06/09/2024, 12:39 How to Fix kernel_task High CPU Usage on Mac with 6 methods

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06/09/2024, 12:39 How to Fix kernel_task High CPU Usage on Mac with 6 methods

Do you sometimes notice your Mac starts to run slow and Notification
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The kernel_task process is at the core of macOS, and it Google One
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your Mac doesn’t overheat. In simple terms, if kernel_task
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To fix the issue, you need to reduce your Mac’s CPU usage. Need to Know
Here are some ways you can do this: M.L. on How
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To check what’s causing high CPU usage, go to Finder > Go
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06/09/2024, 12:39 How to Fix kernel_task High CPU Usage on Mac with 6 methods

Dropbox from
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Use antivirus software

Malware can consume nearly all of your Mac’s processing
power, forcing the CPU to run at 100% or close to it. You can
use an antivirus app, such as Antivirus One, to run a full
scan on your Mac’s drive. Antivirus One detects and
removes malware quickly and efficiently, preventing viruses
and malware from hogging your Mac’s resources and
potentially damaging it.

Restart your Mac

This will refresh the operating system and close apps and
services that were running in the background taxing your
Mac’s processor without you even knowing about it. If

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06/09/2024, 12:39 How to Fix kernel_task High CPU Usage on Mac with 6 methods

kernel_task’s CPU usage is still high after a restart, try

resetting the System Management Controller (see
underneath for instructions).

Reset the System Management

Controller
The System Management Controller (SMC) is the
component that controls the keyboard, fan, battery, and
other important internal hardware. If you’ve noticed that your
Mac’s fan is often running at full speed, you should reset the
SMC. Here’s how to do it:

First, you need to check whether your Mac has a T2 chip or

not. To do this, please click here.

How to reset the SMC on Macs

that have a T2 chip
Instructions for MacBooks
1. Shut down your Mac.
2. On the built-in keyboard, press and hold the following
keys. Your Mac might turn on.
• Control on the left side of your keyboard
• Option on the left side of your keyboard
• Shift on the right side of your keyboard
3. Keep holding all three keys for 7 seconds, then press and
hold the power button as well. If your Mac is on, it will turn
off as you hold the keys.

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06/09/2024, 12:39 How to Fix kernel_task High CPU Usage on Mac with 6 methods

4. Keep holding all four keys for another 7 seconds, then

release them.
5. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to turn
on your Mac.

Instructions for iMacs

1. Shut down your Mac, then unplug the power cable.
2. Wait 15 seconds, then plug the power cable back in.
3. Wait 5 seconds, then press the power button to turn on
your Mac.

How to reset the SMC on Macs

without a T2 chip
Instructions for MacBooks with a non-removable battery
These instructions apply to MacBook Pro models introduced
in mid-2009 to 2017, MacBook Air models introduced in
2017 or earlier, and all MacBook models, except the
MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2009).

1. Shut down your Mac.

2. On the built-in keyboard, press and hold these keys:
• Shift on the left side of your keyboard
• Control on the left side of your keyboard
• Option on the left side of your keyboard
3. While holding all three keys, press and hold the power
button as well.

4. Keep holding all four keys for 10 seconds.

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06/09/2024, 12:39 How to Fix kernel_task High CPU Usage on Mac with 6 methods

5. Release all the keys, then press the power button to turn
on your Mac.

Instructions for MacBooks with a removable battery

These instructions apply to all MacBook Pro and MacBook
models introduced in early 2009 or earlier, as well as the
MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2009).

1. Shut down your Mac.

2. Remove the battery.
3. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
4. Reinstall the battery.
5. Press the power button to turn on your Mac.

Instructions for iMacs

1. Shut down your Mac, then unplug the power cable.

2. Wait 15 seconds, then plug the power cable back in.
3. Wait 5 seconds, then press the power button to turn on
your Mac.

For more help with resetting the SMC, please refer to this
Apple Support page.

Reset NVRAM
NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) refers to
computer memory that can hold data even when power to
the memory chips has been turned off. Resetting the
NVRAM can help restore kernel_task’s CPU usage to normal
levels.

1. Power off your Mac and wait for it to shut down

completely
2. Tap the power button once
3. Immediately after the display turns on or when you hear
the startup sound, hold the following keys: Option +
Command (⌘) + P + R
4. Keep holding those four keys until your Mac restarts.

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06/09/2024, 12:39 How to Fix kernel_task High CPU Usage on Mac with 6 methods

Start your Mac in safe mode

This can help you determine whether kernel_task’s high CPU
usage is caused by third-party software.

First, you need to check whether your Mac has an Intel or

Apple CPU. To do this, please click here.

Instructions for Macs with Intel CPUs

1. Go to the Apple logo in the top-left > Shut Down. After
your Mac has shut down, wait 10 seconds.
2. Restart your Mac, then immediately press and hold the
Shift key.
3. Release the Shift key when you see the login window.
4. Log in.

Instructions for Macs with Apple CPUs

1. Go to the Apple logo in the top-left > Shut Down. After
your Mac has shut down, wait 10 seconds.
2. Press and hold the power button on your Mac until the
startup options window appears showing available startup
disks and Options.
3. Select a startup disk.
4. Press and hold the Shift key, click Continue in Safe Mode,
then release the Shift key.
5. Log in.

To leave safe mode, restart your Mac normally, without

pressing and holding any keys during startup.

Still having issues?

The key to reducing kernel_task’s CPU usage is to keep your
Mac at a healthy temperature. If your Mac is still running
slow or overheating after you have tried all these solutions,
please get your Mac examined at an Apple Service Center.

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