在您打开Mac电源的那一刻，大量系统进程和应用程序在后台运行。这些过程有其职责，它们对于Mac的正常运行至关重要。例如，WindowServer管理重要的系统图形用户界面 ( (WindowServer)GUI )，例如Dock和菜单栏(Menu Bar)。
kernel_task 是另一个让您的Mac平稳运行的关键组件。在本指南中，我们将解释 macOS 中 kernel_task 的职责。您还将了解进程如何运行以及如果 kernel_task 消耗过多的CPU资源该怎么办。
Mac 上的 kernel_task 是什么？
kernel_task 是一个重要的 macOS 组件，旨在调节CPU温度并防止 Mac 过热(stop your Mac from overheating)。当 kernel_task 检测到CPU温度出现峰值时，它会占用您的大部分CPU，从而限制了可用于负责温度升高的进程的系统资源。
过热在各方面都是可怕的。因此，当CPU密集型进程导致您的Mac感觉很热时，kernel_task 会囤积CPU资源，以使进程无法进一步提高温度。
kernel_task 安全吗？
简短的回答是“是的”。您可能会质疑 kernel_task 的合法性，因为它占用了您 Mac 的大部分CPU。这很正常。但是，重要的是要注意 kernel_task 并不是出于自己的意愿。相反，它会响应CPU的温度状态。
如果您的 Mac 的CPU变热，kernel_task 会突然介入以降低温度。风扇活动增加（或风扇噪音）和CPU使用率高就可以证明这一点。因此，每当 kernel_task 强烈使用 Mac 的处理能力时，不要将其视为魔鬼。更确切地说(Rather)，把它想象成一个努力工作以平息过热恶魔的天使。
顺便说一句，您不能终止 kernel_task。这也证明了该过程的安全性和合法性。它在后台运行，因为它是至关重要的 macOS 组件，您的Mac离不开它。事实上，它是最重要的 macOS 组件之一。下面是证明：启动Activity Monitor，单击菜单栏上的View ，然后选择(View)All Processes，Hierarchically。
这将根据重要性级别安排所有系统进程和第三方应用程序。Activity Monitor将创建所有进程和应用程序的嵌套视图，其中 kernel_task 作为其他进程所属的主要进程。
单击下拉按钮可展开父文件夹并显示“子进程”或“子进程”。
kernel_task 位于层次结构的顶部，因为它是 macOS 在Mac启动时运行的第一个进程。
kernel_task应该使用(Use)多少CPU(CPU Should)？
kernel_task 应该使用的CPU资源没有固定数量。如果处理器温度变得异常热，它只会使用大部分CPU 。简而言之，kernel_task 的CPU使用率是 Mac 温度的函数。
修复 kernel_task 高 CPU 使用率
在正常情况下，kernel_task 潜伏在后台，消耗非常少的系统资源。然而，诸如高环境温度、临时系统故障、在后台运行过多的 CPU 密集型进程等因素，可能会触发 kernel_task 使用疯狂的处理能力。
按照以下建议调节 kernel_task 的CPU消耗。
1.强制退出未使用的应用程序
Mac在使用过程中变热是正常现象。你打开的应用程序越多，你的Mac工作就越努力，它产生的热量也就越多。这也将触发 kernel_task 使用更多CPU功率来调节Mac的温度。
因此，减少 kernel_task 活动的最简单方法是关闭您不使用的应用程序。有时，从Dock(Dock)关闭应用程序或单击应用程序窗口上的红色“x 图标”不会终止应用程序。
一些应用程序在后台保持暂停状态，消耗Mac的CPU和电池电量。强制退出未使用的应用程序将减少Mac处理器的压力，并随后减少 kernel_task 的高CPU使用率。通过活动监视器(Activity Monitor)并关闭任何未使用的应用程序以释放一些处理能力。
- 启动活动监视器（Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor）并选择您要强制关闭的应用程序。
- 单击活动监视器工具栏上的停止按钮。(Stop button)
如果您的Mac有触控栏(Touch Bar)，请选择该应用并单击最左侧的x 图标。(x icon)
- 单击Mac 屏幕或触控栏上的强制退出。(Force Quit)
2. 缓解 Mac 端口的拥塞
在Mac(Mac)笔记本电脑的一侧插入过多耗电的配件可能会导致CPU过热。如果 kernel_task 保持较高的CPU使用率，请将一些配件移动到Mac的另一侧并等待几分钟。这减少了此 StackExchange线程(StackExchange thread)中某些MacBook Pro用户的kernel_task CPU使用率。
假设您在(Say)Mac左侧的USB集线器中插入了外接显示器、充电线、硬盘驱动器和鼠标。这将提高CPU温度并因此增加 kernel_task 活动。要解决此问题，请将配件分散到Mac的另一侧。
