DisplayLink issues since macOS 15.3.2 Update

[smithgcovert2]

I wanted to start a new thread that specifically called out the version number of the mac update where my issues began: 15.3.2

It was right after this update was installed that my DisplayLink monitor started "wigging out" for lack of a better description.

It sort of worked, but kept disconnecting, or I'd have to move windows extremely slowly, sometimes it goes blank, but sometimes it disconnects.

I'm not sure what specifically happened in this update, but it wasn't until someone else called out that they started having problems after this update that it dawned on me -- yeah, that's what broke everything.

I mean, I have a new DisplayLink adapter sitting here beside me because I overnighted it, thinking mine had started to go bad. I get the same results with the new one.

Apple did not have many actual details about this update (something security) but it definitely has broken DisplayLink.

[rboerner]

I wanted to start a new thread that specifically called out the version number of the mac update where my issues began: 15.3.2

It was right after this update was installed that my DisplayLink monitor started "wigging out" for lack of a better description.

It sort of worked, but kept disconnecting, or I'd have to move windows extremely slowly, sometimes it goes blank, but sometimes it disconnects.

I'm not sure what specifically happened in this update, but it wasn't until someone else called out that they started having problems after this update that it dawned on me -- yeah, that's what broke everything.

I mean, I have a new DisplayLink adapter sitting here beside me because I overnighted it, thinking mine had started to go bad. I get the same results with the new one.

Apple did not have many actual details about this update (something security) but it definitely has broken DisplayLink.

If you have not done so already, I would suggest reporting the issue to DisplayLink directly by following the process outlined here --> https://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/755301-how-to-report-macos-issues-to-displaylink

[smithgcovert2]

I'm replying to this message, just so it pops back up to the top of the forums:

over the past couple of days, multiple people in other threads have come in to report issues, and the common factor has all been macOS 15.3.2.

This should be the top thread on the subject, just so folks coming here can quickly identify that the issue they are experiencing is because of this update.

Its pretty clear looking through the other reports, so just seems like everyone should just hold back until this issue is resolved:

- if you can hold off on updating, do, as it is likely to stop your displaylink adapter from working properly
- if you have updated, there appears to be no resolution available yet.

[smithgcovert2]

BTW -- I have been a loyal DisplayLink adapter user for way over a decade: big fan here!

But as one, I know we've been through times like this before. Apple usually changes something, which breaks the DisplayLink drivers for weeks or I remember one time it was broken for several months.

I blame Apple, they'll change things without warning and then the DisplayLink driver team has to adjust.

It seems we are in another one of those times, and will have to wait until the DisplayLink driver team figures out exactly what changed in this update. I just hope they can address it, because Apple usually doesn't respond to quickly or help them out much.

[simpletomb42]

First-time poster, having received my first DisplayLink (Wavlink USB-C 10G Trilpe Display Universal Docking Station) only last night. Great device by the way, and finally all my drives are being powered as desired!

I am experiencing all the issues reported by others here, including intermittent and irregular disconnection to both HDMI-connected monitors. Bringing the main DisplayLink Manager window to foreground shows both screens have been disabled, and enabling them again does connect the monitors again, at least until the next time the disconnect occurs and they become disabled once more. Since I work in clamshell mode, I have to open the screen on the MacBook Air to achieve this, which is frustrating.

- Sequoia 15.3.2
- MacBook Air M2 13"
- DisplayLink Manager 1.12.0 (Build 33)
- WL-UG63PD13 Pro

[mjaroch]

Hello simpletomb42,

According to our tests, everything is working properly.
What we recommend to fix your problem is to download End-User Cleaner tool and reinstall DisplayLink Manager app.

You can download this tool here (https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/downloads/macOS-installation-cleaner).

[GreenThumb1000]

Your tests are wrong. Displaylink is not working as it did before I updated to 15.3.2

Not just for me, but everyone else in my office that uses a Mac and plugs into the same Toshiba dock as me.

We have about 200 of these in our office:


Toshiba Dynadock U3.0 Universal Docking Station - Model PA3927E-1PRP

I can tell you that with MacOS 15.3.2 they do NOT work with Displaylink as expected. For most things, yes, but try opening a Remote Desktop session in "Windows App" or an Azure Virtual Desktop session, it doesn't work as expected.

