Mac users are reporting a bizarre bug that causes Google Drive to consume excessive CPU power when external displays are connected. The issue emerged after users upgraded to macOS Sequoia (version 15.0) and persists even in the recent 15.1 update.
Users notice that Google Drive’s CPU usage jumps between 25% and 95% when connecting external monitors through HDMI or Thunderbolt. One individual also mentioned that they noticed the same problem while using Sidecar on an iPad. The problem affects various Mac models, including M1, M2, and M3 machines. Disconnecting the external display immediately returns CPU usage to normal levels of around 5-10%.
“It triggers lags of 2 seconds or more in the OS,” reports one user on Google’s support forum. The issue appears with both Apple-branded displays and third-party monitors. Interestingly, screens connected through USB don’t seem to cause the problem.
Common troubleshooting steps like reinstalling Google Drive or switching display modes haven’t resolved the issue. The latest Google Drive desktop app (version 99.0) still exhibits the problem.
Some users have resorted to workarounds, like using a script to restart Google Drive every 10 minutes or simply closing the app when not in use. The root cause remains unclear, though some speculate it might be related to how Google Drive interprets external displays as storage devices.
Neither Google nor Apple has officially acknowledged the bug yet. So it’s unclear if we’ll see a fix for the bug any time soon.
Dwayne Cubbins
392 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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