此技术适用于两侧（左侧和右侧）均带有USB端口的(USB)MacBook机型。如果您的Mac笔记本电脑只有一侧 有USB端口，拔下未使用的配件和设备可能会解决问题。(USB)
3. 重启你的 Mac
如果 kernel_task 继续使用过多的处理能力，重启Mac应该可以解决问题。这将刷新Mac的内存、终止不必要的应用程序、清除处理器缓存并调节 kernel_task 的CPU使用率。
关闭所有活动的应用程序窗口，单击菜单栏上的Apple 图标，然后选择(Apple icon)重新启动(Restart)。
4.降低环境温度
MacBook 具有内置传感器，可检测CPU温度的变化。根据 Apple(According to Apple)的说法，使用MacBook(MacBooks)的理想环境温度介于 10° C 和 35° C（~50° F和 95° F）之间。当您的Mac超过最佳温度时，传感器会自动打开Mac Book 的风扇以冷却CPU。您还会注意到 kernel_task 的CPU使用率出现峰值。
确保(Make)您的Mac不在炎热的房间或阻碍散热的表面上——枕头、床上或床罩下。将Mac放在水平表面上，并确保房间通风良好——打开房间窗户或打开空调。将Mac放在外部冷却垫上也有助于降低 CPU 温度(reduce the CPU temperature)。
5.重置系统管理控制器(System Management Controller)
如果您的Mac(Mac) Book 的冷却风扇无法正常工作，kernel_task 可能会出现故障。如果您的Mac不热或不热，但风扇运行快速且声音无法控制(fans are running fast and uncontrollably loud)，请重置系统管理控制器(System Management Controller)( SMC )。
SMC是主板上的一个组件，用于管理Mac的(Mac)电池、键盘背光、冷却风扇、盖子行为和其他基本传感器。重置系统管理控制器(System Management Controller)的过程取决于您的Mac是否使用Apple T2 安全芯片组(Apple T2 Security Chipset)。
要检查您的Mac是否具有 T2 安全芯片，请转到Finder >应用程序(Applications)>实用程序(Utilities)>系统信息(System Information)>硬件(Hardware)，然后选择侧边栏上的控制器(Controller)。如果“型号名称”不是Apple T2 芯片(Apple T2 chip)，则您的Mac没有安全芯片。
在没有 Apple T2 芯片的 Mac 笔记本电脑上重置 SMC(Reset SMC on Mac Notebooks Without Apple T2 Chip)
2017 年或更早发布的MacBook Air(MacBook Air)和Pro机型没有T2 安全芯片(T2 Security Chip)。
- 单击菜单栏上的Apple 标志并选择(Apple logo)Shut Down。
- 同时按住键盘左侧的Shift + Control + Option键七秒钟。(Option)
- 在步骤(Step)#2中按住三个键的同时按住Mac 的电源按钮。(power button)
- 按住四个键 10 秒钟然后松开。
- 按电源按钮(power button)打开 Mac。
使用 Apple T2 芯片在 Mac 笔记本电脑上重置 SMC(Reset SMC on Mac Notebooks With Apple T2 Chip)
2018 年或之后发布的MacBook Air(MacBook Air)和Pro机型没有T2 安全芯片(T2 Security Chip)。关闭Mac电源(Power)，等待大约 30 秒使其完全关闭，然后按照以下步骤操作：
- 按住以下键七秒钟：右Shift键 + 左Control键 + 左Option键。
- 按住步骤 #1 中的三个键，然后按住电源按钮(power button)。
- 将四个按钮一起按住 10 秒钟。
- 释放按钮并按下电源按钮(power button)以启动 Mac。
在 Mac 台式机上重置 SMC(Reset SMC on Mac Desktops)
关闭Mac并将其从电源插座上拔下。等待(Wait)15 秒，将Mac插回电源插座，等待 5 秒，然后按下电源按钮。
稳定 kernel_task CPU 使用率
kernel_task 是调节Mac温度的关键系统进程。Mac温度越高，kernel_task 消耗的处理能力就越多。上面突出显示的故障排除提示应有助于减少 kernel_task 的高CPU使用率。如果问题仍然存在，请尝试resetting your Mac’s PRAM/NRAM。
What Is kernel_task on Mac and Is it Safe?