[apue]

I am using macbook air M4.
The displayLink was working fine until the new macOS update was done.
I had tried to clean using the displayLink software 'DisplayLink macOS Installation Cleaner1.0.0-EXE' and it fixed only once.
When I restarted my Mac I couldn't activate the external monitors.

I have a Windows laptop and these monitors are working fine, so I'm sure it's got something to do with new Mac OS and the displaylink. I hope they release new version to fix it.

[apue]

New update. I just got updated the Mac OS to 15.4 (24E248).
The displayLink started working on my external monitors.
So, I think the problem was due to the Mac OS not displayLink software.

However, after 10 minutes of usage, the external monitors became out of connection. :(

[smithgcovert2]

I have also installed 15.4, and I can report no improvement. I am still having the same broken behavior as which started with 15.3.2.

I do think its important to outline a few things here, just to get everyone on the same page:

- I'm sorry DisplayLink support crew, but there is definitely loss of stability and usability of the use of these adapters since 15.3.2 was released. I could see how your tests pass, because what I see is that it "sort of" works, but is extremely unstable. for me, that means blanking screen with any movement at all. Others are seeing other examples of instability.
- telling us everything is fine, there is no problem, is not productive. We also want to help get this to resolution
- Its definitely an issue created by Apple. Everything was great, the update happened, everything is terrible. We know this puts you in an awkward position.

I really just want to get back to a stable state.

[apue]

I have also installed 15.4, and I can report no improvement. I am still having the same broken behavior as which started with 15.3.2.

I do think its important to outline a few things here, just to get everyone on the same page:

- I'm sorry DisplayLink support crew, but there is definitely loss of stability and usability of the use of these adapters since 15.3.2 was released. I could see how your tests pass, because what I see is that it "sort of" works, but is extremely unstable. for me, that means blanking screen with any movement at all. Others are seeing other examples of instability.
- telling us everything is fine, there is no problem, is not productive. We also want to help get this to resolution
- Its definitely an issue created by Apple. Everything was great, the update happened, everything is terrible. We know this puts you in an awkward position.

I really just want to get back to a stable state.

I agree with you 100%.

Without using 2 external monitors, my macbook is almost useless.

Good news is Display released new software (1.12.1 on 27/Mar/25).
I have run the cleaner to clean and uninstall the existing settings.
Rebooted the Mac.
Installed new version from the displaylink.
Unplugged and plug the USB-C cable.
Funnily, I went to the survey menu in order to leave negative feedback.
Suddenly, the 2 monitors started showing. :)
There is new Interface to disable/enable and brightness of each external monitor on the GUI.

[justarock]

Experiencing same loss of use.

I had OSX 15.3.1 when the problem started.

Just updated to 15.3.4 and no change in the problem.

I did the erase and reinstall of instantview as suggested with no change.

Also tried downgrading to DL 1.11 from 1.12.1 with no change.

[cryptosoul]

The team needs to fix this.

I have tried everything possible.

Experiencing same loss of use.

I had OSX 15.3.1 when the problem started.

Just updated to 15.3.4 and no change in the problem.

I did the erase and reinstall of instantview as suggested with no change.

Also tried downgrading to DL 1.11 from 1.12.1 with no change.

[rboerner]

To all of those who have posted within this thread:

If the original manufacturer of your DisplayLink based product has not been able to provide support, then please report the issue to DisplayLink directly by following the process outlined here --> https://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/755301-how-to-report-macos-issues-to-displaylink

[apue]

The team needs to fix this.

I have tried everything possible.

Sorry guys. I thought new software makes working, and it seems fine first use.
However I can't run use external monitors from today.

I got very frustrated as it keeps showing hit and miss so many times.

The testing team at Displaylink should try a generic displayLinks supported dock to see if it's really working.

[mjaroch]

Hello apue,

If you are still experiencing this issues, please contact our support team directly by following these (https://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/755301-how-to-report-macos-issues-to-displaylink) steps.

[smithgcovert2]

So frustrating: I really wish you guys understood that it does not help anyone to keep denying that there is a real problem here.

