top:
PID COMMAND %CPU TIME #TH #WQ #PORTS MEM PURG
646 WindowServer 101.3 38:18:20 40/2 4 16742- 6009M+ 1495M
for example, while Activity Monitor has memory usage well over 5GB
I'm getting unused RAM crushed down to tiny levels on an M1 Ultra with 64GB RAM.
I see posts about WindowServer leaking resources on past OS versions, what should normal usage be under Sequoia? And how much CPU, just sitting idle?
Mac Studio, macOS 15.3
View memory usage in Activity Monitor on Mac - Apple Support
Below from a M4 Apple Silicon computer
16 GB Unified RAM and 500 GB SSSD running Sequoia 15.3.2 with Safari, Mail & Notes all running
Memory Tab
CPU Tab
Unused RAM being low is what the OS aims for, at all times.
Provided that the memory pressure remains in the green, and the swap space is residual,
low free RAM is a good thing.
I do think that the RAM usage by WindowServer is too high, but the important thing is how your mac performs.
Is it lagging in any way? Also, it might be helpful to know what displays you have - two 5K or 6K displays demand more from the WindowServer than, say, two 1080p displays, obviously.
You also asked about upping memory - no, that is not possible. The CPU, GPU and RAM are all part of the same SoC ("system on a chip").
It seems that you work with heavy applications for 3D modelling, and that may be tasking your system.
Did you by any chance migrate all your stuff from a previous mac to this one?
That is the most common reason for Apple Silicon Macs underperforming - old incompatible system extensions and daemons brought on from older Macs - often a decade or so old.
Please run Etrecheck and post its full report here. Use the "additional text" button and paste the report into the text box.
To add to @Luis S good advise which I fully suggest following
Other Factors that could come into play re RAM Usages and overall performance of the machine
Below is only applicable if installed and used on this computer
If Not, please disregard
Commercial VPNs
They may not be what one believes they are doing for the computer and what they actually are doing behind the scenes They may also reduce you Internet Speeds by upwards of 30%
https://gist.github.com/joepie91/5a9909939e6ce7d09e29
VPN: What you need to know - Apple Community
Third Party Security Software
There are no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling UNIX Foundation and Permission Limitation.
The Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that cannot be opened by the User nor by Third Party Applications.
The Only thing this Antivirus software is protecting is the Bank Account of the Developers and for zero return to the User aside from the problems this software creates.
The Built in Security is all that is required to protect the computer.
Protecting against malware in macOS
Third Party Disk Cleaners / Optimizer
Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS, is an invitation for disaster.
Certain Applications maybe available on the Apple Apps Store - this only means the Developer is prepared to pay Apple a percentage on each sale.
What the Application may do to the computer is up to the User to check this out before purchase
To put the Third Party Disk Cleaner / Optimizer in context and the damages it may have or has already done.
This type of applications can or will Muck Up your User Account ( Home Folder ) of this machine.
It does not touch the Operating System itself unless you consider your User Account ( Home Folder ) as part of the Operating System.
The Operating System is hosed
Yes, this machine's configuration includes a history of multiple migrations from older and older machines.
Any thoughts?
I'm not in the habit of installing third-party clean-up or security software, and I'm currently not using VPN software I was required to use last year to access resources on a remote academic network.
From well respected contributor @ Grant Bennet-Alder
Quote
" WindowServer is the task that makes sure the right stuff is in every window, manages multiple windows in multiple positions on the screen, possibly overlapping or not, and generally manages all issues related to drawing the stuff on the screen. " End Quote
In what sense? I end up memory-constrained working with 3D models that depict all the structural elements of a building, and I'm interested where memory is being consumed where it shouldn't be. If a 6.9GB (the current number) RAM footprint in the window server is not normal, I'd like someone at Apple to be aware of it. The 3D modeling software is using <5GB of RAM, so it doesn't look like it's the model that's leaving me constrained. If it's not surprising while running my current load then I have other things to think about.
Safari and Preview often have huge RAM footprints. When I'm manipulating the model I really would rather have smooth movement so I can control what I'm doing, when it skips my work slows to a crawl while I get things where I want them, correcting for overshoots and waiting for graphics to catch up to the commands given via pointing devices etc.
I didn't appreciate how this machine would be working under its actual load. Do I have any prospect to increase RAM or is that something to do only while replacing the machine down the road? In the meantime, if something is leaking and it's eating resources I thought Apple should know.
Is it?
It looks like your CPU is dramatically less than 100% and your RAM footprint nowhere near what my machine is doing.
A Mac Studio - how many Displays are running
And if so how are they connected
Two displays, each is connected by a rear-of-device Thunderbolt/USB-C cable.
On this machine of yours, would think this should not be an issue
👍
WindowServer balloons to gigs of RAM and consumes 100%+ of a CPU
