kernel_task high memory usage

Question

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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Answer 1

Best reply

JayB.

Community Specialist

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.

Shut down the Mac.

Plug in the MagSafe or USB-C power adapter to a power source and to your Mac.

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.

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.

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