Summary

With the release of macOS 13.3.1, we have started to see a few reports of the macOS WindowServer crashing on Apple Silicon-based computers (M1/M2 processors).  The crash occurs either at user account login if a DisplayLink-based docking station or USB graphics adapter is connected to the computer; when connecting the DisplayLink-controlled display to the computer after login; or when launching the DisplayLink Manager App with the external display connected to the computer.

We have seen this behavior in the past when macOS's display persistence files have become corrupted or include incompatible display configurations or settings.  The fix was to manually remove two display persistence ".plist" files; however, the DisplayLink Support Tool for macOS has an option to reset the display persistence to quickly resolve this behavior. The process is detailed below:

Applicable To

Mac computers using DisplayLink Manager with external displays connected through a Plugable DisplayLink dock or USB graphics adapter.

Before You Begin

Disconnect the DisplayLink dock or adapter from the Mac so you can log in. Save and close open work before resetting the layout because the Mac will need to restart.

1. Unplug the DisplayLink controlled external display from the computer and log into the desktop
2. Download the DisplayLink Support Tool for macOS
3. Select the "DisplayLink Support Tool for macOS6.3.163-EXE.zip" from the downloads to extract the "DisplayLink Information.app" to the Downloads directory, a Finder window should open showing the extracted file
   
4. Double-click on the "DisplayLink Information.app" from the Downloads folder to start the tool
   
5. This will open a window for the DisplayLink Information tool, however we can ignore this for now. From the macOS top bar, next to "DisplayLink Information" select "Advanced" then "Reset screen layout"
   
6. You will be prompted for the account password to proceed, enter your password, then click the "OK" button
   
7. Next you will be prompted to reboot the computer, save and close any open applications then click on the "Reboot" button to proceed
   
8. After rebooting the computer, log into the desktop and reconnect the external display(s), you may need to rearrange the external displays through the Apple Menu > System Settings > Displays > Arrange settings panel

Important Notes

Resetting the screen layout removes saved display arrangement settings. After reconnecting your displays, you may need to arrange them again in Apple menu > System Settings > Displays. This procedure addresses a saved layout issue; a login failure can also have other causes.

Need Assistance?

If the Mac still returns to the login screen or shows a WindowServer error, contact support@plugable.com with your Mac model, macOS version, DisplayLink Manager version, Plugable product model, and the exact error or behavior observed.