Displaylink ceases to work in 10.13.4

[wolfferine]

Hi,

I found this rather interesting article, about Kernel Extensions:

Whitelisting third-party kernel extensions using profiles (https://derflounder.wordpress.com/2018/04/12/whitelisting-third-party-kernel-extensions-using-profiles/#more-9680):confused:

Something DisplayLink could take a look at, or did they done already :D

[gabhain]

Hi,

I found this rather interesting article, about Kernel Extensions:

Whitelisting third-party kernel extensions using profiles (https://derflounder.wordpress.com/2018/04/12/whitelisting-third-party-kernel-extensions-using-profiles/#more-9680):confused:

Something DisplayLink could take a look at, or did they done already :D



That implies that they have a working system extension, which they dont. A beta driver on a beta OS that runs on some hardware doesnt really count after like 8 months. The article discusses whitelisting system extensions using Jamf, if it was a whitelisting issue then users would have a prompt to manually add the extension. Non enterprise users wouldnt have Jamf most likely. Ive had to whitelist extensions in jamf before, it would be awesome if that was the issue as its easily fixed but unfortunately its not :(

OWC, Caldigit and HP had this working on their docks with zero downtime for users so this is a Displaylink issue not an Apple one.

[paultzirides]

That implies that they have a working system extension, which they dont. A beta driver on a beta OS that runs on some hardware doesnt really count after like 8 months. The article discusses whitelisting system extensions using Jamf, if it was a whitelisting issue then users would have a prompt to manually add the extension. Non enterprise users wouldnt have Jamf most likely. Ive had to whitelist extensions in jamf before, it would be awesome if that was the issue as its easily fixed but unfortunately its not :(

OWC, Caldigit and HP had this working on their docks with zero downtime for users so this is a Displaylink issue not an Apple one.

Unfortunately, you're a little off on your assessment of OWC, Caldigit, and HP docks. Those all use Thunderbolt 3, not USB-C, despite the cable looking identical to USB-C. Those docks use either the "alt-mode" function of USB-C (which passes video data over the DisplayPort channel), or native Thunderbolt 3. Each of those are seen by the OS as a native display, and the other functions of those docks have work in a similar manner. That functionality is dictated by the hardware itself. DisplayLink does not use DisplayPort or Thunderbolt, it's a different set of hardware that pipes a number of disparate hardware functions over USB, and requires special drivers to be able to do that.

Thunderbolt docks are expensive to produce and are expensive to purchase. DisplayLink is a lower-cost alternative that most people find appealing because of that lower cost. Hopefully Apple is able to work with the DL team to help them get to where they need to go with this driver.

[gabhain]

Unfortunately, you're a little off on your assessment of OWC, Caldigit, and HP docks. Those all use Thunderbolt 3, not USB-C, despite the cable looking identical to USB-C. Those docks use either the "alt-mode" function of USB-C (which passes video data over the DisplayPort channel), or native Thunderbolt 3. Each of those are seen by the OS as a native display, and the other functions of those docks have work in a similar manner. That functionality is dictated by the hardware itself. DisplayLink does not use DisplayPort or Thunderbolt, it's a different set of hardware that pipes a number of disparate hardware functions over USB, and requires special drivers to be able to do that.

Thunderbolt docks are expensive to produce and are expensive to purchase. DisplayLink is a lower-cost alternative that most people find appealing because of that lower cost. Hopefully Apple is able to work with the DL team to help them get to where they need to go with this driver.

Thanks for the explanation i guess but you may have misunderstood my comment. I am very well aware of the differences between tb3 and usb-c. The manufacturers i mention make usb-c docks as well as tb3 ones. im using a usb-c OWC dock as i type this and while its far for perfect it works.

[warlockuk]

Unfortunately, us peasants on the current non-beta OS with Thunderbolt 2 are SOL.
Single DisplayPort out from my Belkin dock works fine. ONE external monitor works at the wrong resolution kindasorta. The other monitor (which is rotated 90 degrees) is basically dead.

Yay. And this has been the situation for six months for anyone who didn't upgrade like me. I can't roll back as I need the latest Safari. Yay.



Yay.

[warlockuk]

PS Spellcheck the displaylink.com homepage. Connectivitye, eh?

[Chris 100]

Update: July 30th
Dear DisplayLink macOS users,

DisplayLink has worked for many months to maintain support for its users during the transition from macOS High Sierra to Mojave. While functionality such as Ethernet and audio or charging, where implemented, is unaffected on all releases, display connectivity has been limited on macOS releases from 10.13.4 through 10.13.6.

Developers/users with access to Apple's fifth developer preview of 10.14 Mojave, released on 30th July, will see full support has now been restored for multiple extended DisplayLink displays where DisplayLink driver v4.3 beta 5 (http://www.displaylink.com/downloads/file?d=175) is installed. We are doing wide scale testing of v4.3 beta against this preview and will release a new driver upon general availability of 10.14.

Users of 10.13.4-10.13.6 should also use v4.3 beta 5 (http://www.displaylink.com/downloads/file?d=175) as it contains a workaround to enable one extended USB display (720p or 1080p). An FAQ details how to enable Apple AirPlay with DisplayLink display for extend or mirror mode (https://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/1854724).

Users on macOS 10.13.3 and earlier should remain for the time being with DisplayLink driver 4.1 to maintain full extended display functionality.

We thank you for your extended patience, we continue to value your feedback and support.

Kind regards,
Alban

What is the plan for users who cannot upgrade to Mac OS Mojave?

This is the third time I have asked this question. Silence speaks volumes.

If there is not going to be a permanent fix for High Sierra, it is only proper that you let us know so that we can make some alternate plans.

[AlbanRampon]

What is the plan for users who cannot upgrade to Mac OS Mojave?

