Shortcuts and backgroundshortcutrunner high CPU usage after update to macOS Tahoe 2

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Level 1

20 points

Shortcuts and backgroundshortcutrunner high CPU usage after update to macOS Tahoe 2

Since updating my MacOS to Tahoe 26.1 I am experiencing problems with Shortcuts and its process backgroundshortcutrunner. Never had this problem before and most importantly I have never ever used Shortcuts.

Both processes now have an incredible high usage of CPU, close to 100%. I have tried Safe Mode, same problem. I have tried deactivating ICloud Sync for Shortcuts, same problem. So I went to kill the process, but it doesn't take too long until these are back on top of the CPU usage. Especially after reboot.

Anyone has a solution for this? Or is it a known bug getting a solution?

It appears on both, my iMac 24 and my MacBook Air M2.

MacBook Air

Posted on Nov 15, 2025 1:17 PM

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Answer 1

bgard2

Level 1

12 points

Nov 17, 2025 8:37 AM in response to hamlet82

I have the same problem. Running macOS Tahoe 2 on a MacBook Pro M4 14 inch. Never use Shortcuts but the CPU does spike at 100%. So I guess that means the a single core is running at that level (per neuroanatomist reply).

After about 7 minutes the process stops and does not return until I restart or shutdown and restart.

It seems to spike the Energy usage and my battery losses about 2 to 3 percent. Not a deal killer I know but still, what the heck Apple?

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Answer 2

hamlet82 Author

Level 1

20 points

Nov 15, 2025 1:57 PM in response to neuroanatomist

Thanks. Yes, I have read a few threads about this issue, not only here. And as mentioned I tried all of the usual solutions. Still busy. :)

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Answer 3

Nov 15, 2025 2:05 PM in response to hamlet82

That process is not even running on my Macs (one on Tahoe, the other on Sequoia). I do not use Shortcuts, though I tried creating one a few months ago.

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Answer 4

Nov 15, 2025 1:38 PM in response to hamlet82

Similar thread, a reboot corrected the issue there.

What is backgroundshortcutrunner (macOS T… - Apple Community

Worth keeping in mind that regarding % CPU, the denominator is based on the number of cores. For example, my M4 Pro MBP has 14 cores (4 efficiency and 10 performance), so it can go up to 1400% CPU utilization.

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