当您的 Mac 预热或减速到爬行时，您可能会注意到一个名为 kernel_task 的进程使用大量CPU。为什么这样做？kernel_task 甚至是什么意思？你应该担心吗？
继续阅读以了解Mac上的 kernel_task 是什么以及它导致CPU使用率高的原因。您还将学习在 macOS 中减少过多 kernel_task 活动的方法。
Mac 上的 Kernel_Task 是什么？
Kernel_task是 macOS 中的本机进程。它与内核有关，内核是使软件和 Mac 的硬件工作的最深的编程级别。
Kernel_task处理(Kernel_task)MacBook Pro、MacBook Air、iMac 或Mac Mini上的许多基本后台功能，例如在程序和系统服务之间 分配系统资源（ CPU和RAM ）。
但最重要的是，它在温度管理中起着重要作用。这就是高 kernel_task 活动出现的地方。
为什么Kernel_Task 会(Kernel_Task)导致CPU 使用率过高(High CPU Usage)？
您的Mac可能会因多种原因而变热。例如，执行资源密集型活动（例如以超高分辨率编辑或导出视频）几乎总是会使CPU温度升高。渲染CPU繁重的 Web 元素，在 Chrome或Safari中使用低效(Safari)的插件(plugins in Chrome)，或者播放与 Adobe Flash 相关的内容(playing Adobe Flash-related content)也可以使事情升温。
发生这种情况时，kernel_task 将启动并阻止进程使用额外的处理能力并产生更多的热量。它通过模拟空CPU周期来实现。
高Kernel_Task CPU 使用率(Kernel_Task CPU Usage Cause)是否值得关注(Concern)？
大多数情况下，高 kernel_task 活动并不值得关注。回顾一下，如果您持续从事资源密集型任务，预计您的Mac上的 kernel_task (Mac)CPU使用率会很高。只是为了防止Mac的内部受到过热损坏而进行的日常维护。
但是，如果您一直注意到 kernel_task 无缘无故地使用CPU能力，那么您可能会遇到问题。例如，未优化的应用程序、过时的应用程序、系统缓存和有缺陷的内核扩展可以使您的Mac升温，而不会相应增加活动。
减少Mac上的高 Kernel_Task CPU 使用率(High Kernel_Task CPU Usage)
要修复持续高的 kernel_task 活动，您必须解决任何导致Mac过热的根本原因。下面的故障排除提示将帮助您解决这个问题。
强制退出应用程序
首先使用 Mac 的 Activity Monitor(using the Mac’s Activity Monitor)识别除 kernel_task 之外的消耗大量CPU 的进程。提示—选择CPU列以按活动对进程进行排序。
如果 CPU 密集型进程似乎是典型活动（例如视频导出）的一部分，请等待它完成。如果没有，请通过选择“活动监视器(Activity Monitor)”窗口顶部的“停止”(Stop)按钮来关闭或强制退出该进程。
关闭并重新启动
另一个修复涉及重新启动您的Mac。这是消除导致 kernel_task 问题的任何恶意进程的快速方法。
更新应用
接下来，尝试更新在Mac上运行的应用程序。最好将注意力集中在任何增加Mac的CPU负载的程序上。
首先(Start)打开 Mac 的App Store ，然后在侧边栏的“(App Store)更新(Updates)”选项卡下方查看是否有任何待处理的应用更新。
对于您在Mac App Store之外获得的程序，请在应用程序本身中查找检查更新( Check for Updates)选项。
更新 macOS
macOS(Buggy)的错误实例（尤其是主要版本升级的早期版本）可能会导致内存泄漏和过热问题。所以更新操作系统，看看是否有区别。
要更新 macOS，请从Mac 的菜单栏(Mac’s menu bar)左侧打开Apple菜单，然后选择系统偏好设置(System Preferences )>软件更新( Software Update)>立即更新(Update Now)。
在凉爽的环境中使用 Mac
如果您在户外或炎热的天气中使用Mac，外部温度可能会导致您的Mac变热并将 kernel_task 踢到高速档。尝试将设备移至凉爽或通风良好的区域。
重置 NVRAM 或 PRAM
如果您使用Intel Mac，您可能需要尝试重置NVRAM或PRAM。它是保存系统关键设置（例如，显示分辨率、启动磁盘首选项、日期、时区等）的易失性内存的一小部分。损坏的NVRAM可能会导致各种问题，因此重置它可能会修复内核问题。
要重置NVRAM，首先要关闭Mac。然后，在按住Command、Option、P和R键的同时重新打开它。当您第二次听到启动铃声时松开。如果您使用带有Apple T2 安全芯片的(Apple T2 Security Chip)Mac ，请在 20 秒后松开按键。
重置 SMC
除了NVRAM之外，您可能还需要执行额外的步骤并在 Mac 上重置 SMC（系统管理控制器）(reset the SMC (system management controller) on Mac)。
清除 Mac 的缓存
过时或损坏的临时文件也可能导致 macOS 中的性能问题，因此下一个修复涉及清除应用程序和系统缓存。
使用免费的 Onyx 应用程序(Use the free Onyx app)快速清除 Mac 的缓存。如果您更喜欢手动方法，请参阅我们关于清除 Mac 缓存的指南。(clearing the Mac’s cache)
进入和退出安全模式
