Erratic Fullscreen Behavior

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Erratic Fullscreen Behavior: A Troubleshooting Guide for MacBook Air M1 Users

Are you experiencing erratic fullscreen behavior on your MacBook Air M1 while streaming from your Steam Deck? You're not alone. Many users have reported inconsistent fullscreen behavior, where it sometimes works as a native fullscreen and can be swiped from the right with 4 fingers, but other times it just shows as a standalone window without responding to clicks. In this article, we'll delve into the possible causes of this issue and provide a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve the problem.

The erratic fullscreen behavior on your MacBook Air M1 can be attributed to several factors, including:

  • Graphics Card Issues: The M1 chip's integrated graphics card might be causing the problem, especially when streaming from an external device like the Steam Deck.
  • Display Settings: Incorrect display settings or conflicts between the MacBook Air's display and the external device's display can lead to fullscreen issues.
  • Software Compatibility: Incompatibility between the Steam Deck's streaming software and the MacBook Air's operating system can cause fullscreen behavior to malfunction.
  • Driver Updates: Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can also contribute to the erratic fullscreen behavior.

To resolve the erratic fullscreen behavior on your MacBook Air M1, follow these troubleshooting steps:

Step 1: Update Graphics Drivers

  • Update Graphics Drivers: Ensure that your MacBook Air's graphics drivers are up-to-date. You can do this by:
    • Going to System Preferences > Software Update
    • Clicking on Update Now to check for updates
    • Installing any available updates
  • Reboot Your MacBook Air: After updating the graphics drivers, reboot your MacBook Air to ensure the changes take effect.

Step 2: Check Display Settings

  • Display Settings: Go to System Preferences > Displays and ensure that the display settings are correct:
    • Resolution: Set the resolution to the recommended setting for your MacBook Air's display.
    • Refresh Rate: Set the refresh rate to the recommended setting for your MacBook Air's display.
    • Scaling: Ensure that scaling is set to the recommended setting for your MacBook Air's display.
  • External Display Settings: If you're using an external display, ensure that the display settings are correct:
    • Resolution: Set the resolution to the recommended setting for the external display.
    • Refresh Rate: Set the refresh rate to the recommended setting for the external display.
    • Scaling: Ensure that scaling is set to the recommended setting for the external display.

Step 3: Check Software Compatibility

  • Software Compatibility: Ensure that the Steam Deck's streaming software is compatible with your MacBook Air's operating system:
    • Check the System Requirements: Check the system requirements for the Steam Deck's streaming software to ensure that your MacBook Air meets the minimum requirements.
    • Update the Software: Update the Steam Deck's streaming software to the latest version.
  • Reboot Your MacBook Air: After updating the software, reboot your MacBook Air to ensure the changes take effect.

Step 4: Disable and Re-enable Graphics Card

  • Disable and Re-enable Graphics Card: Disable and re-enable the graphics card on your MacBook Air:
    • Go to System Information: Go to About This Mac > System Report > Hardware > Graphics/Displays
    • Disable the Graphics Card: Click on the - button next to the graphics card to disable it.
    • Re-enable the Graphics Card: Click on the + button next to the graphics card to re-enable it.

Step 5: Reset NVRAM and SMC

  • Reset NVRAM and SMC: Reset the NVRAM and SMC on your MacBook Air:
    • Restart Your MacBook Air: Restart your MacBook Air.
    • Immediately Press the Power Button: Immediately press the power button to turn off your MacBook Air.
    • Press the Command + Option + P + R Keys: Press the Command + Option + P + R keys and hold them down for 10 seconds.
    • Release the Keys: Release the keys and let your MacBook Air boot up normally.

Erratic fullscreen behavior on your MacBook Air M1 can be frustrating, but it's often caused by a combination of factors. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and enjoy seamless fullscreen streaming from your Steam Deck. Remember to update your graphics drivers, check display settings, ensure software compatibility, disable and re-enable the graphics card, and reset NVRAM and SMC to resolve the issue. If the problem persists, consider seeking further assistance from Apple Support or a professional technician.
Frequently Asked Questions: Erratic Fullscreen Behavior on MacBook Air M1

A: Erratic fullscreen behavior on MacBook Air M1 can be caused by a combination of factors, including graphics card issues, display settings conflicts, software compatibility problems, and outdated or corrupted graphics drivers.

A: To update your graphics drivers on MacBook Air M1, follow these steps:

  1. Go to System Preferences > Software Update
  2. Click on Update Now to check for updates
  3. Install any available updates
  4. Reboot your MacBook Air to ensure the changes take effect

A: To troubleshoot display settings on your MacBook Air M1, follow these steps:

  1. Go to System Preferences > Displays
  2. Ensure that the resolution, refresh rate, and scaling settings are correct for your MacBook Air's display
  3. If you're using an external display, ensure that the display settings are correct for the external display

A: To check software compatibility on your MacBook Air M1, follow these steps:

  1. Check the system requirements for the Steam Deck's streaming software to ensure that your MacBook Air meets the minimum requirements
  2. Update the Steam Deck's streaming software to the latest version
  3. Reboot your MacBook Air to ensure the changes take effect

A: To disable and re-enable the graphics card on your MacBook Air M1, follow these steps:

  1. Go to System Information: Go to About This Mac > System Report > Hardware > Graphics/Displays
  2. Disable the graphics card by clicking on the - button next to the graphics card
  3. Re-enable the graphics card by clicking on the + button next to the graphics card

A: To reset NVRAM and SMC on your MacBook Air M1, follow these steps:

  1. Restart your MacBook Air
  2. Immediately press the power button to turn off your MacBook Air
  3. Press the Command + Option + P + R keys and hold them down for 10 seconds
  4. Release the keys and let your MacBook Air boot up normally

A: If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps and the issue persists, consider seeking further assistance from Apple Support or a professional technician. They can help you diagnose and resolve the issue.

A: Yes, you can prevent erratic fullscreen behavior on your MacBook Air M1 by:

  • Regularly updating your graphics drivers
  • Ensuring that your display settings are correct
  • Checking software compatibility before streaming
  • Disabling and re-enabling the graphics card as needed
  • Resetting NVRAM and SMC regularly

By following these tips, you can minimize the likelihood of erratic fullscreen behavior on your MacBook Air M1.