DisplayLink adapters are pretty much not usable by a large portion of your user base right now because of instability of the displays, and continuing to tell us that there is not really a problem, or that if we just contact support again, we could fix it is not useful.

The first step to solving a problem is admitting there is a problem.

I, personally, would just really prefer that you said "hey y'all, that last Apple update really messed things up, and we're really working hard to figure out how to address -- hold tight and we'll have you some answers soon" than if you just keep telling us that we should go through the support steps one more time, because what you think you're experiencing is all in your head.

[ZeroZer0]

After executing Cleaner, restart and updated to 1.12.1, all. my trouble was fixed, on MacOS Sequoia 15.5 beta (24F5042g)

Thank you so much
best

00

[CatalogK9]

I wish I could say the same after trying this myself. :(

[CatalogK9]

Interesting note: after I did this, I booted in Safe Mode, and my screen came on for half a second; just long enough to recognize the wallpaper does indeed match what the screen sharing menu indicates should be appearing.
I tried connecting my dad's laptop to see if it was also affected, since he never uses betas, and tends to ignore regular software updates for weeks, but he is sadly on 15.3.2, and same issue as me. (I only get the screen to flash for a fraction of a second when it first connects in Safe Mode.)

[smithgcovert2]

on MacOS Sequoia 15.5 beta (24F5042g)


It would be great news to know that the thing that Apple first broke around the time of the 15.3.X macOS updates was now fixed in 15.5.

It would not be unprecedented for them to introduce a bug, then fix it in later fix pack.

It would be great to know if the DisplayLink team pointed them to something, and that there's a ticket tracking the issue.

Here's an example from the past:
https://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/1849327-important-information-on-macos-10-13-4-10-13-6

As I don't have access to install Betas, and with no other information, I guess we will just have to hope.

[CatalogK9]

After wrestling with this since April 7th, I finally managed to get my monitor working properly again… by downgrading MacOS to Sequoia 15.2.

For those interested, I created a bootable installer for 15.2 (the farthest back I could find from Apple), and did a full Time Machine backup. Erased the hard drive, installed MacOS from the bootable drive (very important to use this as startup disk to avoid using the regular reinstall MacOS option by mistake, which will install 15.4 and waste a few more hours), then restored from a compatible Time Machine backup and went from there. Still working out how to restore the rest of my files without updating my OS, and terrified to ever update the OS again, but I finally have my desk back, at least.

[marcus.thiel@gmx.de]

Greets, I have the same Problem. I have a Satechi 4k Videohub here, and installed it today on my MacBook Air M1, on Sequoia 15.4.1, and it is not recognized, despite giving the driver all the permissions etc. ... at the Moment two Apple Cinema Displays are doing nothing ...

[mjaroch]

Hello marcus.thiel@gmx.de,

Please contact our support team directly by following these steps --> https://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/755301-how-to-report-macos-issues-to-displaylink

[marcus.thiel@gmx.de]

Hello marcus.thiel@gmx.de,

Please contact our support team directly by following these steps --> https://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/755301-how-to-report-macos-issues-to-displaylink

I did this already. But it would be good to hear what is happening to solve this.

[pp.amorim]

After wrestling with this since April 7th, I finally managed to get my monitor working properly again… by downgrading MacOS to Sequoia 15.2.

For those interested, I created a bootable installer for 15.2 (the farthest back I could find from Apple), and did a full Time Machine backup. Erased the hard drive, installed MacOS from the bootable drive (very important to use this as startup disk to avoid using the regular reinstall MacOS option by mistake, which will install 15.4 and waste a few more hours), then restored from a compatible Time Machine backup and went from there. Still working out how to restore the rest of my files without updating my OS, and terrified to ever update the OS again, but I finally have my desk back, at least.

Some of us are not that lucky, I am forced to be on 15.4.1 because Xcode 16 forces this version so downgrading is not an option.

Please displaylink fix this issue.

[mjaroch]

Hello pp.amorim,

We are very sorry for this inconvenience.
Please contact our support directly by following these (https://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/755301) steps.