Numerоus system processes and applications run in the bаckground the seсond уou power on your Mac. These proceѕses have their responsibilitіes, and they’re crucial to thе proper functioning of your Mac. WindowServer, for example, manages important system graphical user interfaces (GUI) like the Dock and Menu Bar.
kernel_task is another critical component that keeps your Mac running smoothly. In this guide, we’ll explain the responsibilities of kernel_task in macOS. You’ll also learn how the process operates and what to do if kernel_task consumes excessive CPU resources.
What Is kernel_task on a Mac?
kernel_task is a vital macOS component designed to regulate your CPU temperature and stop your Mac from overheating. When kernel_task detects a spike in CPU temperature, it takes up a large percentage of your CPU, thereby limiting system resources available to processes responsible for the temperature increase.
Overheating is terrible on all fronts. So when CPU-intensive processes cause your Mac to feel hot, kernel_task hoards CPU resources so that the processes cannot further raise the temperature.
Is kernel_task Safe?
The short answer is “Yes.” You’re probably questioning the legitimacy of kernel_task because it’s consuming a large percentage of your Mac’s CPU. That’s normal. However, it’s important to note that kernel_task doesn’t act of its own volition. Instead, it responds to the status of your CPU’s temperature.
If your Mac’s CPU is getting hot, kernel_task swoops in to lower the temperature. This is evident by increased fan activity (or fan noise) and high CPU usage. So, whenever kernel_task intensely uses your Mac’s processing power, don’t think of it as the devil. Rather, picture it as an angel working hard to put down the devil of overheating.
By the way, you cannot terminate kernel_task. That also goes to prove the safety and legitimacy of the process. It runs in the background because it’s a crucial important macOS component, one which your Mac cannot do without. In fact, it’s one of the most important macOS components. Here’s proof: launch the Activity Monitor, click View on the menu bar, and select All Processes, Hierarchically.
This will arrange all system processes and third-party apps according to the level of importance. Activity Monitor will create a nested view of all processes and applications, with kernel_task as the primary process under which other processes fall.
Clicking the drop-down button expands the parent folder and reveals the “child processes” or “sub-processes.”
kernel_task sits at the top of the hierarchy because it’s the first process that macOS runs when your Mac boots.
How Much CPU Should kernel_task Use?
There’s no fixed amount of CPU resources that kernel_task should use. It will only use a large percentage of your CPU if the processor temperature becomes abnormally hot. In short, kernel_task’s CPU usage is a function of your Mac’s temperature.
Fix kernel_task High CPU Usage
Under normal conditions, kernel_task lurks in the background consuming very minimal system resources. However, factors like high ambient temperature, temporary system glitches, excessive CPU-intensive processes running in the background, etc., can trigger kernel_task to use an insane amount of processing power.
Follow the recommendations below to regulate kernel_task’s CPU consumption.
1. Force Quit Unused Apps
It’s normal for your Mac to get warm during usage. The more apps you open, the harder your Mac works, and the more heat it generates. That’ll also trigger kernel_task to use more CPU power in a bid to regulate your Mac’s temperature.
So, the easiest way to reduce kernel_task’s activity is to close apps you aren’t using. Sometimes, closing an app from the Dock or clicking the red “x icon” on the app window doesn’t terminate the app.
Some apps stay suspended in the background, consuming your Mac’s CPU and battery power. Force-quitting unused apps will reduce the strain on your Mac processor and subsequently reduce kernel_task high CPU usage. Go through the Activity Monitor and close any unused app to free some processing power.