This is the third time I have asked this question. Silence speaks volumes.

If there is not going to be a permanent fix for High Sierra, it is only proper that you let us know so that we can make some alternate plans.

That is simply because that has been answered already and it is totally inappropriate for me to comment on what another software vendor might or might not do in a future release, or even if they have any new release planned.

After testing completes in the next few days, we will issue a 4.3 release to allow more resolutions on 10.13.4+ than the current HD and FullHD.

Regards,
Alban

[Chris 100]

That is simply because that has been answered already

Apologies if I missed it.

But I have been back through the thread and see no answers regarding a possible solution for High Sierra users who cannot upgrade to Mojave because it will not support their hardware.

[Wozzy]

Apologies if I missed it.

But I have been back through the thread and see no answers regarding a possible solution for High Sierra users who cannot upgrade to Mojave because it will not support their hardware.

Haha, is 1st April. I doubt we will see a final version for 10.13.4+

DL concentrating on Mojave support, perhaps Apple backtracked a bit in Mojave on what they changed in 10.13.4+ that killed DL, who knows, but I doubt will not see anything more than a beta and res of 1080p in HS.

The good news is there are now 4k USB-C screens that you can daisy chain, they also have USB-A 3.0 on the back so you can plug in a USB-A to Ethernet adapter. You just plug your Mac in with the USB-C single cable, Screen Ethernet, Power - Good bye DL docks, goodbye crappy drivers.

Have a look at Lenovo ThinkVision P32u

[MC Ren]

Apologies if I missed it.

But I have been back through the thread and see no answers regarding a possible solution for High Sierra users who cannot upgrade to Mojave because it will not support their hardware.
Almost 9 months and no real fix, Display Link is a joke.

[johnmharte]

+1 on OSX support.

Mirroring or a single display is not "support" I can do that a number of different ways.

In our case we have very expensive human scale arms+docks that use displaylink. There is a very critical team within our company that runs an OSX based platform. The one issue, displaylink software. We've asked HumanScale to find another way, to get away from DisplayLink or at least give us another dock/OSX compatible option and to stop saying it's product is OSX compatible at all.

I joined the forum to make this one complaint. We've been waiting for new drivers since early 2018.

https://www.humanscale.com/products/product.cfm?group=mconnect2
HumanScale MConnect2 with M8 Arms
They state OSX is "supported" and brochure pictures have a mac book pro in them. :)
https://i.imgur.com/TjAd74v.png
OSX 10.13.6 today.

[tommiy]

What happen to the rest of the entries in this thread. It used to be at page 58 and now back at page 52. Seems everything has been removed?

[Sofla David]

What happen to the rest of the entries in this thread. It used to be at page 58 and now back at page 52. Seems everything has been removed?

I've been watching this thread for months, and it has never been bigger. I know because I keep updating the page number in the bookmark link as it has grown so that it takes me to the last page and I can keep updated.

[Pbowater]

Indeed, never been bigger than this.

[smp999]

So, the workaround was working. Now Airplay does not recognize the USB monitor.

I am on 10.13.6, MacMini late 2012 and I have downloaded the 4.3 beta 5. I have uninstalled, reinstalled the Beta 5 a few times. Powered off/on, still the 3rd monitor is blank.

I have followed the FAQ install steps and gone into System - Security and Privacy and DisplayLink is enabled under Accessability.

Is there something I can do differently? I am wondering if the actual USB device has gone defective.

[mlukaszek]

So, the workaround was working. Now Airplay does not recognize the USB monitor.

Would be best if you raised this in a separate thread. Can you post logs so we can see more details about your setup?

Cheers,
Michal

[MC Ren]

Would be best if you raised this in a separate thread. Can you post logs so we can see more details about your setup?

Cheers,
Michal
You know what "would be best"? Fixing the problem, that "would be best". I know, it's only been 9 months now... maybe one of these days you guys will fix the problem.

[AlbanRampon]

Update: September 12th
Dear DisplayLink macOS users,

DisplayLink has worked for many months to maintain support for its users during the transition from macOS High Sierra to Mojave. While functionality such as Ethernet and audio or charging, where implemented, is unaffected on all releases, display connectivity has been limited on macOS releases from 10.13.4 through 10.13.6.

Users with access to Apple 10.14 Mojave previews released since 30th July confirmed full support was restored for multiple extended DisplayLink displays.
We are performing wide scale testing of v5.0 beta released today (http://www.displaylink.com/downloads/file?d=191) against current and upcoming previews to release v5.0 upon general availability of 10.14.

Users on High Sierra 10.13.4-10.13.6 should install the newly published v4.3 as the workaround to enable one extended USB display now supports additional resolutions.
An FAQ details how to enable Apple AirPlay with DisplayLink display for extend or mirror mode (https://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/1854724).
DisplayLink driver v4.3 released today (http://www.displaylink.com/downloads/file?d=190) is also applicable to Mac OS X 10.12 and other macOS 10.13 versions.

Some MacBook 2018 models on 10.14 previews may experience black extended display(s) with only mouse cursor. DisplayLink driver v4.3 Beta 6 stays available (http://www.displaylink.com/downloads/file?id=1184) to force an AirPlay extended display on these machines until a fix is distributed.

We thank you for your extended patience, we continue to value your feedback and support.

Kind regards,
Alban

[tommiy]

10.14 Public release is September 24 as announced today. Whats the position against the last beta of Mojave? Are you in a better position than late last year when the beta of 10.13.4 was first released? Is there a release date planned for 5.0 drivers that correspond with Apples date or there is going to be a delay? Is that what the words surrounding the testing is referring to?

