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Microsoft Teams and Zoom cause kernal_task to use lots of CPU and make my system unresponsive

Similar to https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252410151


For the past month or so, my machine has had a really hard time with video based communication apps.


After the call starts, the kernal_task process starts processing lots of CPU power. If I turn off video it helps, but still very sluggish.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Jun 9, 2021 10:17 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 10, 2021 12:24 PM

kernel_task 400%, 600%, 800% CPU temperature control.


https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT207359


The kernel_task may be faking high CPU while putting the CPU chip into a low power idle mode, giving the Mac a chance to cool off.


Can look at CPU temperature using:


sudo powermetrics -s smc | grep -i "CPU die temperature"

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 10, 2021 12:24 PM in response to drdouglasghd

kernel_task 400%, 600%, 800% CPU temperature control.


https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT207359


The kernel_task may be faking high CPU while putting the CPU chip into a low power idle mode, giving the Mac a chance to cool off.


Can look at CPU temperature using:


sudo powermetrics -s smc | grep -i "CPU die temperature"

Jun 10, 2021 11:57 AM in response to drdouglasghd

Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities, drdouglasghd.


We understand you're having some difficulties with performance on your Mac when using video conferencing applications. Can you tell us if your Mac is updated to the most up to date version for your system? If not, we suggest following the steps below to start the update process.


How to update the software on your Mac 


Along with your Mac, you'll also want to be sure you have the most updated version of the applications your are attempting to use as well. Depending on where you installed your applications from, the updates should be available through the App Store or the developers website.


You could also test using these applications while in safe mode and see if you notice the same behavior and slow processing. Using safe mode disables certain software on your Mac so this may tell you if there is something else installed on your Mac that is causing the spike in CPU power. This article will help walk you through the steps for booting into safe mode.


How to use safe mode on your Mac 


We hope this helps.

Microsoft Teams and Zoom cause kernal_task to use lots of CPU and make my system unresponsive

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