- Launch the Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor) and select the application you want to force-close.
- Click the Stop button on the Activity Monitor’s toolbar.
If your Mac has a Touch Bar, select the app and click the x icon on the far-left.
- Click Force Quit on your Mac’s screen or Touch Bar.
2. Decongest Your Mac’s Ports
Plugging too many power-hungry accessories on one side of your Mac notebook can cause the CPU to overheat. If kernel_task maintains high CPU usage, move some accessories to the opposite side of your Mac and wait for some minutes. That reduced kernel_task CPU usage for some MacBook Pro users in this StackExchange thread.
Say you have an external monitor, charging cable, hard drives, and a mouse plugged into a USB hub on the left side of your Mac. That’ll raise CPU temperature and consequently increase the kernel_task activity. To fix the issue, spread out the accessories to the other side of your Mac.
This technique is valid for MacBook models with USB ports on both (left and right) sides. If your Mac notebook has USB ports on one side only, unplugging unused accessories and devices might resolve the problem.
3. Restart Your Mac
If kernel_task continues to use excessive processing power, power-cycling your Mac should resolve the issue. That’ll refresh your Mac’s memory, terminate unnecessary apps, clear the processor cache, and regulate kernel_task’s CPU usage.
Close all active app windows, click the Apple icon on the menu bar, and select Restart.
4. Reduce Ambient Temperature
MacBooks have built-in sensors that detect changes in CPU temperature. According to Apple, the ideal ambient temperature for using MacBooks is between 10° C and 35° C (~50° F and 95° F). When your Mac goes above the optimal temperature, the sensors automatically turn on your MacBook’s fan to cool the CPU. You’ll also notice a spike in kernel_task’s CPU usage.
Make sure your Mac isn’t in a hot room or on surfaces that block heat dissipation—on a pillow, bed, or under bed covers. Place your Mac on a level surface and ensure the room has proper ventilation—open the room windows or turn on the air-conditioning. Placing your Mac on an external cooling pad can also help reduce the CPU temperature.
5. Reset the System Management Controller
kernel_task may malfunction if your MacBook’s cooling fans aren’t working properly. If your Mac isn’t warm or hot, but the fans are running fast and uncontrollably loud, reset the System Management Controller (SMC).
The SMC is a component on the motherboard that manages your Mac’s battery, keyboard backlight, cooling fans, lid behavior, and other essential sensors. The procedure to reset the System Management Controller will depend on whether your Mac uses Apple T2 Security Chipset.
To check if your Mac has the T2 security chip, go to Finder > Applications > Utilities > System Information > Hardware and select Controller on the sidebar. If the “Model Name” isn’t Apple T2 chip, your Mac doesn’t have the security chip.
Reset SMC on Mac Notebooks Without Apple T2 Chip
MacBook Air and Pro models released in 2017 or earlier don’t have the T2 Security Chip.
- Click the Apple logo on the menu bar and select Shut Down.
- Press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys on the left side of your keyboard simultaneously for seven seconds.
- Press and hold your Mac’s power button while holding the three keys in Step #2.
- Hold the four keys for 10 seconds and release them.
- Press the power button to turn on your Mac.
Reset SMC on Mac Notebooks With Apple T2 Chip
MacBook Air and Pro models released in 2018 or later don’t have the T2 Security Chip. Power off your Mac, wait for about 30 seconds for it to shut down completely, and follow these steps:
- Press and hold the following keys for seven seconds: Right Shift key + Left Control key + Left Option key.
- Keep holding the three keys in step #1, then press and hold the power button.
- Hold the four buttons together for 10 seconds.
- Release the buttons and press the power button to boot your Mac.
Reset SMC on Mac Desktops
Power off the Mac and unplug it from the power outlet. Wait for 15 seconds, plug the Mac back to the power outlet, wait for 5 seconds, and press the power button.
Stabilize kernel_task CPU Usage
kernel_task is a critical system process that regulates your Mac’s temperature. The warmer your Mac gets, the more processing power kernel_task consumes. The troubleshooting tips highlighted above should help reduce kernel_task high CPU usage. If the problem persists, try resetting your Mac’s PRAM/NRAM.