在 Mac 上进入和退出安全模式(Entering and exiting Safe Mode on the Mac)有助于清除内核缓存。要在Intel Mac上进入安全模式(Safe Mode)，只需在启动时按住 Shift(Shift)键，直到看到登录屏幕。
如果您使用Apple Silicon Mac，请在按住电源(Power)按钮的同时将其打开。进入“启动(Startup) 选项(Options)”屏幕后，按住Shift键并选择Macintosh HD > Continue in Safe Mode。
运行恶意软件扫描
Mac(Macs)在抵御恶意软件方面享有盛誉，但这并不意味着它们完全免疫。要扫描并删除 Mac 上的恶意进程和 rootkit(remove malicious processes and rootkits on Mac)，请考虑使用免费的反恶意软件实用程序(using a free anti-malware utility)运行恶意软件扫描。Malwarebytes是一个很好的选择。
删除内核扩展
最后，您可能需要花时间识别和禁用任何第三方内核扩展（或 kexts）。Kexts扩展了 Mac 内核的默认功能，但它们也可能导致高 kernel_task 活动或内核恐慌错误。
您可以使用名为EtreCheckPro的免费诊断实用程序来扫描和查看已安装内核扩展的列表。然后，您必须卸载相关程序(uninstall the related programs)才能删除 kext。
Kernel_Task：最好留给自己的方式
希望本教程能帮助您了解Mac上的 kernel_task 进程以及如何解决 kernel_task 高CPU使用率问题。如果问题仍然存在，您可能需要通过恢复模式重新安装 macOS(reinstall macOS via Recovery Mode)。如果同样失败，则问题可能与硬件有关。在这种情况下，请联系 Apple 支持寻求帮助(contact Apple Support for help)。
What is kernel_task on Mac and Why Does It Cause High CPU Usage?
When your Mac warms up or slows down to a crаwl, you’ll likely notice a process called kernel_task using lots of CPU. Why does it do that? What does kernel_taѕk even mean? Should you be concerned?
Read on to learn what kernel_task is on Mac and why it causes high CPU usage. You’ll also learn ways to reduce excessive kernel_task activity in macOS.
What Is Kernel_Task on Mac?
Kernel_task is a native process in macOS. It’s related to the kernel, the deepest programming level that makes the software and Mac’s hardware work.
Kernel_task handles a host of essential background functions on your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, or Mac Mini, such as allocating system resources (CPU and RAM) between programs and system services.
But most importantly, it plays a significant role in temperature management. That’s where high kernel_task activity comes into the picture.
Why Kernel_Task Causes High CPU Usage?
Your Mac can heat up for any number of reasons. For example, performing a resource-intensive activity (such as editing or exporting video at super-high resolutions) almost always spikes the CPU temperature. Rendering CPU-heavy web elements, using inefficient plugins in Chrome or Safari, or playing Adobe Flash-related content can also warm things up.
When that happens, kernel_task will kick into action and prevent processes from using additional processing power and generating even more heat. It does so by simulating empty CPU cycles.
Is High Kernel_Task CPU Usage Cause for Concern?
