GPU Acceleration in Signal-Desktop v7.59.0 Causes Performance Issues in Virtual Machines

[marcos-morar]

Using a supported version?

• I have searched searched open and closed issues for duplicates.
• I am using Signal-Desktop as provided by the Signal team, not a 3rd-party package.

Overall summary

Signal-Desktop version 7.59.0 for Linux has introduced GPU acceleration, which improves performance on supported hardware. However, there is no option to disable GPU acceleration. For users running Signal in virtual machines, such as Qubes OS or Whonix Workstation, GPU acceleration causes performance degradation, including choppy video playback.

Steps to reproduce

1. Install Signal-Desktop v7.59.0 on a Linux system running in a Qubes OS VM or Whonix Workstation.
2. Open Signal-Desktop and play a video (e.g., a received video message or during a video call).
3. Observe performance issues, such as stuttering video, lag, or high CPU usage.

Expected result

• An option in Signal-Desktop’s settings to disable GPU acceleration, allowing fallback to CPU-based rendering.
• Smooth video playback in virtualized environments.

Actual result

• Videos play with noticeable lag or stuttering.
• No setting is available in Signal-Desktop to disable GPU acceleration.

Screenshots

No response

Signal version

7.59.0

Operating system

Qubes OS 4.2.4, Whonix Workstaion 17

Version of Signal on your phone

No response

Link to debug log

No response

[indutny-signal]

Sorry about this. Could you try --disable-gpu CLI flag?

[marcos-morar]

I've tried that and it improved performance, but there should be a GUI option to disable GPU acceleration.

[marcos-morar]

Normal people don't use CLI to start Signal Messenger or to change configuration. a GUI option to disable GPU acceleration is necessary. Please consider adding this option in your upcoming version.

Regards!