thekcredrover
Level 1 (9 points)
Mac OS X

Q: kernel_task high memory usage

Just upgraded to Sierra last night. Rebooted several times after lags and screen freezes started unplugging monitors and limited use to just mac laptop but still running higher than what I think would be normal. kernel_task is 1.4GB or higher and usually shows in top 10 on my CPU usage activity view as well. 

 

  Model Name: MacBook Pro

  Model Identifier: MacBookPro11,2

  Processor Name: Intel Core i7

  Processor Speed: 2.2 GHz

  Number of Processors: 1

  Total Number of Cores: 4

  L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB

  L3 Cache: 6 MB

  Memory: 16 GB

  Boot ROM Version: MBP112.0138.B17

  SMC Version (system): 2.18f15

MacBook Pro with Retina display

Posted on Sep 29, 2016 12:17 PM

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thekcredrover

Q: kernel_task high memory usage

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  • by JayB.,

    JayB. JayB. Sep 30, 2016 2:21 PM in response to thekcredrover
    Community Specialists
    Sep 30, 2016 2:21 PM in response to thekcredrover
    Hi thekcredrover,


    Thanks for upgrading your Mac to macOS Sierra! I see that your Mac is experiencing some lag issues and using high amounts of memory after installing Sierra. Great way to restart the device a couple times to try and resolve. Try starting up the Mac into safe mode. 

    What is safe mode?

    Safe mode (sometimes called safe boot) is a way to start up your Mac so that it performs certain checks, and prevents some software from automatically loading or opening. Starting your Mac in safe mode does the following:

    • Verifies your startup disk, and attempts to repair directory issues if needed
    • Loads only required kernel extensions
    • Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically
    • Disables user-installed fonts 
    • Deletes font caches, Kernel cache and other system cache files

    Together, these changes can help resolve or isolate issues related to your startup disk. 


    Try safe mode if your Mac doesn‘t finish starting up


    While in safe mode, check to see if you have any login or start up items that maybe running in the background. macOS Sierra: If you think you have incompatible login items  

    You can then perform the SMC reset. 
    1. Shut down the Mac.
    2. Plug in the MagSafe or USB-C power adapter to a power source and to your Mac.
    3. Using the built-in keyboard, press Shift-Control-Option on the left side of the keyboard, then press the power button at the same time.
    4. Release all keys, then press the power button again to turn on your Mac

    Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac


    These steps should have your Mac running normally. Thanks for using Apple Support Communities to post your question. Have a great day.