[jberez]

Update: September 12th
Users on High Sierra 10.13.4-10.13.6 should install the newly published v4.3 as the workaround to enable one extended USB display now supports additional resolutions.

It was nice to see you finally supporting more resolutions, but they're all lower than the 1920x1200 I can get by mirroring my MBP, not to mention even higher ones that my DisplayLink device used to handle. Any chance of adding some higher resolutions, or does your use of AirPlay make 1080p a hard upper limit?

[mlukaszek]

Custom resolutions, including 4K can now be set using a new DisplayLink UI icon that should be appearing next to the WiFi icon once a DisplayLink monitor using AirPlay is connected.

Preferred mode should be persisted for the screen, so the custom resolution would be restored after reconnecting, even if it's higher than 1080p.

Note the system settings UI for that DisplayLink screen would not be aware of those extra resolutions - the highest listed would still be 1080p, and none would seem selected if a custom resolution is not in the original list in system UI.

Regards,
Michal

[warlockuk]

Custom resolutions, including 4K can now be set using a new DisplayLink UI icon that should be appearing next to the WiFi icon once a DisplayLink monitor using AirPlay is connected.

Preferred mode should be persisted for the screen, so the custom resolution would be restored after reconnecting, even if it's higher than 1080p.

Note the system settings UI for that DisplayLink screen would not be aware of those extra resolutions - the highest listed would still be 1080p, and none would seem selected if a custom resolution is not in the original list in system UI.

Regards,
Michal
I just updated to the new driver and now my display will only mirror. Yay.

*edit*
I had to totally remove the driver, restart and then reinstall. And restart.

Seeeeems to work for now. Cheers. Second USB dongle dead but I can live with that for now :)

[jberez]

Custom resolutions, including 4K can now be set using a new DisplayLink UI icon that should be appearing next to the WiFi icon once a DisplayLink monitor using AirPlay is connected.

Preferred mode should be persisted for the screen, so the custom resolution would be restored after reconnecting, even if it's higher than 1080p.

Note the system settings UI for that DisplayLink screen would not be aware of those extra resolutions - the highest listed would still be 1080p, and none would seem selected if a custom resolution is not in the original list in system UI.

Regards,
Michal

Thanks, that works!

[warlockuk]

Is it my imagination, or do the custom resolutions actually just stretch? I've got a 1920x1200 screen that looks blurry at 1920x1200 but fine at 1920x1080 (with bars)... I take it that's expected ? :/

[johnmharte]

https://imgur.com/at36xc2.png
I'm running 2560x1440 and it is blurry. Not crazy blurry but pretty bad, that's on a pair of Dell 4k 24" monitors. Of course, I can only have one working at a time, aka the airplay mirroring "fix".

So all this did for me was allow for higher, although blurry resolution.

Maybe by 2019 we can use our HumanScale arms....

[jberez]

Is it my imagination, or do the custom resolutions actually just stretch? I've got a 1920x1200 screen that looks blurry at 1920x1200 but fine at 1920x1080 (with bars)... I take it that's expected ? :/

Worse than that. At least on my 2011 MBP, it adds a great deal of lag. Going back to 1920x1080 myself. Unfortunately my computer won't support Mojave, so will just have to live with it.

[marcio.camuati]

I just updated to the new driver and now my display will only mirror. Yay.

*edit*
I had to totally remove the driver, restart and then reinstall. And restart.

Seeeeems to work for now. Cheers. Second USB dongle dead but I can live with that for now :)

For me it didn't work. I tried to uninstall and reinstall it but after the process my screens are black showing only the mouse cursor. When I change it to mirror all screens show the image correctly. :(

What can I do to fix it?

[warlockuk]

For me it didn't work. I tried to uninstall and reinstall it but after the process my screens are black showing only the mouse cursor. When I change it to mirror all screens show the image correctly. :(

What can I do to fix it?
Ouch. In that case I have no idea. Maybe try the previous driver, beta 5 if you can get it?

I had real problems getting this one working, it was a re-install followed by about 15 minutes of fighting to get the monitor to be used as a monitor.

Just to check, on the Airplay icon up top, is 'Use as a separate display' selected / selectable?

[warlockuk]

I'm starting to experience similar things - I regularly undock/redock the machine and on re-docking there's usually a 50/50 chance the screen will be mirrored again or the wrong resolution (and blurry). All I can do there is un-plug and replug until it works - that might work for you if it's only mirroring?

[MC Ren]

I'm starting to experience similar things - I regularly undock/redock the machine and on re-docking there's usually a 50/50 chance the screen will be mirrored again or the wrong resolution (and blurry). All I can do there is un-plug and replug until it works - that might work for you if it's only mirroring?

Yeah me too. I experience the same exact thing. This is getting out of hand.

[Pbowater]

So, with Mojave (non-beta) less than a week away, can anyone at DisplayLink give us an indication of whether their fix is ready for this?

I'd like to upgrade, and have both monitors working properly again.

[AlbanRampon]

So, with Mojave (non-beta) less than a week away, can anyone at DisplayLink give us an indication of whether their fix is ready for this?

I'd like to upgrade, and have both monitors working properly again.

What I understood from internal testing and feedback since 30th July is that the functionality was restored, with better quality than before (clamshell, rotation...)
The main item left to address on Mojave is some 2018 model with a fix having to be validated before distribution.
Me commenting on another company's readiness/work quality is inappropriate, so won't happen. You may either contact the other party or take the feedback from other users who are using this.

Kind regards,
Alban

[Pbowater]

@Alban, thanks for the quick reply, that does sound encouraging, doubt I will be the first person to try it out though :)

One thing I will mention, on the AirPlayed screen I am using at the moment, when the CPU is loaded up a bit with other things it starts to become a little unworkable, mouse starts skipping across the screen, and apps are slow to update the screen. Will this be improved in the move to Mojave?

