Issue Kernel_task High CPU Usage

Kernel_task High CPU Usage

While investigating why the Mac system is running extremely slow, many users may notice a process called 'kernel_task' that is taking a significant amount of CPU resources. Logic dictates, then, that closing this process would free up the occupied resources and the Mac should start running normally. Unfortunately, this is not the case and closing 'kernel_task' would only result in the process restarting itself. There is a valid reason for this behavior.

The kernel is the core level of any operating system with everything else being built on top of it. The 'kernel_task' process, however, is responsible for a single yet extremely important task - it monitors the temperature of the system's CPU and prevents it from overheating by diverting resources from other resource-intensive applications to itself. In practice, although 'kernel_taks' is shown as the culprit behind the high CPU usage, it is just a symptom of the problem that is trying to throttle the CPU and prevent it from reaching unsustainably high temperatures. 

Stopping the kernel_task process

As we said, if you simply quit the process via Activity monitor, kernel_task will just restart itself. Instead, users will have to deal with the underlying reason for the overheating CPU. Although it is not that common, make sure the ambient temperature in the room or place you are using the Mac is not too high. In addition, move the Mac to a place where it is not exposed to direct sunlight. 

The far more likely causes are either a malfunctioning application or a malware threat that is siphoning the resources of the system. To check for a frozen or unresponsive application, open Activity Monitor, sort the running apps by CPU cycles, ignore kernel_task, and look at the other items at the top of the list. If you find any, select them and click the 'Quit process' button. 

Start the Mac in Safe Mode

If doing so fails to achieve the desired result, then rebooting the Mac into Safe Mode might help. While in Safe Mode, the system will only load the bare minimum of applications and processes while ignoring all launch agents or login items. To enter Safe Mode follow the steps:

  1. Shut down the Mac.
  2. Press and hold the Shift key on the keyboard and the Power button. 
  3. Release the Shift key when you see the login window. 
  4. Log in. 
  5. You should see 'Safe Mode' at the top of the log-in window.

Now, start using your Mac normally and see if the system will begin to slow down again. Also, check Activity Monitor for the presence of 'kernel_task.' If it is not there, reboot the Mac and check its behavior after a while. If the process has appeared again, then that is a sign that a launch agent or a login item is the root cause of the problem. 

You also should consider performing a thorough scan of the system for malware. It is recommended to use a professional anti-malware solution and to follow its recommendations after the scan is completed.

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