How to fix macOS Ventura High CPU Usage (2025)

FAQs

How do I fix high CPU usage on my Mac? ›

While you can't quit the kernel_task process, restarting your Mac essentially does just that, since all the tasks would start anew when your system reloads. Quit useless processes. To do so, launch Activity Monitor, select any useless process, click the Stop icon, and then select Quit or Force Quit.

What is kernel_task? kernel_task manages the temperature of your CPU which limits its resources to applications that is using it intensively. The CPU usage will decrease as soon as kernel_task reduces its activity.

If the CPU usage is around 100%, this means that your computer is trying to do more work than it has the capacity for. This is usually OK, but it means that programs may slow down a little. Computers tend to use close to 100% of the CPU when they are doing computationally-intensive things like running games.

The kernel_task process is at the core of macOS, and it includes a variety of low-level functions that allow the computer to work. One of its primary functions is ensuring your Mac doesn't overheat.

If your Mac restarts unexpectedly, an error known as a kernel panic occurred, and a message indicates that your computer restarted because of a problem. The most likely cause is faulty software. A kernel panic can also be caused by damaged or incompatible hardware, including external devices attached to your Mac.

The high CPU utilization is a symptom because the CPU is slowed down by the kernel_task due to high temperatures. The external monitor causes to increase the heat. If you manage to keep the temperature low e.g. by cleaning the dusted fans and vents, it will disappear.

Check Activity Monitor for Mac malware

If you suspect your Mac has been infected with a virus, one of the best places to look is Activity Monitor. Here, you'll be able to see background processes and apps that are running – including malware.

How to clear cache on Mac? ›

Choose Apple menu  > System Settings, then click Battery. Choose High Power Mode from the “On battery” or the “On power adapter” pop-up menu under Energy Mode.

If your Mac restarts unexpectedly, an error known as a kernel panic occurred, and a message indicates that your computer restarted because of a problem. The most likely cause is faulty software. A kernel panic can also be caused by damaged or incompatible hardware, including external devices attached to your Mac.

View CPU activity on your Mac in the Activity Monitor window. To enable viewing in the Dock, choose View > Dock Icon, then select the Show CPU option you want to view. In the Activity Monitor app on your Mac, do any of the following: To view processor activity over time, click CPU (or use the Touch Bar).

If you are currently not running any additional programs, your CPU usage should be anywhere between 1% and 10% just through Windows processes alone. Anything higher than that on an idle PC means that something might be wrong.

Not all high CPU usage is problematic. If your CPU use temporarily spikes to 90% or 100%, that's normal if you're doing intensive tasks like high-end gaming or graphic design. So long as your CPU calms down after you're done, there's nothing to worry about.

A longer count means the system is busy or overloaded. High physical memory usage is often a consequence of using too many demanding apps, but can also be the result of a bug in a process that would normally be far less resource-intensive.

Disable extraneous processes. Press "Ctrl-Alt-Del" and click "Start Task Manager" to bring up your computer's Task Manager. Scroll down the list and keep an eye out for any processes you don't recognize. Next, click on any processes you wish to disable, then click the "End Process" button.

Why is my CPU usage at 70%? ›

If the System Idle Process is high, around 70% - 90%, in the CPU column of the Task Manager. And, you're not running any programs or perhaps just a few. It is normal for it to be high because the processor is not doing much at the moment.

~/Library/Mobile Documents

This is the actual location of the iCloud folder. Documents, application preference files, iOS app data, and more live in this folder. You should not move, rename, or delete it. It's also a folder that takes up a lot of disk space if you use iCloud.

Chances are that your computer is behind the firewall that's part of your router, so having macOS's firewall turned off makes it easier to set up connections with other Apple devices. But if you use a laptop and hop onto untrusted networks frequently, you should enable the firewall.

When your Mac keeps restarting or unexpectedly tells you that you have to restart because of a problem, that's a kernel panic. A kernel panic occurs when your Mac runs into a problem that is so serious it is unable to continue running.

Kernel panic in Windows

In Windows, kernel panic is typically characterized by the appearance of a BSOD error message stating that the system needs a restart. The error is usually caused by malfunctioning hardware or poorly optimized device drivers.

The Malware Removal module performs the finest search for unwanted “-ware” on your Mac and is CleanMyMac's foremost weapon against viruses, miners, loggers, and many other dangers. Its database of malware is updated regularly and no less than once a week.

One way to tell if you have been hacked is to check for strange activity on the Activity Monitor. You should check network activity specifically. If you spot excessive network activity, a hacker may likely have gained access to your Mac. Another way to check is to go and see the Sharing part in System Preferences.

There are three main reasons why you should clear cache on Mac: troubleshooting, privacy, and freeing up storage space. If your Mac is running too slowly or there's some app that's acting strange, delete the old app and system caches to fix the issue.

Does clean my Mac clear cache? ›

MacPaw's CleanMyMac X will clear your Safari cache (as well as a bunch of other browser-related information). It's free to download, and includes a Privacy module that gives you the power to wipe all unwanted stored information like browsing history, cookies, and more.

Clearing your Mac's cached data deletes the temporary media files, such as images and text files, that it gathers from sites you visit. It's important to clear your cache periodically to help protect your identity and make your computer's applications run more efficiently.

As long as you plan on buying a device with the right specifications for your use, the high-performance mode is just a novelty to have, and its absence shouldn't bother you.

Important: Kexts are no longer recommended for macOS. Kexts risk the integrity and reliability of the operating system, and Apple recommends users select solutions that don't require extending the kernel.

On macOS, you can use “Extensions System Preferences” to enable and disable Apple and third-party extensions for the device. To change these preferences, go to “Apple Menu,” then “System Preferences,' and finally, click “Extensions.”

Do not place your MacBook on a pillow or other soft material when it's powered on, as the material can block the airflow vents (in particular, the rear vents) and cause the computer to overheat. Never place anything over your keyboard when operating in closed-lid (clamshell) mode.

A firewall can protect your Mac from unwanted contact initiated by other computers when you're connected to the internet or a network. However, your Mac can still allow access through the firewall for some services and apps.

Can macOS be hacked? ›

The truth is that Macs can be hacked, and they are not immune to malware threats. One of the biggest reasons why Windows PCs are more frequently targeted than MacBooks is market share. As of 2022, Windows had a global market share of 76% in the operating systems for the desktop market, compared to about 15% for macOS.

What Are Kernel Extensions? Kernel extensions (or kexts) let developers load code directly into the macOS kernel. By giving developers these kernel privileges, kexts can help those developers create some very powerful apps.

Kernel extensions sometimes referred to as kexts, enable developers to load code dynamically into the macOS kernel. This provides access to internal kernel interfaces, allowing complex apps to function properly.

Phones with "boot loop" problems will attempt to restart endlessly, often until the battery is completely drained. In the event of such a problem, there are a few things you can do, but do note that the "boot loop" is often a fatal condition for a device when common remedies fail to resolve it.

The Windows boot loop problem is often the result of a device driver, a bad system component or hardware such as the hard disk that causes a Windows system to spontaneously reboot in the middle of the boot process. The result is a machine that can never boot completely and is stuck in a reboot loop.

Is overscan a huge deal? For most people, no. Turning it off will improve the image slightly, with a little better detail, and maybe a little less noise. If you're using your TV as a computer monitor, overscan is a very big deal.