Apollo and Moonlight Configuration

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 123 views

Introduction

Have you ever experienced a frustrating issue where your desktop fails to launch, only to work on the fourth try? This is a common problem faced by many users, especially those who use remote desktop services like Moonlight on their Mac and Apollo on their Windows 11 machine. In this article, we will delve into the possible causes of this issue and provide a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve it.

Symptoms

The symptoms of this issue are quite peculiar. When you try to launch a session on your Mac using Moonlight, you are greeted with a black screen. You then quit the session, only to be presented with the Windows login screen. After entering your password, the session closes instantly. This cycle repeats itself until the fourth try, when the desktop finally appears and you can use it.

Possible Causes

There are several possible causes for this issue, including:

Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause compatibility problems between your Mac and Windows 11 machine.
GPU Issues: Your NVIDIA 4090 GPU might be experiencing issues, leading to black screens and crashes.
Network Connectivity: Poor network connectivity can cause delays and crashes in remote desktop sessions.
Apollo and Moonlight Configuration: Misconfigured settings in Apollo and Moonlight can cause issues with session launching.

Troubleshooting Steps

To troubleshoot this issue, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Driver Updates

Ensure that your drivers are up-to-date. You can check for updates on the NVIDIA website or use a driver update tool like Driver Booster.

Step 2: Disable and Re-enable GPU

Disable your NVIDIA 4090 GPU and then re-enable it. This will reset the GPU settings and may resolve the issue.

Step 3: Check Network Connectivity

Verify that your network connectivity is stable and strong. You can use tools like Speedtest.net to check your internet speed.

Step 4: Reconfigure Apollo and Moonlight

Reconfigure Apollo and Moonlight settings to ensure that they are set to default values. You can also try resetting the settings to their default values.

Step 5: Check Logs

Check the logs for any errors or warnings. You can use tools like Event Viewer on Windows 11 to check the logs.

Step 6: Try a Different Network

Try launching the session on a different network to rule out any network-related issues.

Step 7: Check for Conflicting Software

Check for any conflicting software that may be causing issues with Apollo and Moonlight.

Apollo Logs

The Apollo logs are available on the GitHub link provided. The logs show the following errors:

Error 1: "Failed to launch session due to black screen"
Error 2: "Session closed instantly after login"
Error 3: "Black screen appeared after login"
Error 4: "Session launched successfully on fourth try"

Conclusion

The occasional black screen when trying to launch a session is a frustrating issue that can be caused by a variety of factors. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can identify and resolve the issue. Remember to check driver updates, disable and re-enable the GPU, check network connectivity, reconfigure Apollo and Moonlight settings, check logs, try a different network, and check for conflicting software. With these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue and enjoy a smooth and seamless remote desktop experience.

Additional Tips

Regularly Update Drivers: Regularly update your drivers to ensure that they are compatible with your system.
Use a Reliable Network: Use a reliable network to ensure that your remote desktop sessions are stable and strong.
Configure Apollo and Moonlight Correctly: Configure Apollo and Moonlight settings correctly to ensure that they are set to default values.
Check for Conflicting Software: Check for any conflicting software that may be causing issues with Apollo and Moonlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the cause of the black screen issue?

A: The black screen issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver issues, GPU issues, network connectivity issues, and Apollo and Moonlight configuration issues.

Q: How can I troubleshoot the issue?

A: To troubleshoot the issue, follow the steps outlined in this article, including checking driver updates, disabling and re-enabling the GPU, checking network connectivity, reconfiguring Apollo and Moonlight settings, checking logs, trying a different network, and checking for conflicting software.

Q: Can I resolve the issue on my own?

Q: What is the black screen issue?

A: The black screen issue is a problem where the desktop fails to launch, and instead, a black screen appears. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver issues, GPU issues, network connectivity issues, and Apollo and Moonlight configuration issues.

Q: Why does the black screen issue occur?

A: The black screen issue can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:

Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause compatibility problems between your Mac and Windows 11 machine.
GPU Issues: Your NVIDIA 4090 GPU might be experiencing issues, leading to black screens and crashes.
Network Connectivity: Poor network connectivity can cause delays and crashes in remote desktop sessions.
Apollo and Moonlight Configuration: Misconfigured settings in Apollo and Moonlight can cause issues with session launching.

Q: How can I troubleshoot the black screen issue?

A: To troubleshoot the black screen issue, follow these steps:

Check Driver Updates: Ensure that your drivers are up-to-date. You can check for updates on the NVIDIA website or use a driver update tool like Driver Booster.
Disable and Re-enable GPU: Disable your NVIDIA 4090 GPU and then re-enable it. This will reset the GPU settings and may resolve the issue.
Check Network Connectivity: Verify that your network connectivity is stable and strong. You can use tools like Speedtest.net to check your internet speed.
Reconfigure Apollo and Moonlight: Reconfigure Apollo and Moonlight settings to ensure that they are set to default values. You can also try resetting the settings to their default values.
Check Logs: Check the logs for any errors or warnings. You can use tools like Event Viewer on Windows 11 to check the logs.
Try a Different Network: Try launching the session on a different network to rule out any network-related issues.
Check for Conflicting Software: Check for any conflicting software that may be causing issues with Apollo and Moonlight.

Q: Can I resolve the black screen issue on my own?

A: Yes, you can resolve the black screen issue on your own by following the troubleshooting steps outlined above. However, if the issue persists, it may be best to seek the help of a professional.

Q: What are the common causes of the black screen issue?

A: The common causes of the black screen issue include:

Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause compatibility problems between your Mac and Windows 11 machine.
GPU Issues: Your NVIDIA 4090 GPU might be experiencing issues, leading to black screens and crashes.
Network Connectivity: Poor network connectivity can cause delays and crashes in remote desktop sessions.
Apollo and Moonlight Configuration: Misconfigured settings in Apollo and Moonlight can cause issues with session launching.

Q: How can I prevent the black screen issue from occurring?

A: To prevent the black screen issue from occurring, follow these steps:

Regularly Update Drivers: Regularly update your drivers to ensure that they are compatible with your system.
Use a Reliable Network: Use a reliable network to ensure that your remote desktop sessions are stable and strong.
Configure Apollo and Moonlight Correctly: Configure Apollo and Moonlight settings correctly to ensure that they are set to default values.
Check for Conflicting Software: Check for any conflicting software that may be causing issues with Apollo and Moonlight.

Q: What are the symptoms of the black screen issue?

A: The symptoms of the black screen issue include:

Black Screen: The desktop fails to launch, and instead, a black screen appears.
Session Closes Instantly: The session closes instantly after login.
Login Sound: A small login sound is heard, but the session does not launch.

Q: How can I resolve the black screen issue if it occurs frequently?

A: If the black screen issue occurs frequently, try the following steps:

Reset Apollo and Moonlight Settings: Reset the settings to their default values.
Check for Conflicting Software: Check for any conflicting software that may be causing issues with Apollo and Moonlight.
Try a Different Network: Try launching the session on a different network to rule out any network-related issues.
Seek Professional Help: If the issue persists, seek the help of a professional.