[pp.amorim]

Hello pp.amorim,

We are very sorry for this inconvenience.
Please contact our support directly by following these (https://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/755301) steps.

I did that already, I am on the latest version of your software.

[mjaroch]

Hello pp.amorim,

Please wait patiently for a response from our engineering team.

[Gazum123]

Hello pp.amorim,

Please wait patiently for a response from our engineering team.

Trouble is everyone has been patient since Mac OS 14 for updates and fixes to the various issues.

Display Link are a bit of a joke now we haven't had a stable version in months and as a company that has lots of Display Link docks this has caused major issues. Sort it out and provide some actual customer service !!!!!

[marcus.thiel@gmx.de]

Hello pp.amorim,

Please wait patiently for a response from our engineering team.

My Satechi Videohub is still doing nothing .... and no answer until now from the engineering team ???

[keit]

In my case, the problem was successfully resolved by following these steps.
My setup is as follows:

Display <-> Display Adapter <-> USB Adapter <-> Mac

When I reconnected the "Display <-> Display Adapter" connection, a security alert was displayed. By granting the necessary permissions, I was able to resolve the issue.

Although I had previously granted permissions for screen recording and system audio capture, the display was not shown. And no alert appeared when reconnecting either the "Display Adapter <-> USB Adapter" or the "USB Adapter <-> Mac" connections. The alert only appeared when reconnecting the "Display <-> Display Adapter" connection.


# Update
This information was generated for DisplayLink Manager version 12.
Since upgrading to version 13, DisplayLink Manager has been crashing regularly, and I have created a ticket to report this issue.

[Ollewest]

Just bought a Prokord PD-TBT4100WPD and installed latest DisplayLink Manager 1.12.2
I'm on a Mac Mini M4 Mac running OS 15.5
DisplayLink Manager keeps telling me to Please connect your DisplayLink device. Checked that Screen recording is enabled in Security settings.Also added DisplayLink Manager under Security/Accessibility and enabled if that would be needed. I really can't get this working. I see people getting the same issues since 15.3.2 so I suppose my problem is the same. Any idea?

[mjaroch]

Hello Ollewest,

I recommend using DisplayLink End-User Cleaner Tool and reinstalling our driver again.
You can do it by following the steps here: https://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/2012213-end-user-cleaner-tool-for-macos.

If this doesn't solve your issue, please contact our support directly (https://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/755301-how-to-report-macos-issues-to-displaylink).

[Szymon]

Just bought a Prokord PD-TBT4100WPD and installed latest DisplayLink Manager 1.12.2


Hi Ollewest,

Your device is not a DisplayLink product which is why DisplayLink Manager doesn't recognise it. Unfortunately, we are unable to help. I recommend contacting the device manufacturer directly.

Regards,
Szymon

[marcus.thiel@gmx.de]

My Satechi Videohub is still doing nothing .... and no answer until now from the engineering team ???

Sequoia 15.05, still not working. satoshi tells me it is a DisplayLink Problem. I cleaned and reinstalled several times, still Display link is not recognizing the Sateshi hub, but it asks the nimble connecting and also charges, but still no other function. im more then slightly pissed at the moment. is there anything else I can do. or is there anything I can try ???

[displaylinkfcc]

After upgrading to Sequoia 15.5 from Ventura, Displaylink completely broke. I have taken the steps of uninstalling displaylink using DL's cleaning tool and reinstalling DL.

The displays do come back, however once I shut down the Mac it loses the connection and I have to uninstall DL,reboot and reinstall DL to get the display to come back again.

I did not have this problem with Ventura.

I use a Startech adapter directly connected via USB to one of the USB A ports on the Mac Mini M1.

I've checked the Screen Recording for permissions. I'm not sure what else to check. I'm using version 1.12 (the latest release) of the displaylink manager.

The screen I'm looking for in ProPresenter is missing even when I readd the display during the reinstall but that part seems to work anyway. I'm just annoyed that I have to uninstall and reinstall displaylink every time I boot up to get it to work.

[apue]

In my case, the problem was successfully resolved by following these steps.
My setup is as follows:

Display <-> Display Adapter <-> USB Adapter <-> Mac

When I reconnected the "Display <-> Display Adapter" connection, a security alert was displayed. By granting the necessary permissions, I was able to resolve the issue.

Although I had previously granted permissions for screen recording and system audio capture, the display was not shown. And no alert appeared when reconnecting either the "Display Adapter <-> USB Adapter" or the "USB Adapter <-> Mac" connections. The alert only appeared when reconnecting the "Display <-> Display Adapter" connection.

The problem is I don't see the alert notification often.
From today, my 2 monitors stopped showing. I was able to see them this morning but it does NOT work after I shut down my macbook.
Seriously, this problem has been raised by many for many weeks.
I CANNOT believe the engineers don't bring the solutio yet.

[marcus.thiel@gmx.de]

and also it is quite a shame that there is simply NO information on the side of DisplayLink ...

[smithgcovert2]

Every now and then - usually after each MacOS 15 update, I re-run the DisplayLink delete tool, and then reinstall the drivers, and hope beyond hope that maybe its been fixed this time.

But it hasn't been. Its still completely unstable. Its infuriating to try to use, so I've just disabled the check box for enabling the display. (So that's nice, the latest drivers make it much easier to disable / re-enable to try. yay, I guess?)

I hate there are no solution and no admission that there's a problem.

Its approaching the longest amount of time that everything has been broken since I first started using DisplayLink adapters 11 years ago.

[Szymon]

Every now and then - usually after each MacOS 15 update, I re-run the DisplayLink delete tool, and then reinstall the drivers, and hope beyond hope that maybe its been fixed this time.

But it hasn't been. Its still completely unstable. Its infuriating to try to use, so I've just disabled the check box for enabling the display. (So that's nice, the latest drivers make it much easier to disable / re-enable to try. yay, I guess?)

I hate there are no solution and no admission that there's a problem.

Its approaching the longest amount of time that everything has been broken since I first started using DisplayLink adapters 11 years ago.

Hi smithgcovert2,

I'm really sorry to hear about your recent experience — it's especially unfortunate that this happened to a user with such notable mileage!
To be honest, there isn't a single issue in version 15.x that affects all users who have reported problems. In fact, thousands of users have upgraded to this macOS version without encountering any 15.x-specific issues. So, unless standard troubleshooting resolves the problem, your case likely requires individual analysis.
If you haven't already, please contact our support (https://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/755301-how-to-report-macos-issues-to-displaylink) directly so they can assist you with your specific case.

Regards,
Szymon

[smithgcovert2]

Hi Szymon,

OK, I have filed a support request, with the collected information.

I included a video of the behavior I see, as the monitor constantly resets back to blank, then the image reappears randomly and often, especially if there is any movement of the windows.

[oyasuna]

Hello simpletomb42,

According to our tests, everything is working properly.
What we recommend to fix your problem is to download End-User Cleaner tool and reinstall DisplayLink Manager app.

You can download this tool here (https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/downloads/macOS-installation-cleaner).

There is definitely a problem. I've created this thread to consolidate all of the reports: https://www.displaylink.org/forum/showthread.php?p=98499#post98499. Hopefully, the additional insight is useful for you and your team!

[smithgcovert2]

Its been a while since I came back to this thread:

I went down the path of support until I eventually got to the place where I just didn't have the time to provide any more information. Instead of log collection and such, the next request involved a huge amount of diagnostic collections with different configuration, etc, that I just didn't have time for.

So I disconnected the monitors and decided to come back later.

Now, I see there's quite a few other threads listing the same issues, and there's a new Driver version just released. I thought I'd come back and report my results with the new driver.

The new driver version is 1.12.4, and it lists a "fixed item" that pretty much exactly matches my "unstable" description:
[DL-7xxx] Resolved an issue where certain monitors could intermittently blink during normal operation (VIFR-6380).

Here are my results with the driver:
- after initial install, it seemed like it was better. Whoa, maybe this is really finally fixed.
- with in 15 minutes of using it, the blinking and instability returned. But the blinks seemed.... "faster" ? I was thinking maybe this is something I can live with, even if not ideal
- trying to push through and use it anyway, the DisplayLink driver manager tool crashed, and the display was disabled.
- I had to restart the driver, then disable the monitor again, in order to get back to work.

