CPU

This guide helps you identify and resolve high CPU usage issues on macOS Tahoe—commonly caused by misbehaving apps, system processes, or resource-heavy background tasks. 1. Identify the culprit Open Activity Monitor (Spotlight > Activity Monitor). Go to the CPU tab and sort by % CPU. Note the top process—if it’s a regular app, that’s the likely offender; kernel_task or WindowServer are system processes. 2. Fix common causes App updates—check in the App Store or app’s menu Login items—disable from System Settings > General > Login Items kernel_task—cool down the Mac, disconnect peripherals, or reboot WindowServer—close extra windows, turn off transparency (System Settings > Accessibility > Display) Spotlight—let indexing finish or re-index: sudo mdutil -E / 3. Clean up routine Run a clean-up tool like CleanMyMac or run: sudo periodic daily to clear caches Monitor CPU in Activity Monitor; if spikes persist, consider reinstalling the offending app or resetting the NVRAM: Command + Option + P + R 4. Checklist Update macOS and apps Remove unnecessary login items Reboot (or safe mode) after changes Run a system cleanup Re-monitor CPU