Thanks again,


Peter.

[AlbanRampon]

You're welcome Peter,
On Mojave, we don't (need to) rely on AirPlay. We use the same OS documented API we were using before, with our own encoder. That means similar performance to what you would have had on 10.13.3, plus improvements brought since by the OS, our driver and our firmware changes.
Our adaptative encoder has better quality, resolution and latency than the AirPlay route. That's why we wanted to go back to it. Also, we can drive more displays.
The encoder is similar technology that used in the wireless VR adapter released by HTC, where low latency and quality are unavoidable requirements.

There are other, more fundamental, improvements planned as well. They are long term and this is too early for me to be able to disclose content at this stage.

I think it would be interesting to review your use case on the standard implementation. If you still have these impact, we should review what is taking place to make sure that is covered in the plans.

[cmdub]

I sent an email about this yesterday but I've not had much luck getting the newest v5.0 beta driver working on a Mid-2017 MacBook on the latest Mojave beta. Only getting black screens with cursor. Same experience using v4.3 beta 5/6 on the latest Mojave beta.

[Pbowater]

You're welcome Peter,
On Mojave, we don't (need to) rely on AirPlay. We use the same OS documented API we were using before, with our own encoder. That means similar performance to what you would have had on 10.13.3, plus improvements brought since by the OS, our driver and our firmware changes.
Our adaptative encoder has better quality, resolution and latency than the AirPlay route. That's why we wanted to go back to it. Also, we can drive more displays.
The encoder is similar technology that used in the wireless VR adapter released by HTC, where low latency and quality are unavoidable requirements.

There are other, more fundamental, improvements planned as well. They are long term and this is too early for me to be able to disclose content at this stage.

I think it would be interesting to review your use case on the standard implementation. If you still have these impact, we should review what is taking place to make sure that is covered in the plans.

This is all very, very good news Alban, thanks so much for expanding on the tech involved.

To expand a little on my setup, I have :

MacBook Air Mid 2012 with an di& and 8GB -so Mojave compatible unless I am very much mistaken
2 22" 1680x1050 Samsung monitors

Dual output Targus Dock: https://www.targus.com/uk/dual-video-universal-docking-station-dock120euz

I ran this with good performance before mistakenly upgrading the OS one point beyond safe.

My set up now is one monitor plugged in via the lightning port and a DVI adapter, and one plugged into the Dock with one of the Beta drivers working it via AirPlay.

If I am using Chrome on the lightning-ported monitor, viewing this page which uses WebGL, for example: https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/lightning/#cloudBgd , the AirPlay monitor, where I write my code is very slow to update mouse position, typing, app updates and dialogue box changes.

Moving my mouse pointer over to the lightning-ported monitor and the mouse cursor movements and screen updates are perfectly normal. Same for the built in MacBook monitor.

I can only assume that as AirPlay is not using a graphics adapter, that it is using the main CPU quite intensively, and therefore introducing 'lag' of sorts.

This is a development machine, and can be quite hard pushed at times, but even with closing known CPU hogs down this still appears.

Hope that helps a little?

Other stuff is very encouraging and I look forward to testing and reporting once on Mojave and running two screens via DisplayLink :)

Thanks,


Peter

[marcio.camuati]

Ouch. In that case I have no idea. Maybe try the previous driver, beta 5 if you can get it?

I had real problems getting this one working, it was a re-install followed by about 15 minutes of fighting to get the monitor to be used as a monitor.

Just to check, on the Airplay icon up top, is 'Use as a separate display' selected / selectable?

I think that my problem is that my MacBook is 2018 model. I came back to the Airplay version and I will wait a fix to my model.

Thanks!

[Rymek]

So I just bought a dock with DisplayLink chip and USBC connector and i'm having the same problems as above (black screen with cursor only visible, 15" 2018 MBP).

But more important question is. When you guys release the fix, will I be able to use both DP connectors from the dock to connect 2 monitors? Some people say over the net that connection through usbc only supports one external monitor....

Is that true?

[warlockuk]

You're welcome Peter,
On Mojave, we don't (need to) rely on AirPlay. We use the same OS documented API we were using before, with our own encoder. That means similar performance to what you would have had on 10.13.3, plus improvements brought since by the OS, our driver and our firmware changes.
So... that means there'll never be proper support for the current OS? It's a hard sell to update to Mohave on launch from a corporate point of view and this airplay driver is pretty much unworkable.

I took my laptop home, got back to work today, plugged in and it fades each display in and out being posessed until it gives up setting airplay. The airplay screen is currently black. Yay.

[lhasiuk]

So I just bought a dock with DisplayLink chip and USBC connector and i'm having the same problems as above (black screen with cursor only visible, 15" 2018 MBP).

But more important question is. When you guys release the fix, will I be able to use both DP connectors from the dock to connect 2 monitors? Some people say over the net that connection through usbc only supports one external monitor....

Is that true?

I think there are much better ways to go than DisplayLink for a 2018 MBP. Each Thunderbolt 3 port can drive a 4K monitor. HDMI monitors can be connected through inexpensive USB-C to HDMI adapters. That's four external screens on a 15" model!

My setup with the 2018 MBP uses a Henge Stone hub. It powers the computer and gives me 3 USB ports, gigabit Ethernet, audio, USB-C (for a backup hard drive) and DisplayPort all over a single connection to the MBP. For the second monitor I use a $20 HDMI adapter. Henge recently released a firmware update that solved some earlier issues with the 2018 models.

With my previous setup that used DisplayLink on a 2011 MBP, the CPU usage would go through the roof when active content was displayed on the secondary screen, and some apps wouldn't display properly. This setup completely solves that.

