How to Fix “WindowServer Quit Unexpectedly” on macOS Ventura/Monterey

There have been numerous reports from users of WindowServer repeatedly crashing on Mac. The typical crash sequence involves your Mac becoming unresponsive and culminating in a reboot that directs you back to the login screen, where you will see a problem report indicating that “WindowServer quit unexpectedly.” Scrolling down, you may find the solutions for fixing the WindowServer crashing issue after upgrading to macOS Ventura.

What is WindowServer?

The WindowServer process is responsible for facilitating a connection between applications and displays. The WindowServer process collects images of windows within the system, organizes them into a composite image that is displayed on your screen, and transmits this image to the GPU and display system. 

The WindowServer enables Mac users to view all activities and processes taking place on their devices. In addition, WindowServer on a Mac is responsible for redrawing your screen upon switching tabs in Safari, changing active windows, and facilitating tasks such as video and picture editing. It should come as no surprise that when WindowServer crashes, all windows typically become unresponsive, although the mouse pointer may continue to function.

Ways to Fix the WindowServer on Ventura/Monterey

Although server crashes are usually common, they can sometimes be concerning.

Due to this heightened usage, it is possible that your Mac may experience frequent crashes. Frequent server crashes can also create difficulties for your device in accomplishing even the simplest of tasks. To help you avoid the frustrating reboot process, we have compiled a list of solutions and workarounds that have been effective for certain groups of Mac users.

I. Steer Clear of Menu Bar Extensions

Some menu bar utilities like Bartender can lead to WindowServer crashes. Consider quitting or uninstalling these utilities if you are currently using them in order to determine whether doing so can prevent WindowServer crashes from recurring.

II. Consider Using an Alternate Dock

In the event of an unexpected WindowServer quit while your Mac is connected to an external display via a dock or hub, it is recommended to switch to a different one. If there is an opportunity, use a different cable or port.

III. Utilize the Color Profile that is Set as the Default

Those users who utilize third-party software to create custom ICC display profiles may encounter the WindowServer crashing unexpectedly issue.

To access the display settings on your Mac:

1. Click on the Apple menu.
2. Then select System Preferences (or System Settings).

3. Choose Displays in the sidebar (may require scrolling).
4. Select the default color profile, such as ColorLCD, by clicking on the pop-up menu located next to the Color profile on the right.

IV. Modify the Settings for the Lock Screen

Disabling the Turn Display Off feature has proven to be effective for some users in resolving the “WindowServer quit unexpectedly” issue. This is particularly worth attempting if the WindowServer crashes occur while using apps in full-screen mode.

For macOS Ventura users:

1. Navigate to the Apple menu.
2. Choose System Preferences (or System Settings).

3. Find the Lock Screen (you may need to scroll down to find it).
4. Put “Turn display off on battery when inactive” to Never.
5. Put “Turn display off on power adapter when inactive” to Never.

For macOS Monterey (or earlier) users:

1. Navigate to the Apple menu.
2. Choose System Preferences (or System Settings).

3. Go to the Battery menu.
4. Click Battery and pull the “Turn display off after” toggler to Never.
5. Click Power Adapter, then push the “Turn display off after” toggler to Never.

V. Modify Preferences in Mission Control

Some users have discovered that turning off the two options in Mission Control can effectively resolve the “WindowServer quit unexpectedly” issue on Mac. It may be worth attempting this solution if you frequently encounter WindowServer crashes when transitioning between multiple desktops. 

Change settings in Mission Control on macOS Ventura:

1. Click on the Apple logo.
2. Select System Preferences (or System Settings).

3. Select Desktop & Dock, located in the left sidebar.
4. Navigate to the Mission Control section by scrolling down.
5. Put off “Automatically rearrange Spaces based on most recent use.”
6. Put off “Display have separate Spaces.”

Change settings in Mission Control on macOS Montery (or earlier):

1. Click on the Apple logo.
2. Select System Preferences (or System Settings).

3. Go the Mission Control.
4. Remove the mark next to “Automatically rearrange Spaces based on most recent use.”
5. Remove the checkmark next to “Display have separate Spaces.”

VI. Manually Enter Sleep Mode on Your Mac

If WindowServer consistently crashes when your Mac goes into sleep mode automatically while external monitors are connected, consider manually placing your Mac into sleep mode when you are finished with your tasks. In the case that WindowServer crashes upon awakening from sleep mode, you may prevent continuous logouts by disconnecting the external monitor before allowing your Mac to enter sleep mode.

VII. Upgrade or Downgrade Your macOS Version

If you encounter repeated WindowServer crashes after upgrading to Ventura or another macOS version, the crash is probably caused by bugs in the updated operating system. 

Here is what you can do:

• Verify for new updates in the Software Update section of System Preferences or System Settings.

• Reverting macOS to an earlier version.
• Avoid triggering the crash.

Wrapping Up

As it facilitates communication between applications and displays, the WindowServer plays a vital role in the macOS system. The frequent crashing of WindowServer can disrupt users’ work productivity after upgrading to macOS Ventura.

Fortunately, the remedies outlined above can be employed to troubleshoot the problem with ease.

Related reading:

• How to Downgrade from macOS 12 Monterey to macOS Big Sur?
• How To Cut Down the Windowserver CPU Usage On Mac?
• How to Declutter My Mac?

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About The Author

Ruslana Lishchuk

Ruslana is a tech content writer whose true passion is finding out about everything Mac-related. She specializes in creating macOS guides and tips & tricks. In her spare time, you’ll find her doing yoga or discovering local coffee shops in search of the best filter coffee.