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What do I do when my activity monitor shows a high level of kernel_task and my computer is running slow? It’s a desktop OS 10.15.7

What do I do when my activity monitor shows a high level of kernel_task and my computer is running slow? It’s a desktop OS 10.15.7

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Feb 9, 2022 6:53 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 9, 2022 10:31 PM

Try:


Please restart the computer in Safe Mode per the directions in the  How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support link. 


Note: If you are using a wireless keyboard please either plug it in using the supplied Lightning cable that shipped with it. If you are using a legacy keyboard or a third-party keyboard that does not have re-charging abilities, please use any USB keyboard. Also note that a Safe Mode restart may require you to hold down the shift key for up to 5 minutes before the computer starts in Safe Mode. You will know it is in Safe Mode when you see “Safe Mode” in the upper right of the display.


After restarting in Safe Mode, then restart normally and test.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 9, 2022 10:31 PM in response to lauriefromwilmette

Try:


Please restart the computer in Safe Mode per the directions in the  How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support link. 


Note: If you are using a wireless keyboard please either plug it in using the supplied Lightning cable that shipped with it. If you are using a legacy keyboard or a third-party keyboard that does not have re-charging abilities, please use any USB keyboard. Also note that a Safe Mode restart may require you to hold down the shift key for up to 5 minutes before the computer starts in Safe Mode. You will know it is in Safe Mode when you see “Safe Mode” in the upper right of the display.


After restarting in Safe Mode, then restart normally and test.

What do I do when my activity monitor shows a high level of kernel_task and my computer is running slow? It’s a desktop OS 10.15.7

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