[Rymek]

For me, the whole point of this setup is that I have dock attached to one thunderbolt cord and two monitors to that dock, also ethernet, some usb3.0 devices etc. And it's just one cable. I know I could connect two monitors, taking up two slots but I don't want to do that.

If DisplayLink cannot provide this functionality i'll switch to other vendors if there are any that offer this.

But on the driver page, the black announcement claims that this will be fixed with release of Mojave final driver. Starting to doubt that.

[Woody58]

Just updated to 10.13.4 (beta) and my display link has ceased to work.

I have uninstalled and re-installed the latest version.

It seems that my monitor recognizes a signal (as it doesn't go to sleep) but it is not getting picture nor does it show in the 'arrangement' tab for my display preferences.

If anyone has any insight, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Having a similar issue with iMacPro that only allows "Mirrored" monitors and no Arrangement
ability like I had before the updated driver! Does anyone know how to get the arrangement window back?

Thanks

[Pbowater]

You sometimes have to fiddle a bit with options in the AirPlay menu on the menu bar, but it will eventually work.

Not sure where all the whining came from, how about 'Thanks for taking the time Alban, sounds like we are getting there for users that can upgrade to Mojave'.

I'm looking forward to it, especially the promise of improved performance.

[Rymek]

I believe I paid for this product. If this was opensource implementation then sure, but in this case it's someone's job to make this work.

So thank you ofcourse, but fix your product.

[Pbowater]

I believe I paid for this product. If this was opensource implementation then sure, but in this case it's someone's job to make this work.

So thank you ofcourse, but fix your product.

They are...

[slvrscoobie]

NEW 5.0 DRIVERS AVAILABLE
http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001g3nKNV1-_kAjNzaIFXgZ6QqIPXM1-h9_yPSqArfmyDR946RZXbOCe01h0p2jEvs9F4IcJyfFiy-g9aD8Dsj8OSA-tZlGFGtV576TlLRzhz1mOS6FtUAKTA9g-D8R2kyfibGIhf4roiIfjiNQL1zejaMaq9U4uKdskcXD4du4SjZ KpNG6IsvGOg==&c=BWpVmRqXiqp4MGVGQgYaTfiBPf7wbNQi1QELNaiQ1mQg0ICW dDwY5g==&ch=NO2e0ciQJepMJedaOUeYYm52OjBEBsobv0KVtTU3dKxICGx SkE2lSg==
Multiple monitors and hardware accel!
Mojave only, but i know some people on Mojave are watching this thread.

[ivovk]

Although new 5.0 driver for Mojave has come out it doesn't solve black screen problem on MBP 2018. The quote from release notes:

DisplayLink screens are black with only mouse cursor visible on MacBook Pro 2018 with initial macOS 10.14.0. (28503)

[lhasiuk]

For me, the whole point of this setup is that I have dock attached to one thunderbolt cord and two monitors to that dock, also ethernet, some usb3.0 devices etc. And it's just one cable. I know I could connect two monitors, taking up two slots but I don't want to do that.

If DisplayLink cannot provide this functionality i'll switch to other vendors if there are any that offer this.

But on the driver page, the black announcement claims that this will be fixed with release of Mojave final driver. Starting to doubt that.

The Belkin Thunderbolt™ 3 Express Dock HD can do that and is sold at Apple stores as well as online. It's pricey at a suggested retail price of $349, however.

[Rymek]

The Belkin Thunderbolt™ 3 Express Dock HD can do that and is sold at Apple stores as well as online. It's pricey at a suggested retail price of $349, however.

Yeah black screen for MBP 2018 15".

Already ordered CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 dock. Only 25 euros more thank display link thing I have now.

This is 2nd time display link product fails on me now. Does not bode well for my recommendations in the future.

[strim]

Good day,

Confirming that Mac OS 10.14, Mojave works fine with recently released DisplayLink 5.0 driver. My monitors are back without AirPlay crutch.

[bmas26]

I get black screens with a cursor that does nothing.

MacBook Pro (2018) 13", 4 Tbolt ports
2x Dell P2217H 1080p
Dell D6000 dock

DisplayLink 5.0 drivers. Right after upgrading, while still on 4.3 beta, it was working with the airplay workaround. Now I don't even have that option and can't downgrade.

This is really frustrating. I'm going to recommend my company stay away from DisplayLink enabled products moving forward.

[heycoop]

Good day,

Confirming that Mac OS 10.14, Mojave works fine with recently released DisplayLink 5.0 driver. My monitors are back without AirPlay crutch.

Hi Strim...what kind of hardware are you running? I can confirm that the Mojave driver does NOT work fine on a new 13" MacBook Pro (w/four Thunderbolt ports). As others on the Internet have noted, the DisplayLink folks have explicitly (and inexplicably) mentioned this in their release notes...

"DisplayLink screens are black with only mouse cursor visible on MacBook Pro 2018 with initial macOS 10.14.0. (28503)"

I'd like to believe that the DisplayLink user community has been more than patient with the company, but this is worse than worthless--my Mac + dock worked just fine on 10.13.6 with the beta driver, but they've now delivered a "release" driver that simply displays a black screen (with cursor). The "release" solution is actually worse than the beta solution, at least for those with the newest hardware. I'm speechless that the company decided that a driver that didn't function on the newest MacBook Pros was worthy of release consideration.

C'mon DisplayLink...we all expect better of you. You should be ashamed.

[heycoop]

I get black screens with a cursor that does nothing.

MacBook Pro (2018) 13", 4 Tbolt ports
2x Dell P2217H 1080p
Dell D6000 dock

DisplayLink 5.0 drivers. Right after upgrading, while still on 4.3 beta, it was working with the airplay workaround. Now I don't even have that option and can't downgrade.

