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User profile for user: JeffNeff
JeffNeff Author
User level: Level 1
22 points

Big Sur CPU VERY High

The CPU usage on my Mac just went through the roof once I upgraded to Big Sur. I have no apps running and the CPU usage by the kernel task or the VTDecoderXPCService runs at 70%+.


Earlier my fan kicked on FULL SPEED and nothing was responsive, no apps open. I just shut my computer down, which took like 4 minutes for whatever was happening to stop. I restarted my computer and my background and preferences changed. I did not do a PRAM reset either.



I have a 13" MBP Mid-2014, 3Ghz Dual-Core i7 with 8GB RAM.


If I didn't know better, it would seem that Apple intentionally slowed down my older device so I would have to upgrade.... but wait, they wouldn't do this, they have never done this... oh wait.


Guess it's time to completely wipe my Mac and go back to a better release. Thanks Apple, you are the best.

MacBook Pro Retina

Posted on Apr 12, 2021 2:17 PM

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User profile for user: Old Toad
Old Toad
User level: Level 10
210,539 points

Posted on Apr 12, 2021 3:24 PM

Have you installed or run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up" or anti-virus apps on your Mac?


Boot into Safe Mode according to Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support and see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and check again.


NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 10 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


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User profile for user: Old Toad
Old Toad
User level: Level 10
210,539 points

Apr 12, 2021 3:24 PM in response to JeffNeff

Have you installed or run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up" or anti-virus apps on your Mac?


Boot into Safe Mode according to Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support and see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and check again.


NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 10 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


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Big Sur CPU VERY High

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