But this introduces an issue in the form of high CPU usage.
A closer look will reveal that thekernel_taskis the process that seems to be using all the CPU.
So, join me as I assist you in cooling down your Mac and eliminating this issue.
Why does the kernel_task Use a High CPU on your Mac?
Thekernel_taskis a process designed to keep the temperatures of your Mac under limits.
When you use applications that utilize the most CPU, it spikes up Macs temperature.
This is when you will see abnormally high CPU usage by this process.
Now, you might ask, do all applications increase kernel task usage?
When encoding video usingPremier Pro, your Mac is expected to initiate the CPU at100%.
And the system monitors the temperature to ensure it is within safe limits.
Mac OSs Sidecar functionality can also be behind this problem.
This feature on Mac OS allows you to use an iPad as anexternal monitor.
If you use this on your setup, this can also trigger high CPU usage.
Next, shut down the Mac, clean its fan, and ensure it is running cool.
Closing unwanted applications and clearing the NVRAM will also help you out.
Lets go through these in detail now.
For multiple monitors, also disconnect the dongles which are connected.
Even if you do not connect any monitors, but use external drives, disconnect them too.
Now shut down the Mac and keep the lid open for a few minutes.
Allow the Mac to cool down and dissipate the heat.
If needed, place the Mac in a cooler place.
Fire up your Mac andcheck the CPU usagenow.
You should see a drastic change.
Also, check how theCPU temperaturesare holding up.
Dont know where to find the apps for these?
I have got you covered.
And if the issue persists, your Mac is overheating.
you’re able to verify this by looking if any other applications are using the CPU resources.
The chances are slim, as you just restarted the Mac.
Taking Note of the active CPU temperature during this time is also a good indicator.
Lets take a look at how you could do this.
This should display Macs temperature based on the individual CPU cores.
So, how do the temperatures look?
The next section sheds a light on this.
Check out our separate article where we explore how temperatures affect your CPU.
Do check it out.
Clean the Macs Fan
Let me get this out of the way first.
A Mac is not designed as serviceable by the users themselves.
Just fire a Youtube video about any Macbook Pro disassembly and you will know what Im talking about.
Because now the processor can push out more heat and the fan can dissipate it away faster.
But what if you are not confident about opening up your Mac?
Taking it to a computer repair shop for a thermal paste replacement is then the best-recommended thing for you.
Mds stores can sometimes use all your CPU resourceson a Mac.
If this happens with you, check our separate article where we fix this issue for you.
This help when some options or software ain’t running in the intended way.
The Macs SMC or System Management Controller is in charge of controlling the hardware devices.
These include thecooling fans, hard drives, status LEDs,etc.
How you’ve got the option to reset the SMC depends on Macs model.
Newer Macs with anM1chip do not come with such a controller.
As everything is based on a unified chip, the processor handles all the communication between the hardware devices.
So, a simple power off and restart after10sis all that is necessary to reset an M1-based Mac.
This applies to Macs with aT2chip and those which do not have removable batteries.
A simple way to know it would be the brightness indicator of your Macs display.
You will see it cranked all the way up.
Keep these unplugged for15s.
After that plug-in your battery and connect the power cables.
Press the power button for5s.
The Mac should power on with a reset system controller.
Similarly, the NVRAM on a Mac is similar to the BIOS on a PC.
It stores the default controls and is unaffected even after the power runs out.
An NVRAM reset can also fix some common problems with your Mac.
When the Mac powers on, any prefs that may have caused the Mac to misbehave are removed.
It will load with the stock options as you power it on.
But, for a serious hardware issue, resetting SMC or NVRAM is unlikely to help you.
In that case, sending your machine to Apple support is the only way out.
Check out my new post on how toFix Windows Error Reporting High CPU and Disk Usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the kernel task taking so much CPU on Mac?
The kernel task takes a high CPU usage when the processor on your Mac heats up.
It does this to prevent any app from further using the CPU.
This continues until the Mac cools down to a lower sustainable temperature.
What is the normal kernel task CPU usage?
Under normal usage, the kernel task should occupy less than 10% of your CPU.
If this exceeds, that means your processor is overheating.
How do I exit the kernel task on Mac?
The kernel task is Mac OSs system reserved process.
You cannot terminate it as it is designed to stay open all the time.
It helps to keep the CPU temperature in check.
And it is due to the build-up of temperature, rather than a virus attack or any misbehaving program.
And I have outlined the measures to take to solve this error.
You may need to take a trip to the Apple Center if underlying hardware issues are persistent.
Thats all for today.
Comment below on how your troubleshooting went.
