kernel_task using 700% CPU Usage

Hi, I am using a late 2013 15 inch retina MacBook pro fully maxed out specs. My computer worked very well even after 5 years. After upgrading to macOS Mojave I started experiencing erratic performance swings on my computer. Sometimes, after turning on the computer, kernel_task in Activity monitor shows over 700% CPU usage regardless of any programs running in the background. The fans are at full speed and it takes more than 10 minutes to boot compared to the usual 30 seconds. After an hour the issue would subside. Lately, this issue is persisting for way longer periods of time and I can't use my computer for anything as there is an insane amount of lag. There are no viruses or malware and I have even reset the SMC and NVRAM multiple times. Any solutions to this problem?

MacBook Pro 15", macOS 10.14

Posted on Mar 6, 2019 12:05 PM

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3 replies

Mar 6, 2019 12:33 PM in response to GamerZone007

You may very well have incompatible software running on the computer causing this problem. Try running the machine in Safe Mode to see if the problem ceases. Also, verify the compatibility of your third-party software, especially anything you have installed in Login Items.


Use Activity Monitor to Kill Runaway Processes


     Use Activity Monitor on your Mac

     Runaway applications can shorten battery runtime, affect performance, and increase heat and fan activity.


Mar 6, 2019 12:34 PM in response to GamerZone007

A Troubleshooting Procedure that may Fix Problems with macOS El Capitan or Later


You should try each, one at a time, then test to see if the problem is fixed before going on to the next.


    Be sure to backup your files before proceeding if possible.


  1. Shutdown the computer, wait 30 seconds, restart the computer.
  2. Disconnect all third-party peripherals.
  3. Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM
  4. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)
  5. Reset your Startup Disk and Sound preferences.
  6. Start the computer in Safe Mode. Test in safe mode to see if the problem persists, then restart normally.
  7. Use Apple Hardware Test to see if there is any hardware malfunction.
  8. Repair the disk by booting from the Recovery HD. Immediately after the chime hold down the Command and R keys until the Utility Menu appears. Choose Disk Utility and click on the Continue button. Select the indented (usually, Macintosh HD) volume entry from the side list.  Click on the First Aid button in the toolbar. Wait for the Done button to appear. Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu. Restart the computer from the Apple Menu.
  9. Repair permissions on the Home folderResolve issues caused by changing the permissions of items in your home folder.
  10. Create a New User Account Open Users & Groups preferences. Click on the lock icon and enter your Admin password when prompted. On the left under Current User click on the Add [+] button under Login Options. Setup a new Admin user account. Upon completion log out of your current account then log into the new account. If your problems cease, then consider switching to the new account and transferring your files to it - Transferring files from one User Account to another.
  11. Download and install the OS X El Capitan 10.11.6 Combo Update or 10.12.6 Combo Update or Download macOS High Sierra 10.13.5 Combo Update or Get MacOS Mojave now from the Mac App Store as needed.
  12. Reinstall OS X by booting from the Recovery HD using the Command and R keys. When the Utility Menu appears select Reinstall OS X then click on the Continue button.
  13. Erase and Install OS X Restart the computer. Immediately after the chime hold down the Command and R keys until the Apple logo appears. When the Utility Menu appears:


     1. Select Disk Utility from the Utility Menu and click on the Continue button.

     2. When Disk Utility loads select the drive (out-dented entry) from the Device list.

     3. Click on the Erase icon in Disk Utility's toolbar. A panel will drop down.

     4. Set the Format type to APFS (for SSDs only) or Mac OS Extended (Journaled.)

     5. Click on the Apply button, then wait for the Done button to activate and click on it.

     6. Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu.

     7. Select Reinstall OS X and click on the Continue button.



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kernel_task using 700% CPU Usage

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