macOS App: Clamshell / Lid Closed Mode
The macOS App driver does not allow me to operate on external monitors with the laptop closed. I had to uninstall the driver and reinstall the one from November to be able to work in clamshell mode. This is glitchy in the old driver, often freezing my computer. I was hoping to see this stabilize so I wouldn't have to restart so often (almost every time I disconnect my laptop from the docking station).

macOS 12 Monterey is now released and addresses the clamshell / lid closed use case on Intel macbook computers.
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Rajiv JOUVET commented
Here the response from DisplayLink:
Hello,
Clamshell mode is not yet supported on Intel based Macs, it should be working on M1 with charging plugged in.
As for the future we are right now testing it on Monterey BETA and it is working over there.
Kind regards,
Jakub -
Rajiv JOUVET commented
I sent a message to the company in order to have some feedback, the issue has been "started" since January 8th and we don't have any feedback from then..
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Jeroen Top commented
I support the request for a working clamshell.
I see the latest admin response is from Jan 8 stating development process is on its way. I would hire a different third party -
Rajiv JOUVET commented
+1000 for Michael Johnson, idem, thanks Vikas it's working but as Michael said, not the best solution.
So where is the fix??? Frankly it shouldn't be so difficult to code it. I can help if you need help. -
Michael Johnson commented
As Vikas and Jared said, v1.4 with `sudo pmset -a disablesleep 1` seems to be working for me on Big Sur v11.5.2, but it keeps the built-in display active which is bad for many reasons including cursor disappearing and apps getting stuck on that display...
How is this bug not fixed yet??? I spent >$300 on a DisplayLink dock that hasn't worked properly with MacOS for more than a year...
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Jared commented
Thanks Vikas, I just gave that a try. It "works" on 1.4 for me in that the screen stops flickering. However it keeps the screen "live" so apps often open on it and the cursor can get lost on it. So less than ideal and defeats the purpose of having the laptop closed.
I will give it a shot on 5.25 tomorrow when I have more time.
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Vikas N commented
sudo pmset -a disablesleep 1. Works on v1.4 big sur
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Anonymous commented
Hello, I too am having this issue on my MacBook Air 2017 / Catalina.
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Rajiv JOUVET commented
Hi,
I have the same issue here with the current version and the beta one. (1.5.0)
Do you have any information on a fix soon?
Thanks -
Vikas N commented
If it helps with development - Switching to your legacy version Release: 5.2.5 from 13 Aug 2020, seems to work for Big Sur as well. Buggy - because the screen flickers and blacks out a bit sometimes, but other than that - works as expected in Clamshell mode on MacBook Pro 13 inch intel (no Touch Bar) plugged to 2 external monitors - Lenova and acer 27inch via alogic docking station
https://www.alogic.co/product-solutions/browse-by-category/laptop-docking-stations/usb-docking-stations/alogic-universal-twin-hd-pro-docking-station-with-85w-power-delivery-and-usb-c-usb-a-compatibility-dual-display-1080pat60hz.html -
Oscar Nogueira Neto commented
Tried the 1.5.0 Beta Version released today.
The problem still happening...
Running a Macbok Pro late 2016 with Big Sur latest update.
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Anonymous commented
I had to go back all the way to
DisplayLink USB Graphics Software for macOS
Catalina 10.15, Mojave 10.14
Release: 5.2.5 13 Aug 2020Now clamshell works, but the new problem: the screen of the MacBook won't restart after opening the lid. Everytime after using the clamshell modus I have to a hard restart.
Displaymanager gives me two options: no clamshell or crashing MacBook every time I uses the device for the reason I bought it.
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Anonymous commented
I am also keen on a fix for this issue.
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Dayel commented
Guys, I know things aren't as simple as we'd like them to be, however, it's been 17 months since the problem was detected (yes a problem, not a feature improvement), and it's already been 7 months of development. I believe that many other users, believing that the problem is already addressed, did not comment on the post, and others certainly returned the hardware (according to some reports here in this thread). Can someone please give us some news about the progress in solving this problem, which has been affecting me for months as well?!
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akos buzinkay commented
I've found a simple solution: returning my docking station :D and switching back to my old one without DisplayLink
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Anonymous commented
Hi there! Any update on a fix coming to intel macs?
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Claudio commented
hi, i've installed the latest version of driver (1.4.0 build 57120) on MacBook Pro 13,3 2017 but i have the same problem. Can you help me?
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Alfredo Nunez commented
Please follow up on this enhancement. I use this displaylink adapter for work and given my desk setup it is unbearable to use with my laptop screen open.
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M Tauras commented
While we continue to wait for a proper solution (which, to be a real solution, would need to do away with this screen recording hack), I have found a combination of two MacOS apps to allow for clamshell mode with the current driver: 1) Amphetamine to disable sleeping when lid is closed and 2) SwitchresX to disable the built-in display so it does not appear in the list of monitors when moving windows between tabs, moving mouse around, etc.
It is absurd I have had to buy these two apps, but it is what it is at this point.
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John Topp commented
sounds great, most appreciated and looking very much forward to release of the updated driver as I am too very annoyed with current old driver.