This is really frustrating. I'm going to recommend my company stay away from DisplayLink enabled products moving forward.

And, to echo the comments of bmas26, it's impossible to downgrade, and neither of the earlier drivers (4.3 beta or 5.0 beta) work. Ridiculous.

Personally, this was the last straw for my own use of DisplayLink--I just ordered the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock. I'll move the DisplayLink dock to somebody else's machine--one not running Mojave--so after a whole lot of years putting up with DisplayLink issues, I'm done.

[strim]

Hi heycoop, all,

My hardware is MacBook Pro (13" Retina Early 2015)
In total I'm using 3 monitors and keep the lid closed.
The monitors are connected as following:

(1) 2K -> Thunderbolt
(2) 1080p -> HDMI
(3) 1080p -> DisplayLink (USB-to-DVI19 adapter) -> USB

So, the last half of the year I had the troubles with the connection (3). Now, half of the day so far so good, works great with no extra CPU load.
BTW, I took special care to uninstall 4.3b2 I had used before. The uninstall reported some errors, but I ignored them and installed 5.0 next, and it worked for me.

[RainbowShooter]

Everything back to normal for me on 10.14 Mojave using version 5.0 driver - we got there in the end, thanks!

[Pbowater]

OK, so not entirely smooth, but am back up and running.

The uninstaller that comes with 4.3 failed to uninstall itself, but by running the 5.0 uninstaller, that worked, so after multiple reboots, and a successful 5.0 installation, I have two monitors back up and running on my MacBook Air mid-2012. Prior to being able to clean things properly( but with 5.0 installed), I had the black screens, with just a mouse pointer and thought I was in a right pickle...

Performance is better, much, much better, the mouse no longer skips across the screen like it did when running 3D stuff in the browser (e.g. https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/lightning/ ) . Previously it would slow down even if I de-focused the browser tab, or hid it behind another tab, now, I do still get a slow down, but nothing like before.

Checking activity monitor, when viewing the above page the DisplayLink drivers are hogging between 75 and 132% of CPU. I really don't think it should be doing that if I am honest with you.

So, at the moment, many, many steps forward (and a lot less cables) so definitely a win, but looking forward to 5.1 for sure.

For those with blank screens, try the proper cleaning routine and see what happens, nothing to lose but some time.

Thanks to the DL team.

[brossow]

For those with blank screens, try the proper cleaning routine and see what happens, nothing to lose but some time.

What do you consider the proper cleaning routine? Brand-new MacBook Air (2017, 13") with Mojave freshly installed. Downloaded and installed v5.0, then rebooted: black screen. Ran the uninstaller and rebooted: black screen (as expected). Re-ran the installer and rebooted: black screen. Repeat with various combinations of dock attached and unattached, monitor attached and unattached, etc. Add in some zapping of PRAM and resetting of SMC and you've got a picture of most of my evening last night. If there's a "proper cleaning routine" I'm missing, please point me in the right direction. Well beyond frustrated here.

[Pbowater]

You might be, but no need to take it out on me ;)

The 5.0 cleaner was what did it for me.

[ralfonso]

I can confirm that DL 5.0 also works with upgrade to Mojave 10.14.

1. upgraded to Mojave
2. downloaded DL 5.0
3. ran uninstaller from 5.0 (and restart)
4. installed 5.0 (and restart)
5. plugged in dock, and it dual extended mode works
6. docked/undocked a few times and it continues to work.

Note: I had to do Steps 2-4 a few times.
1st time I did while docked.. this was unsuccessful.
2nd time i did while undocked, and only docked after install/restart and that worked for me.

[Pagany]

As an IT support in company that has like 100 MacBook Pro devices i can confirm the following. New drivers 5.0 are working on all models except on models from 2018, where we can see only black screen with cursor on extended mode. Previous models are working like a charm. Because we suggested our employees not to update Mac OS version 10.13.4 to 10.13.6 they were using old 4.3 drivers, when they did an upgrade to Mojave now all the old drivers worked like a charm as well. So my question is how come all the models are working properly except for the ones made in 2018.. Isnt software the same? How come the hardware can make such a difference in a device that is only passing through and not doing any hardware acceleration? And when can we expect fix for devices made in 2018?

[brossow]

You might be, but no need to take it out on me ;)

The 5.0 cleaner was what did it for me.

Wasn't "taking it out on you" -- was simply asking what you considered proper cleaning, since nothing I tried worked. I think you misunderstood my comment/question.

[Pbowater]

Everything back to normal for me on 10.14 Mojave using version 5.0 driver - we got there in the end, thanks!

I can confirm that DL 5.0 also works with upgrade to Mojave 10.14.

1. upgraded to Mojave
2. downloaded DL 5.0
3. ran uninstaller from 5.0 (and restart)
4. installed 5.0 (and restart)
5. plugged in dock, and it dual extended mode works
6. docked/undocked a few times and it continues to work.

Note: I had to do Steps 2-4 a few times.
1st time I did while docked.. this was unsuccessful.
2nd time i did while undocked, and only docked after install/restart and that worked for me.

My experience as well, now I think about it, I undocked it before trying the second time using the 5.0 cleaner.

[krw1243]

OK, so not entirely smooth, but am back up and running.

The uninstaller that comes with 4.3 failed to uninstall itself, but by running the 5.0 uninstaller, that worked, so after multiple reboots, and a successful 5.0 installation, I have two monitors back up and running on my MacBook Air mid-2012. Prior to being able to clean things properly( but with 5.0 installed), I had the black screens, with just a mouse pointer and thought I was in a right pickle...

Performance is better, much, much better, the mouse no longer skips across the screen like it did when running 3D stuff in the browser (e.g. https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/lightning/ ) . Previously it would slow down even if I de-focused the browser tab, or hid it behind another tab, now, I do still get a slow down, but nothing like before.