Most of the time, high kernel_task activity is not a cause for concern. To recap, if you continuously engage in resource-intensive tasks, expect high kernel_task CPU usage on your Mac. It’s just routine maintenance to prevent Mac’s internals from excessive heat damage.
But if you consistently notice kernel_task using the CPU power for no apparent reason, you may have a problem in your hands. For example, unoptimized apps, obsolete applications, system caches, and buggy kernel extensions can warm up your Mac without any proportionate increase in activity.
Reducing High Kernel_Task CPU Usage on Mac
To fix persistently high kernel_task activity, you must resolve any underlying reasons contributing to extra heat on your Mac. The troubleshooting tips below will help you with that.
Force-Quit Apps
Start by identifying processes other than kernel_task that consume lots of CPU using the Mac’s Activity Monitor. Hint—select the CPU column to sort processes by activity.
If a CPU-intensive process appears to be a part of a typical activity (e.g., video exporting), wait for it to finish. If not, close or force-quit the process by selecting the Stop button at the top of the Activity Monitor window.
Shut Down and Reboot
Another fix involves restarting your Mac. That’s a quick way to eliminate any rogue processes contributing to the kernel_task issue.
Update Apps
Next up, try updating the apps that run on the Mac. It’s best to focus your attention on any programs that increase your Mac’s CPU load.
Start by opening the Mac’s App Store and look underneath the Updates tab on the sidebar for any pending app updates.
For programs that you got outside the Mac App Store, look for a Check for Updates option within the applications themselves.
Update macOS
Buggy instances of macOS (especially early releases of major version upgrades) can result in memory leaks and overheating issues. So update the operating system and see if that makes a difference.
To update macOS, open the Apple menu from the left side of the Mac’s menu bar and select System Preferences > Software Update > Update Now.
Use Mac in a Cooler Environment
If you’re using your Mac outdoors or in hot weather, the external temperature can cause your Mac to warm up and kick kernel_task into high gear. Try moving the device to a cooler or well-ventilated area.
Reset NVRAM or PRAM
If you use an Intel Mac, you might want to try resetting the NVRAM or PRAM. It’s a tiny portion of volatile memory that holds system-critical settings (e.g., display resolution, startup disk preferences, date, timezone, etc.). A corrupt NVRAM can result in all sorts of issues, so resetting it might fix kernel issues.
To reset the NVRAM, start by turning off your Mac. Then, turn it back on while holding down the Command, Option, P, and R keys. Release once you hear the startup chime for the second time. If you use a Mac with an Apple T2 Security Chip, release the keys after 20 seconds.
Reset SMC
In addition to the NVRAM, you may want to go the extra step and reset the SMC (system management controller) on Mac.
Clear the Mac’s Cache
Outdated or corrupt temporary files can also cause performance issues in macOS, so the next fix involves clearing the application and system cache.
Use the free Onyx app to clear Mac’s cache quickly. Refer to our guide about clearing the Mac’s cache if you prefer the manual approach.
Enter & Exit Safe Mode
Entering and exiting Safe Mode on the Mac helps clear the kernel cache. To enter Safe Mode on an Intel Mac, simply hold down the Shift key at startup until you see the login screen.
If you use an Apple Silicon Mac, turn it on while holding down the Power button. Once you get to the Startup Options screen, hold down the Shift key and select Macintosh HD > Continue in Safe Mode.
Run a Malware Scan
Macs have a reputation for being resilient against malware, but that doesn’t mean that they’re completely immune. To scan for and remove malicious processes and rootkits on Mac, consider running a scan for malware using a free anti-malware utility. Malwarebytes is an excellent choice.
Delete Kernel Extensions
Finally, you might want to take the time to identify and disable any third-party kernel extensions (or kexts). Kexts extend the default functionality of the Mac’s kernel, but they can also result in high kernel_task activity or kernel panic errors.
You can use a free diagnostics utility called EtreCheckPro to scan for and review a list of installed kernel extensions. You must then uninstall the related programs to remove the kexts.
Kernel_Task: Best Left to Its Own Means
Hopefully, this tutorial helped you understand the kernel_task process on Mac and what you can do to resolve kernel_task high CPU usage. If the issue persists, you might want to reinstall macOS via Recovery Mode. If that fails as well, the problem could be hardware-related. In that case, contact Apple Support for help.
