Kernel Task High CPU
My iMac is currently lagging and Activity Monitor shows the CPU usage at 62%.
Tried rebooting, and shutting it down, but nothing works. Any suggestions?
iMac 27″, macOS 12.5
Question marked as
Top-ranking reply
Please read If kernel_task is using a large percentage of your Mac CPU - Apple Support.
A runaway kernel_task can be due to a number of factors, such as:
- a failed or disconnected temperature sensor
- cooling system inefficiency (an inoperative exhaust fan on Macs so equipped, possibly clogged with dust, including the heat sink)
- a worn out, missing, or non-Apple (user-installed) battery on portable Macs
- similar hardware-specific causes including internal hardware additions or modifications, external USB and other connected devices, or the driver software required to use them.
If you can find no other explanation for its behavior, an SMC Reset is justified: Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support.