Task managers on computers play a crucial role in managing applications and processes. For instance, Windows’ native task-managing utility, the Task Manager, comes in handy when the user wishes to close an app, restrict a process, disable a startup application, etc.
Similarly, regarding macOS, the Activity Monitor is the utility that handles all task and app-related options. It displays all the active applications and processes and showcases how many internal resources each consumes.
While browsing through their Mac’s Activity Manager, many users stumble across the terminology “WindowServer” and wonder what it is. This article will shed light on what WindowServer is, why it sometimes utilizes more resources than it actually should, and whether it is safe for Macs or not. Let us dive right into it:
WindowServer – What is It?
According to Apple, WindowServer is one of macOS’ essential processes. Just like every process has a specific function, the WindowServer also has one. It is the process responsible for establishing a connection between every application or process present on a Mac to the connected display.
Because of WindowServer, users can use apps or do anything on their Mac facilitated by the connected display. Like most of the other Mac processes, this process functions quietly in the background without attracting any attention. The crucial process that plays a vital role in forming a connection between Mac’s internal processes and the display generally consumes roughly one-third of Mac’s total CPU resources.
However, if it uses more than the percentage mentioned earlier of CPU resources, it can lead to your Mac underperforming, i.e., becoming slow and laggy. Hence, it is essential to keep an eye on the process and determine why it is acting abnormally.
One of the best ways to determine whether the process is performing usually or not is by using the Activity Monitor to view how much CPU it is consuming. Viewing the statistics of the WindowServer process is quite easy as well. All the user needs to do is access the Activity Monitor utility, open the CPU tab, search for the “WIndowServer” process and click on it. By doing so, users can conveniently look at how many resources the process is utilizing along with the number of active threads, GPU usage, and other analytical details.
Why Does WindowServer Consume Excess CPU Resources?
There are numerous reasons why the Mac WindowServer process sometimes uses more resources than it should. Here are some of the most common causes, along with potential solutions:
● Tons of Active Applications
One of the main reasons why the native macOS process starts hogging up on additional CPU resources is that too many applications are active on the Mac. Therefore, if your Mac is underperforming, you could try closing any application you are not using to lower the strain on the CPU and enhance your Mac’s performance. Moreover, you can also shut down demanding background processes to ensure a seamless performance.
● A Cluttered Desktop
Numerous users like to dump all of their files on the desktop. This disrupts your Mac’s aesthetic and forces the WindowServer process to consume more resources. Every time a user refreshes their desktop, it will take more time for the activity to occur; hence, the native process will require more resources than usual. Thus, if you are a Mac owner and wish to ensure that your Mac’s performance stays solid and lag-free, it would be best to keep cleaning your desktop files frequently and maintain a minimalistic appeal.
● Outdated Version of macOS
Another reason why the WindowServer process on your Mac is acting up may be because your Mac is running on an outdated version of macOS. To ensure optimized performance, Apple frequently rolls out minor updates that feature numerous enhancements, including bug fixes and other issues. Therefore, whenever you see a new macOS update, it would be best to install it on your Mac as soon as possible. If you don’t like frequent notifications, you can manually go to the “About This Mac” section to check for updates. If new ones are available, install them. Doing so can significantly boost your system’s performance.
Is the Process Safe?
Even though the process sometimes exhibits issues, it is safe and secure. It does not harm Mac’s internal functioning or external components. In fact, because of the process, all of Macs’ features and functionality work perfectly well. Hence, even if the process is exhibiting issues, you should not terminate it, as it may lead to further problems such as your Mac crashing or the active applications malfunctioning.
The WindowServer process is essential for Macs to display any activity on the output device seamlessly. If your Mac’s WindowServer process is acting up, you can easily try any of the aforementioned solutions to fix the problem and ensure that your Mac performs seamlessly.
