If you’ve encountered the WindowServer quit unexpectedly error on your Mac, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explore various methods to tackle this issue and get your Mac back in smooth operation.
The WindowServer plays a critical role in managing the graphical interface of your Mac, overseeing both internal and external displays. Every visual element on your screen is intricately linked to WindowServer. When this essential component encounters an issue, it can render your Mac unresponsive or trigger an unexpected reboot, leading you back to the login screen.
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Problem
Users have reported experiencing the WindowServer quit unexpectedly error in various scenarios. Whether it’s setting your Mac to sleep or waking it up, switching between tabs using Command-Tab, utilizing external displays, or entering/exiting full-screen mode – the issue can manifest itself at any point.
The good news is that there are several workarounds to address this bug. Let’s delve into these solutions without delay and get your Mac back to its optimal performance.
Now, let’s explore the practical steps to resolve this issue and ensure your Mac runs smoothly without encountering the WindowServer quit unexpectedly error.
Solution 1: Disable “Display have separate Spaces”
If you’re grappling with the WindowServer quit unexpectedly error on your Mac, give the following workaround a shot. It’s advised to try each solution to find the one that works for you.
- Launch System Settings and navigate to Desktop and Dock in the left-hand menu.
- Turn off “Automatically rearrange Spaces based on most recent use.”
- Similarly, disable the toggle next to “Display have separate Spaces.”
By doing this, you eliminate the potential culprit, especially if you’re using an external display. Now, check if this resolves the WindowServer quit unexpectedly error on your Mac. If the issue persists, move on to the next workaround for further troubleshooting.
Solution 2: Force Quit Dock
If the WindowServer issue persists and the Dock is misbehaving, a quick fix involves force quitting and restarting the Dock. Follow these steps:
- Navigate to Launchpad > Others > Activity Monitor.
- Locate and select “Dock” from the list of processes.
- Click on the cross icon in the upper-left corner.
- Choose “Force Quit” and then click “Quit.” Wait for a few seconds.
This action aims to reset the Dock, potentially resolving any conflicts impacting the WindowServer. After completing these steps, check if the Mac WindowServer quit unexpectedly error has been resolved. If not, proceed to the next workaround for further troubleshooting.
Solution 3: Switch to Default Color Profile
In cases where a custom color profile might be causing conflicts with your display, leading to the WindowServer quit unexpectedly error, consider reverting to the default Color Profile using the following steps:
- Launch System Settings and navigate to Display on the left-hand side.
- Select “Color Profile” and choose the default profile from the available list.
By opting for the default Color Profile, you eliminate potential conflicts that may contribute to the WindowServer error on your Mac. After making this adjustment, check if the issue persists. If the error continues, proceed to the next workaround for further troubleshooting.
Solution 4: Delete Old Display Preference Files
If the WindowServer error persists, it might be due to outdated display preference files. Follow these steps to delete these files and potentially resolve the issue:
- Open Finder and select Go > Go To Folder.
- Type the following location and press Enter:
~/Library/Preferences/ByHost/ - Within that folder, locate and delete the file:
~/Library/Preferences/ByHost/com.apple.windowserver.displays.<LONG HEX STRING>.plist - Navigate to the following location:
/Library/Preferences/ - Delete the file:
com.apple.windowserver.displays.plist - Restart your Mac and observe the results.
By removing these outdated display preference files, you may eliminate potential causes of the WindowServer quit unexpectedly error. After completing these steps, check if the issue has been resolved. If the error persists, proceed to the next workaround for further troubleshooting.
Solution 5: Adjust Lock Screen Settings
To address the WindowServer quit unexpectedly error, try adjusting your lock screen settings. Follow these steps:
- Go to System Settings and select Lock Screen from the left menu.
- Set “Turn Display off on battery when inactive” to “Never.”
- Similarly, set “Turn Display off on power adapter when inactive” to “Never.”
By preventing the display from turning off during inactivity, you may mitigate issues related to the WindowServer error on your Mac. After making these adjustments, check if the problem persists. If the error lingers, proceed to the next workaround for further troubleshooting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you’ve explored several methods to address the WindowServer quit unexpectedly error on your Mac. To find the most effective solution for your specific case, it’s recommended to try each workaround systematically.
If you encounter any challenges or have questions about the provided steps, feel free to drop your queries in the comments. We’ll promptly assist you in finding a resolution. Your Mac’s optimal performance is our priority.