Checking activity monitor, when viewing the above page the DisplayLink drivers are hogging between 75 and 132% of CPU. I really don't think it should be doing that if I am honest with you.

So, at the moment, many, many steps forward (and a lot less cables) so definitely a win, but looking forward to 5.1 for sure.

For those with blank screens, try the proper cleaning routine and see what happens, nothing to lose but some time.

Thanks to the DL team.

Yay! You are my hero! I was having the black screen with just a mouse cursor on my early 2015 macbook air, and using the 5.0 uninstaller and reinstalling 5.0 fixed me! I would not have likely thought to try this if it was not for your post.

[Pbowater]

Wasn't "taking it out on you" -- was simply asking what you considered proper cleaning, since nothing I tried worked. I think you misunderstood my comment/question.

Well, no, I didn't. But I was also *trying* to inject some gentle humour in there, which also appears to have been lost ;):confused::D

:cool:

[Pbowater]

Yay! You are my hero! I was having the black screen with just a mouse cursor on my early 2015 macbook air, and using the 5.0 uninstaller and reinstalling 5.0 fixed me! I would not have likely thought to try this if it was not for your post.

Good news, thanks krw1243! :)

[Roisin]

Having been following this forum for 9 months now, I downloaded Mojave as soon as it was released. I then uninstalled beta 4.3. Installed beta 5. Uninstalled beta 5, Reinstalled beta 5. Undocked and repeated the cycle (probably 4 times now) and my external screen stll won't work. I'm not even getting a black screen with mouse. The screen doesn't even wake up.
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
Anyone got any ideas?
Please help

[Pagany]

Having been following this forum for 9 months now, I downloaded Mojave as soon as it was released. I then uninstalled beta 4.3. Installed beta 5. Uninstalled beta 5, Reinstalled beta 5. Undocked and repeated the cycle (probably 4 times now) and my external screen stll won't work. I'm not even getting a black screen with mouse. The screen doesn't even wake up.
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
Anyone got any ideas?
Please help

Did you give permission to installed drivers in privacy and security?

[Pbowater]

Uninstall and reinstall without the DisplayLink device connected.

[Roisin]

Did you give permission to installed drivers in privacy and security?

Under security & privacy -> accessibility, the DisplayLinkUserAgent box is ticked, yes. This was ticked from before and I did not have to re-allow.

Have tried uninstalling and re-installing without being connected to the dock (a couple of times)

Thank you for your suggestions though. Any more tips appreciated.

[Mr.T.]

I too have updated to Mojave, uninstalled and reinstalled multiple times with 5.0 and had no success getting an external monitor to work off the HDMI port on the DisplayLink.

I'm happy to hear that others have had success. But I actually haven't been able to get the DisplayLink to work with an external monitor ever since I bought it last spring.

I have a Late 2015 MBP.

[brossow]

FWIW, over the weekend I set up a new monitor, new connection (old one was VGA from monitor to DVI adapter to dock; new one is straight HDMI) and uninstalled/reinstalled the software repeatedly without the dock attached and still nothing. The monitor powers up when the dock is attached to the computer, but just a black screen -- not even a cursor. Disconnect the dock from the computer and the monitor goes into low-power mode.

Emailed logs to DisplayLink tech support exactly as directed and have been completely ignored. Pathetic.

[newtonheath]

I've been having same issues with final release of Mojave which I was led to believe would solve the problem. I tried uninstalling, reinstalling lots of times. 2016 MacBook pro so things should have just worked.

I have been connecting my monitor using a Kensington SD4700P using the HDMI port, which was never an issue until I upgraded to the version of High Sierra when things broke several months ago.

Today, the final thing I tried was using the DP++ port instead of HDMI, and that worked.

Yes, it works for me, but not an ideal situation. But thankful at least I have something working. Just posting to hopefully help some others out of this bind.

[samk3nny]

Just adding my voice, and frustration, to this thread.

I have a 2018 Mac running Mojave, two external monitors and a DisplayLink device that is essentially a brick. My company bought the above in quantities but I think we'll be returning all the DisplayLinks now and just buy lots of cables instead.

[marcio.camuati]

Hi guys, any prediction of when we'll have a fix for Mac 2018?:confused:

Best.

[MC Ren]

Hi guys, any prediction of when we'll have a fix for Mac 2018?:confused:

Best.

Im gonna go out on a limb and say never. They've know about the display link problems since January and haven't fixed it. Display link is a joke.

[warlockuk]

Yeah. It's unlikely it'll get fixed in the next year if it's been 9 months already.

Docking is an even worse scenario; undocking for me means that re-docking will require multiple rounds of unplugging and replugging; first time will be a black screen, second will be mirroring a 90 degree rotated screen, third time MIGHT be the right orientation as a separate screen, but wrong resolution - which you have to change to stop the blurriness.

I'm really hoping a driver for 10.13.6 is going to happen at some point for corp. suckers who can't go to Mojave for a good while...

Right now, it's just a wave of pains in the butt. Like having to sit for a few minutes while the monitors sort themselves out. And undocking and having the laptop screen in the wrong resolution because the driver goes mad. YAY. NICE WORK.

[mail@redsnow.co.uk]

Wow,

Finally....

First time since January - its working.

1:Updated to OSMojave

2:Removed old display link drivers.
3:Restarted computer.
4:Installed 5.0 beta
5:Restarted computer.

Did this a couple of times as other user suggested and boom, its working.

happy days

[daan]

With Mojave and the latest update it is now working. Including rotation.

I do have an issue with high cpu use and I hear the fan of my 2014 15" mbpr constantly, which is extremely annoying. It didn't do this last year.

