may change if DisplayLink and some of the eGPU card makers write new drivers. Even if they do, will those be forward compatible into 10.14?

I'm with you on this. Even if new drivers are written, USB 2 monitor boxes are yesterday's tech. I need to run 2 monitors off of my iMac, currently impossible without one being USB 2. With any iMac newer than mid 2012, that isn't an issue plus they support Metal graphics as required with OS 10.14.

The latest beta (4.3 Beta 4) from DisplayLink allows extending one monitor. They managed to do that by hacking around a bit with AirPlay, but it works!

You have to either restore via time machine to a date prior to getting the update or re image the computer with an image that is below 10.13.4. Display link has been working on this since beta for months and are no closer to a solution. There may be no fix other than to buy a more expensive dock that doesn’t use driver such as the OWC usbc dock which is about 300.

If this is a bug, for example, an unintended side effect of the major rewrites to video done to enable eGPUs, then Apple might fix it. This is way bigger than just DisplayLink, 10.13.4 broke many third-party secondary monitor solutions:

https://tidbits.com/2018/04/08/macos-10-13-4-breaks-third-party-dual-display-sys tems/

"...the products affected include the hardware-based DisplayLink, along with the app-based Air Display, Duet, and iDisplay. However, the problem doesn’t affect secondary displays that connect directly to the Mac via Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt."

If it is intended, because Apple just doesn't want to support it anymore, then it may take some advocacy to get Apple to change their minds.

Hopefully it's just a bug that needs to be fixed in 10.13.5.

I refused to accept defeat in the battle against apple’s disregard of my need for a third monitor

I looked at my upgrade history in the App Store, got the date of upgrade to.10.13.4. Then I did a restart holding cmd-D and restored from the previous day’s time machine backup before the system upgrade. Took like 4 hours but voila ! I am back at 10.13.3 (slightly slower operation but all three screens are operational.

I am still upset with apple for not warning us beforehand, but I guess we got what we paid for ( free upgrade)

cjpsych80 wrote:

Has anyone tried a dual-boot to install two different macOS on their computer? One for 10.14.3 and one for a pre-10.14.3 to run a displaylink monitor?

You can always install multiple versions of macOS on your Mac, it's been possible for decades. The only thing is that the other system must be on its own separate volume. There is no way to install two versions of macOS on the same volume. If you only have one drive inside your Mac, then the drive must be partitioned, with each OS on its own partition volume.

When a Mac is connected to more than one bootable volume (on partitions, internal drives, or external drives), you can hold down the Option key at startup to choose which system to start from.

There is certainly a wealth of misinformation on this thread.

The truth: DisplayLink docks and USB boxes work fine in High Sierra through OS 10.13.3.

With 10.13.4, Apple broke all 3rd party display options with one exception. This includes eGPU over Thunderbolt 1 & 2, Duet Dock and all other iPad display apps and all boxes tat require DisplayLink Drivers.

The only exception is eGPU over Thunderbolt 3, to which Apple is reinforcing their commitment as announced at the WWDC.

Apple has not acknowledged any bug and it’s very possible this was done on purpose as eGPU over Thunderbolt 1 & 2 has been problematic. Easiest way to deal with that is to end all support.

DisplayLink and a few of the eGPU card makers are trying to come up with drivers to wrk around this. Duet Dock seems to think Apple will “fix” this. If Apple doesn’t think it’s broken, I wouldn’t hold my breath. As for the others, they may or may not come up with a solution.

The DisplayLink 4.3 drivers provide a kludge that some may be able to use—I‘m not one of them. For those who can, go go go.

I’d like to see drivers that reenable my box. I make my living with my Mac and am stuck at OS 10.13.3 until a solution is released or I buy a new Mac (not yet). 10.13.3 is a stable OS and meets my needs for now.

A PC is not an option for me. The CRM I use works much better on a Mac and runs poorly on the PC. Been here, done that, no thanks! Never again.

While I sympathize, your little rant says nothing and means even less. You don't say what Macs you use, how old they are nor what Display Link equipped devices you use.

Moving on...

What Apple has taken away, they will restore for most users. DisplayLink has announced a beta that enables full functionality in OS 10.14.

Developers/users with access to Apple’s fifth developer preview of 10.14 Mojave, released on 30th July, will see full support has now been restored for multiple extended DisplayLink displays where DisplayLink driver v4.3 beta 5 is installed. We are doing wide scale testing of v4.3 beta against this preview and will release a new driver upon general availability of 10.14.

Users of 10.13.4-10.13.6 should also use v4.3 beta 5 as it contains a workaround to enable one extended USB display (720p or 1080p). An FAQ details how to enable Apple AirPlay with DisplayLink display for extend or mirror mode.

Users on macOS 10.13.3 and earlier should remain for the time being with DisplayLink driver 4.1 to maintain full extended display functionality.

Unfortunately, it does nothing for those of us with 2009–2010 iMacs that can't support Air Play and 2009–2012 Macs incapable of installing Mojave. Air Play requires a 2011 Mac and Mojave requires a GPU that supports Metal graphics.

again, not ideal, but if your laptop has a thunderbolt port of any kind that you have open, you could use it as a display port and go from your monitor directly to your laptop's display port (thunderbolt port) and it should work. it worked for me. adapters are like... $8. best of luck.

Apple is not going to include a change to the graphics subsystem in a security update. For Apple, a quick fix for even minor issues would be 10.13.5 or 10.13.6. Since that likely overlaps with 10.14, I suggest everyone who wants to use DisplayLink technology stay on Sierra until the fall.

I had the same issue (Macbook Pro 2017 13" with touchbar) I run multiple displays through a SIIG dock with 4 display ports, just updated to Mac OS 10.13.4 last night and have wasted half the day in the office today restoring back to 10.13.3, I can't work without the additional displays, as I'm sure MANY professionals that are shelling out $2200.00 for a laptop would say the same.

SIIG is stating that Apple has removed the ability to run video over USB, which all the ports on the macbook pro are (USB-C). Haven't tried my apple adapter with a single HDMI because I use more than one external display. Very frustrated and stuck on 10.13.3. Won't be updating until apple restores the functionality on future OS updates.

Apple you have really dropped the ball on this one and need to get this fixed.

Since Apple did this on purpose, expecting them to undo it is wishful thinking. Apple has made it very clear that they now support eGPU over Thunderbolt 3 only, This requires a late 2017 iMac or MacBook Pro.

DisplayLink and other 3rd party GPU solutions need to find their own workarounds.

DisplayLink has a beta driver that allows one extended display over AirPlay. Unfortunately for me, AirPlay is not supported on Macs prior to 2011.

Perhaps DisplayLink will develop a driver that resolves this issue. Since my 2010 iMac will not run OS 10.14, it’s time for me to upgrade anyway. The moment I do, this ceases to be a concern for me.

I’ll tell you what Apple is too nice to:

Stop using cheap garbage docking stations that rely on undocumented APIs and hacks.

DisplayLink mirroring hasn’t worked on 10.13 and 10.13.4 breaks it all together.

Our company has been burned as well by DisplayLink’s hacks on Mac and Windows. We’re looking into replacing with hundreds of normal, expensive docks.