What Is WindowServer and Why Does It Use So Much CPU?

PDF download Download Article
Fix high WindowServer CPU usage and improve your computer’s performance
PDF download Download Article

If you’ve ever opened the Activity Monitor on your Mac, you might have noticed a process called WindowServer. Wondering what WindowServer is and why it’s using so much of your CPU power? In this article, we’ll explain what this process does, how to check its CPU usage, and how to keep it from overloading and slowing down your operating system.

Things You Should Know

  • WindowServer is a process that manages all the graphical elements on your Mac’s screen.
  • You can check how much CPU power WindowServer is using in the Activity Monitor app.
  • If WindowServer is slowing your computer down, try closing windows and apps you’re not using and cleaning up your desktop.
Section 1 of 3:

What is WindowServer?

PDF download Download Article
  1. WindowServer manages all the graphics on your screen. This process keeps your Mac’s graphical user interface working like it should. It manages your open windows, app icons, visual effects—basically, everything you can see on the screen at any given time. While this is a very important process for your Mac, it can also slow your computer down if there are too many things on the screen for WindowServer to manage.
    • Every time you move a window, edit an image or document, or open a new tab in your browser, WindowServer has to render those elements on your screen.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Checking WindowServer CPU Usage

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Open Activity Monitor . The Activity Monitor app shows all the active processes on your Mac and how much CPU (core processing unit) power they’re using at any given time. To launch Activity Monitor, press command + space bar and type in activity monitor . Or, click on the Launchpad in your Dock , then type activity monitor in the search bar. Click the app in the search results to open it.
    • You can also find it in the Utilities subfolder inside your Applications folder.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This tab is located at the very top of the Activity Monitor window. It may be selected by default.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Type windowserver into the search bar at the top of the window, or just scroll through the list of processes until you find it. You might see other processes with similar names, like “WindowManager.”
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To tell how much core processing power WindowServer is using, look at the second column from the left, “%CPU.” Ideally, you should see a number between 10 and 30%. Anything higher may mean that something isn’t working the way it’s supposed to, or that WindowServer has too many active graphics to manage.
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

Reducing WindowServer CPU Usage

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You might notice that your computer slows down when you have lots of windows open. If you’re getting lags and you see that WindowServer is using up a ton of CPU power, try closing windows you don’t need and quitting apps you aren’t using.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The more documents, folders, and app aliases you have lying around on your desktop, the more work WindowServer has to do. You can save a little CPU usage by cleaning it up. In addition to removing apps from your desktop , you can also organize your desktop files into folders or group them into stacks. [1]
    • To create a stack, click the desktop and open the View menu at the top of the screen. Select Use Stacks . [2]
      • Your files will be instantly bundled into related groups (such as Images, PDF Documents, and Screen Shots), with each group using only a single icon.
      • Simply click on a stack to expand it and see everything in the group.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The distinctive visual aesthetic of macOS looks cool, but it can overwork your CPU—especially if you have an older Mac. Turning off some of these effects, like transparency, may improve your computer’s performance and reduce WindowServer’s CPU usage. To change this setting:
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your Mac has been running for a long time, unneeded processes, temp files, and app caches can clutter up your system and slow it down. Restarting might be enough to get WindowServer out of its high-CPU usage loop and get your system working more smoothly.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Misbehaving apps can be a major culprit in turning WindowServer into a CPU hog. If you suspect that your apps aren’t running like they should, check the App Store to see if any updates are available .
    • If you didn’t install an app via the App Store, you may be able to update it from within the app itself or by going to the developer’s website.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    An outdated operating system can lead to glitches and lags in your system. To check if an update is available for your version of macOS, click the
    Mac Apple
    {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/f\/ff\/Macapple1.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Macapple1.png\/29px-Macapple1.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":476,"bigWidth":29,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Mac icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Apple menu at the top of the screen and open System Settings > General > Software Update . If an update to your current version of macOS is available, click Update Now to install it.
    • If you’re using an older version of macOS, click Apple > System Preferences > Software Update instead.
    • If a new version of macOS is available, click Upgrade Now to install it.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you have a lot of separate workflows happening on your Mac at the same time, you might be using Spaces , which allows you to create multiple virtual desktops. Having lots of Spaces open at once can overload WindowServer and slow your system down. To close Spaces you aren’t using: [3]
    • Swipe up on your trackpad with three fingers at once, or press the Mission Control key (which may be one of the Function keys, such as F3). The Mission Control key shows a group of three different-sized rectangles.
    • Hover over the Space you want to delete in the Spaces bar at the top of the screen.
    • When the x button appears, click it to delete the Space.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-13-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-13-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-13-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-13-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Despite popular belief, Macs can get viruses and other malware. If WindowServer is still using way too much CPU power even after you try the most common troubleshooting steps, then malware might be to blame.
    • If you know what to look for, you can manually remove malware while your computer is in Safe Mode .
    • Mac has built-in tools that are supposed to automatically check for and remove malware and viruses. However, if you think some malware might have slipped past these protections, try scanning your Mac with a third-party tool like Avast, AVG Antivirus, or Kaspersky.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d4\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d4\/Windowserver-Mac-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Windowserver-Mac-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    There are a variety of apps on the market designed to clean up your Mac and help your operating system run more efficiently. Using one of these apps might help minimize issues with WindowServer overloading your CPU. Try one of these popular options:
    • Disk Drill (free)
    • CleanMyMac X (free and paid versions available)
    • MacCleaner Pro (available as a subscription or one-time purchase, but offers a free trial)
    • Daisy Disk (one-time purchase, but offers a free trial)
    10. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Restart Your Computer Using the Keyboard
      How to
      Connect PC to TV with HDMI
      How to
      Check Browsing History on a WiFi Router
      3 Easy Ways to Find the Publication Date of a Website
      6 Ways to Pair Your JBL Earbuds: Guide & Troubleshooting Tips
      10 Genius Ways to Cheat a Step Counter on a Phone (No Walking Required)
      What Does DW Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More
      How to Listen to Police Radio Online: Best Apps & Websites
      Easy Ways to Read Crash Dump Files & Troubleshoot Crashes
      How to
      Open a Digital Safe Without a Key
      How to
      Tell if Your Mac Is Too Old to Update
      How to Bypass Your Screen Time Passcode: Reset, Remove, or Hack Screen Time
      How to Guess a Password
      How to
      Format a Write–Protected Pen Drive
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/ways-to-organize-files-on-your-mac-desktop-mh35951/mac
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/organize-your-desktop-mh35846/13.0/mac/13.0#mchl97209c0d
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/work-in-multiple-spaces-mh14112/mac

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 10,783 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement