Mac mini freezes when switching between 2 screens

I have a 2023 Mac mini with 8GB memory. It has been running slow, spinning ball often appears, and the latest macOS update to Sequoia 15.4.1 which I recently installed has caused the screen to go black and freeze when switching between 2 user screens. I then have to force quit and restart the computer. I suspect that the operating system is taking up almost all of the memory. I don't want to buy another computer as this one meets all my needs. I have a portable WD 5T hard drive connected via a USB port which I'm now using for Time Machine backups. Can I use this portable drive as the startup disk and would this solve my memory issue? I'm 75 years old and somewhat of a novice in understanding the complexities of the operations of my computer. Thank you for any advice you can give me.







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Mac mini, macOS 15.4

Posted on May 3, 2025 01:46 PM

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10 replies

May 5, 2025 04:38 AM in response to peterpan49

FWIW, it is best that you get an additional drive for local backups. For one, iCloud is not designed with backing up in mind as is meant for sharing data between devices. Second, having a local backup insures that you will always have access to the backed up data because cloud connections depend on internet connectivity which may not always be there and may not be there when you need it the most.


However, the video issues may have more to do with the connections to the displays than anything else. If you are using the cables that came with the displays toss them and get high quality, certified cables to replace them and get them as short as possible to connect to the displays.

May 3, 2025 10:05 PM in response to rkaufmann87

EtreCheckPro version: 6.8.10 (68077)


Report generated: 2025-05-03 19:50:28


Download EtreCheckPro from https://etrecheck.com


Runtime: 2:10


Performance: Excellent



Problem: Other problem


Description:


Screen goes black and freezes when switching between 2 user screens an


d I need to force quit computer and restart



Major Issues: None



Minor Issues:


    These issues do not need immediate attention but they may indicate future problems or opportunities for improvement.



    Low disk space - This computer is running low on free hard drive space.


    Apps crashing - There have been numerous app crashes.


    Clean up - There are orphan files that could be removed.


    Unsigned files - There are unsigned software files installed. These files could be old, incompatible, and cause problems. They should be reviewed.


    Kernel extensions present - This computer has kernel extensions that may not work in the future.



Hardware Information:



    Mac mini (2023)



        Status: Supported



    Mac mini Model: Mac14,3



    Apple M2 (m2) CPU: 8-core



    8 GB RAM - Not upgradeable



May 4, 2025 07:32 PM in response to peterpan49

Well your problem may be caused by 1 of many things. However the first thing I see is:


"Low disk space - This computer is running low on free hard drive space."


This is because you purchased a minimally spec'd Mac mini. So what you need to do is to move larger libraries to an external HD to preserve space. If you have your photos, music or movies libraries stored on the Mac mini they tend to take up a lot of space. If that is the case, move these to an External Hard Disk. Apple explains how to move the Photo's library in Move your Photos library to save space on your Mac. The process is the same for music and movies. Once done double click the libraries in their new location and that will tell the apps where they now reside. Once you have done that verify in the settings that the library is in that new location. Once you have verified the location then you can delete the libraries from the old location and finally empty the Trash and for safe measure restart in Safe Mode.


Next, I see you have Malwarebytes installed, which is okay however I also see you are using its VPN functionality. My recommendation is to uninstall Malwarebytes (ensure the VPN is uninstalled)and then restart the computer.


Once you have fully uninstalled Malwarebytes please test to see if the switching issue is still there. If it is gone then you know the VPN was probably your issue. As a general rule never ever install third party VPN unless your employer demands it and in that case they will supply a high quality (and costly) VPN.

May 3, 2025 07:29 PM in response to rkaufmann87

I can't figure out how to include the full report as it far exceeds the 5000 word limit. I've saved it to a PDF file. Can I email it to you as an attachment?


EtreCheckPro version: 6.8.10 (68077)


Report generated: 2025-05-03 19:50:28


Download EtreCheckPro from https://etrecheck.com


Runtime: 2:10


Performance: Excellent



Problem: Other problem


Description:


Screen goes black and freezes when switching between 2 user screens an


d I need to force quit computer and restart



Major Issues: None



Minor Issues:


    These issues do not need immediate attention but they may indicate future problems or opportunities for improvement.



    Low disk space - This computer is running low on free hard drive space.


    Apps crashing - There have been numerous app crashes.


    Clean up - There are orphan files that could be removed.


    Unsigned files - There are unsigned software files installed. These files could be old, incompatible, and cause problems. They should be reviewed.


    Kernel extensions present - This computer has kernel extensions that may not work in the future.



Hardware Information:



    Mac mini (2023)



        Status: Supported



    Mac mini Model: Mac14,3



    Apple M2 (m2) CPU: 8-core



    8 GB RAM - Not upgradeable



May 4, 2025 09:59 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Thank you so much for your help and advice. I believe I will be able to move my photo library onto my external hard drive, which I’m now just using to backup my computer via Time Machine, using the link you shared with me. Could you instruct me how to fully uninstall Malwarebytes and the VPN, or share with me a link that can walk me through the steps. As I mentioned above, I’m a novice when it comes to these computer systems operations. I think I know just enough to be dangerous and fear I will do something which can’t be undone!

May 4, 2025 10:19 PM in response to peterpan49

NEVER EVER use your Time Machine External Hard Disk for adding additional data. If you are going to move your Photos library to an external HD then get another such as the OWC Mercury Elite Pro. Why, very very simple so please read on. ALL HD's die and if you have your Time Machine backup and your photos library on the same External Hard Disk when that HD dies your Photo's library as well as its backup is gone forever!!!!!!!!!! DO NOT be penny wise and pound foolish, you will regret it.

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Mac mini freezes when switching between 2 screens

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