I have a new 15" MBA m4. It runs hot -- to the touch on the back -- and the battery depletes way more rapidly than I expect from a use profile of email, youtube, and browsing. The one exceptional factor is that I am running NordVPN.
MacBook Air 15″, macOS 26.2
Heat is generated by CPU cycles and yes Nord VPN is going to increase those cycles and heat as well, including draining your battery. The simple test is to remove the VPN using the Nord uninstaller and try again. Dragging it to the trash or turning it off is not likely to work as the processes are still running on your computer and in your Launch folders, so make sure to use the uninstaller.
If still no relief from uninstalling, then post the free EtreCheck report using the Additional Text option when posting. The report contains no personal information and it identify the processes running on your computer.
How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community
Heat is generated by CPU cycles and yes Nord VPN is going to increase those cycles and heat as well, including draining your battery. The simple test is to remove the VPN using the Nord uninstaller and try again. Dragging it to the trash or turning it off is not likely to work as the processes are still running on your computer and in your Launch folders, so make sure to use the uninstaller.
If still no relief from uninstalling, then post the free EtreCheck report using the Additional Text option when posting. The report contains no personal information and it identify the processes running on your computer.
How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community
15-inch MBA M4: Heating and rapid battery drain