Anyway, less than ideal -- its still broken and I still have a non-working monitor, but at least I feel like the entry in the release notes show they are trying to get a fix out there for this issue, and I appreciate that.

I will come back in a few more weeks, and see if there is another new driver to try.

[tidal.trowels-7o]

I too have been experiencing this issue. I have a del D6000s docking station i use with Macbook Pro M2 all the time. No issues. I now also have a macbook air m4 and have been unable to get it to work after any sleep action until I restart the machine.

this has been driving me nuts but I now think I have solved some of the problem.

There is a setting on the macbook air M4 that that I have now set and it changes the behaviour of the problem.

Prevent Automatic Sleeping on power adaptor when the display is off. It was disabled and now that I have enabled it my macbook air seems to be recovering display link after suspend.

I have not been through all the scenarios yet.

Sleep time out works.

Sleep manual works.

But if I turn off the power to the dock it will not recover. And a restart is required

So there is something in this but it does not completely fix it

Very Annoying. Not sure why my macbook pro works ok. Exactly same apps and version which is latest 1.12.4 build 90

Before hand it would never recover after sleep unless restarted

[wester]

recently - in the past few months my hard drive has randomly filled to 98% - display link quits.

Conveniently the new displaylink driver prompts you to check your hdd space.

the culprit seems to be spotlight which can create a >100GB index file in minutes. You can google how to clear the index.

[Rfeliz16]

Look to see if your hard drive if full. Seems like Mac OS is killing displaylink process to save memory after 10-15min.

[hopke]

I too have been experiencing this issue. I have a del D6000s docking station i use with Macbook Pro M2 all the time. No issues. I now also have a macbook air m4 and have been unable to get it to work after any sleep action until I restart the machine.

this has been driving me nuts but I now think I have solved some of the problem.

There is a setting on the macbook air M4 that that I have now set and it changes the behaviour of the problem.

Prevent Automatic Sleeping on power adaptor when the display is off. It was disabled and now that I have enabled it my macbook air seems to be recovering display link after suspend.

I have not been through all the scenarios yet.

Sleep time out works.

Sleep manual works.

But if I turn off the power to the dock it will not recover. And a restart is required

So there is something in this but it does not completely fix it

Very Annoying. Not sure why my macbook pro works ok. Exactly same apps and version which is latest 1.12.4 build 90

Before hand it would never recover after sleep unless restarted
I have a similiar set-up. On the macbook M2 it works seamlessly and my macbook M4 faces known disconnection issues. My docking station is though a HP universal dock G2.

Will now report to display link directly with the hope some fix is being found but it seems like it's more an operating system problem.

[Refer889]

I am having the same issue with as other users in this thread. I bought the displaylink minisopuru in December and hooked it up to 2 macbooks on Ventura. I did not use it again until August and am unable to connect or have it recognized by the macbook.

I have uninstalled, cleaned, reinstalled many times and it is not working. The monitors are HP 527sa monitors and have previously worked, and currently still do work when hooked up to other linking technologies.

I have reached out to Displaylink support and emailed my zip file, but have not heard back yet. I was quite happy in December when these worked, but now when I need them, the driver is not compatible with what is needed.

[pdjmuxl]

Still the same issue here I have gone through the support route as well, no help. :mad:

[Szymon]

Hi pdjmuxl,

Could you please describe what exactly your problem is?

Regards,
Szymon

[devndeploy]

I've been experiencing this issue, it's been hugely frustrating.

After a bit of digging, I've narrowed my issue down to when my hard drive is getting near full.

I'm currently at 33GB available of 245GB which I've been stable with no crashing/dropping out of Displaylink manager for about two weeks now. I'm not sure if it starts bombing out at a percentage full or a particular number of.GB, but what I can tell you is that when I cleared out a load of space, it started working consistently.

From what I understand, the macOS starts being a bit more aggressive in closing apps that run in the background that are taking up memory, I assume that as the Mac uses swap space on the hard disk if the hard disk is nearing capacity it will be something to do with that.

For reference, I'm using macOS Sequoia version 15.6.1
DisplayLink Manager Version 13.0.0 build 33

I hope this helps someone