6 Ways to Fix Mac Kernel_task High CPU
This post aims to show how to fix the Kernel_task Mac high CPU. Here, you can find 6 methods to reduce the CPU usage and get a smoother user experience on Mac.
High CPU usage caused by the kernel_task process can lead to unexpected slowdowns and make your Mac unusable, including having the fans run almost constantly. This problem frequently appears when macOS attempts to manage overheating issues or hidden software conflicts.
The good news is that there are multiple solutions to fix this problem! In this post, we’ll cover everything about Mac Kernel_task high CPU, figuring out why Kernel_task takes so much CPU, and exploring how to address Kernel_task high CPU on your Mac.
What Is Kernel-task on Mac?
Kernel-task is a core system process in macOS. It plays a vital role in managing the CPU temperature and ensures macOS operates smoothly and stably. It’s one of the first processes to launch when you boot your Mac, though it always runs hidden in the background. Primarily, the kernel task is responsible for regulating CPU temperature by reducing the CPU availability to heavy processes. This protects the Mac from getting too hot and guarantees that essential processes run without issues.
Kernel_task is triggered whenever the CPU gets too hot due to certain conditions. This can occur for multiple reasons: the CPU usage of intensive applications, improper ventilation, or a problem with your Mac’s cooling fan. Other triggers may involve excessive heat when charging the Mac, hardware-related faults, low disk space, excess external devices, viruses, and malware. When the CPU temperature decreases, kernel_task eases its activity automatically.
What Are the Differences Between Kernel CPU and User CPU?
Kernel CPU and User CPU are two different types of CPU usage. They indicate how the processor is being utilized by different parts of macOS and applications. To better understand how each of them works, let's look at their main differences:
| Aspects | Kernel CPU | User CPU |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The time the CPU spends executing code in kernel mode (core OS functions) | The time the CPU spends executing code in user mode (applications and user tasks) |
| Function | Manages system resources, process scheduling, memory management, and device drivers | Runs user applications, performs tasks that do not require direct hardware access |
| Privilege Level | Higher privilege (direct access to hardware and system resources) | Lower privilege (limited access, must request services from the Kernel) |
| Security | Direct access to hardware; higher risk if compromised | Isolated from other applications and the Kernel; lower risk if compromised |
| Examples | File system management, interrupt handling, and hardware control | Web browsers, text editors, media players, and background processes |
| Impact of High Usage | Potential hardware issues, inefficient drivers, or macOS bugs | Heavy computational tasks, inefficient applications, or background processes |
Why Is Kernel-task Using So Much CPU?
If your “Kernel_task” is using lots of CPU, it’s an indication of some underlying issues instead of the issue with the process itself. Overheating, inefficient programs, and old software are some typical reasons.
Here are the main circumstances when Kernel-task takes up a lot of CPU.
- When the Mac's internal temperature rises, Kernel_task will increase its CPU usage to manage the heat.
- If you’re running too many resource-intensive applications at the same time, you may have your CPU work harder. This may lead to higher Kernel_task CPU usage.
- Bad external devices or drivers can cause system resources to be strained and make Kernel_task consume more CPU.
- An old version of macOS or buggy applications can lead to inefficiencies and compatibility issues, causing Kernel_task to consume more CPU cycles.
- In rare cases, malware will disguise itself as a system process and drain system resources, leading to heavy Kernel_task CPU activity.
Can I Quit Kernel_task on My Mac?
No, you can’t quit the “Kernel_task” process on your Mac. Mac’s “Kernel_task” is an essential system process to ensure the proper function of your Mac. It targets managing various functions, including scheduling process, managing memory, and interacting with hardware. If you seek to quit or terminate this process, it may result in an unstable system. What’s worse, your Mac might crash and become unresponsive. For these reasons, if you want to address the “Kernel_task” high CPU issue, you should address the underlying issues mentioned in the last section.
How Do I Fix Kernel_task High CPU on My Mac?
As the Mac Kernel_task high CPU mostly results from overheating and resource-intensive background programs, you can focus on how to cool down your Mac and close the unnecessary background processes. In this case, we don’t recommend you deal with your system, like updating or resetting macOS.
Cool Down Your Mac
When your computer overheats, the Kernel_task will use more CPU to manage the temperature. You need to immediately close major apps and ensure proper airflow around your Mac. If it’s summer now, don't use it in hot environments. If you are using a MacBook, you could switch the charge port - some users have reported that going with one on the right side can reduce the CPU usage.
Restart Your Mac
A simple restart can quickly resolve high Kernel_task CPU usage. In this process, your system will clear unnecessary processes and free up resources. To restart Mac, click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner. And then choose the “Restart” button to initiate the process.
Optimize Charging
Charging can generate additional heat under specific conditions. For example, some users found that when they charge their MacBooks via the right charging ports rather than the left ones, their computers can generate less heat. This is possibly because of a design difference or internal routing of power. No matter what it is, you can try to cool down your Mac by switching the charging port from left to right.
Clean Dust
The excessive dust in your fans and vents can obstruct airflow and make your system overheat. When your Mac overheats, the Kernel_task process will increase the usage of CPU to manage thermal issues and protect your computer from damage. Thus, it’s time to check your fans and vents. You can take this opportunity to remove dust, improve ventilation, and enable the fans to work more efficiently. In return, the kernel task doesn’t have to consume excessive CPU resources to handle heat.
Monitor and Limit Processes
If you like to use several applications at the same time, you need to monitor and manage the processes you’re running. Professional Mac optimization tools like BuhoCleaner can help you monitor and limit processes. By monitoring and limiting source–intensive processes, BuhoCleaner can free up system resources, reduce the load on Kernel_task, and lower the CPU usage.
Here is how to monitor and limit processes by BuhoCleaner
Step 1. Free download BuhoCleaner and open it on your Mac.
Step 2. Locate the Menu bar, from which you can directly monitor your Mac’s system status. You can view real-time data such as CPU usage, CPU temperature, fan speed, RAM usage, network speed, and disk usage.
Close Background Processes
Applications with excessive CPU usage can also cause your system to overheat. Sometimes, they may run in the background. To identify and close resource-intensive unnecessary or resource-intensive background processes, you can turn to “Activity Monitor”. This will reduce the overall CPU load, lower the system temperature, and resolve the Kernel_task high CPU.
- Find and open Activity Monitor in the Utilities folder.
- Check all the running programs and processes and look for the ones that are taking up a high CPU or memory.
- Select the process to quit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s quite easy to reduce high Kernel_task high CPU on your Mac. In most cases, you only need to let your machine cool down. Explore the reasons behind overheating and immediately take action. Besides, you can use tools like BuhoCleaner to monitor the CPU and other data in real time. It can prevent you from encountering macOS Kernel_task high CPU, especially when you like to run several programs and processes at the same time.
Wendy Wu is a tech enthusiast with a deep passion for all things iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Wendy is always on the lookout for Apple products and is committed to providing Apple users with some of the latest information and useful tips.