Practically still unusable for me (I cannot concentrate with a hovercraft on my desk).

Any sight on an optimized version?
Can I help with a debug log?

[Pbowater]

The last thing from Alban was:

The main item left to address on Mojave is some 2018 model with a fix having to be validated before distribution.

So basically, they are waiting for Apple or someone to approve their fix, and it will be released.

[esalaza]

It works now for me!

After uninstalling the old driver, rebooting, installing the new 5.0 one and rebooting again, on my MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014) with Mojave 10.14 (Targus USB3.0 DV2K Dock w Power + Three monitors), the monitors got signal but remained blank.

I got them working doing this: System Preferences -> Some system software was blocked from loading -> Allow -> DisplayLink Corp.

[warlockuk]

Annoyingly this (4.3, haven't tried 4.3.1 yet) driver gets worse. Plugged in this morning and had the airplay workaround just going nuts. Wouldn't detect the display but would just keep the airplay button clicked and waiting. Couldn't close or anything, couldn't shut down properly. Had to give it the middle finger of justice on the power switch.

It's not like I needed any of my workflow open or anything :)

Any closer to fixing it on 10.13.6?

[RainbowShooter]

An update after using 5.0 for a while on 10.14

I have noticed that whilst I get picture etc, the screen is extremely laggy (motion of the mouse, dragging windows etc) especially when compared to the last working version earlier in the year, hopefully, this is something that can be improved.

[SabRhund]

I am running a MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017), fresh install of Mojave. Like some other users here, after following the steps below, I still wasn't getting any functionality.

1. Install Mojave.
2. Restart.
3. Download 5.0 Drivers.
4. Run UNINSTALL package from the 5.0 drivers.
5. Restart.
6. Install 5.0
7. Restart.

I did this a few times, and nothing. I read a few pages back, in case I missed something, and sure enough, another user had reported that checking System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General revealed that parts of the install from DisplayLink were blocked by the security pane. Clicking 'allow' told me I needed another restart. After that restart, everything has returned to it's original functionality, and Im hoping that these last 9 months are a distant memory.

[Roisin]

I am running a MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017), fresh install of Mojave. Like some other users here, after following the steps below, I still wasn't getting any functionality.

1. Install Mojave.
2. Restart.
3. Download 5.0 Drivers.
4. Run UNINSTALL package from the 5.0 drivers.
5. Restart.
6. Install 5.0
7. Restart.

I did this a few times, and nothing. I read a few pages back, in case I missed something, and sure enough, another user had reported that checking System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General revealed that parts of the install from DisplayLink were blocked by the security pane. Clicking 'allow' told me I needed another restart. After that restart, everything has returned to it's original functionality, and Im hoping that these last 9 months are a distant memory.

Same - except when I go to privacy & security > general, I can't see anything apart from 'a login password has been set for this user...' and ' allow apps downloaded from...'

Anyone have any idea why I may be missing the 'allow' function?

[movdqa]

Same - except when I go to privacy & security > general, I can't see anything apart from 'a login password has been set for this user...' and ' allow apps downloaded from...'

Anyone have any idea why I may be missing the 'allow' function?

It should only be there if there's something to Allow. The FAQ indicates that it's only there for 30 minutes after driver install so you may need to do that shortly after installation. It might also work if you go to the Privacy tab and Allow it to control your computer. I haven't been able to get this stuff working outside of mirror mode but I'm on 4.3.1 and 10.13.6.

[movdqa]

The Belkin Thunderbolt™ 3 Express Dock HD can do that and is sold at Apple stores as well as online. It's pricey at a suggested retail price of $349, however.

Is there an option for those of us with Thunderbolt 2? I have a 2014 MBP 15 and I have a 2560x1440 and 1920x1080 monitors attached via DisplayPort and HDMI. I'd like to add a 1600x1200 display but haven't been able to get it to work with just cables. I suspect that using a Thunderbolt device could get three external displays working but I don't know what's out there that supports Thunderbolt 2.

[JOEEDS]

Same - except when I go to privacy & security > general, I can't see anything apart from 'a login password has been set for this user...' and ' allow apps downloaded from...'

Anyone have any idea why I may be missing the 'allow' function?

1. Install Mojave.
2. Restart.
3. Download 5.0 Drivers.
4. Run UNINSTALL package from the 5.0 drivers.
5. Restart.
6. Install 5.0
7. Restart.

After doing these steps I am finally back to 3 displays :)

[justaskingaquestion]

Just wanted to say thanks for getting this all working again! I finally (hesitantly) upgraded to Mojave after reading that the newest DisplayLink version 5.0 should fix all the problems, and it does!

No more hanging out on an outdated OS just to be able to use my external monitor!

I honestly thought this was just going to languish in "oh well that sucks" or "here's a hack workaround" land forever, but you guys came through!

[raj.shah7372@gmail.com]

hello guys, I have Macbook 12-inch Early 2015 model with 1 USB-C port. What adapter do i need to purchase if i want to connect 2 external monitors ?

Thanks in advance.

[Poly]

hello guys, I have Macbook 12-inch Early 2015 model with 1 USB-C port. What adapter do i need to purchase if i want to connect 2 external monitors ?

Thanks in advance.

Hi, check my signature. I use a USB-C Dock G2 from HP. Works well with the tiny 12-inch MacBook and two 1080p monitors.

[pjones]

Has there been any resolution to this issue? I still cannot get the Displaylink technology to work correctly. It worked fine then all of a sudden it stopped.

[pburgeson]

My dock has also ceased to work. I have 2 chromebooks. The one that is most up to date is on version 74 and the displaylink dock does not work. One that hasn't yet been updated is on version 72 and displaylink dock works fine as it has in the past. Any information would be much appreciated.