Check MacBook CPU task status on Mac OS

Check MacBook CPU task status on Mac OS

Information

Below steps for checking task status on Mac OS

Application

• Use these steps for when a MacBook is particularly slow
• Use these steps if the MacBook is becoming excessively warm or fan noise is high.

Preparation

• Plug in your MacBook if possible.
• Then start up and open applications, web pages etc that represent a typical working load.
• Then run Activity Monitor to provide further information on how CPU resources are being used.

Method 1: launching from spotlight

  1. Press COMMAND+SPACE to open Spotlight search, then enter “Activity Monitor” without the quotes and click it in the results to run it.
  2. Then click the second column header from the left %CPU so as to bring the task using most CPU power to the top of the list. You may then wish to take a photo or screenshot to capture the result.

Method 2: Using finder

  1. Click Finder icon on the dock.
  2. Then click Go menu and then Applications.
  3. In the new window double click Utilities and then double click Activity Monitor.
  4. Then click the second column header from the left %CPU so as to bring the task using most CPU power to the top of the list. You may then wish to take a photo or screenshot to capture the result.

To capture the result from Activity Monitor please see: Taking a screenshot.

    • Related Articles

    • Mac OS – Check if user can administer their Mac

      Problem A customer is unable to install or modify settings in Mac OS and needs to check if they have the correct permission. Resolution Users can generally be set up as able to administer their Mac os be set up with limited access. If the Mac in ...
    • Check your Mac OS version

      Problem: In order to support troubleshooting the Mac OS version number needs to be obtained and provided to Technical Support. Resolution: Note Due to changes in Mac OS UI a new set of instructions are provided to obtain version info. The old ...
    • Macbook - Checking battery health

      Problem A Macbook laptop is experiencing reduced battery uptime or is draining abnormally quickly. Note The internal rechargeable Macbook battery is covered under Apple's warranty for the first year. Rechargeable batteries are subject to ageing ...
    • Mac OS - Boot a Mac or MacBook into recovery mode

      Problem A Mac computer does not properly boot into Mac OS normally, and you need to boot the machine into recovery mode to fix the problem. Detail Recovery mode is a state that you can boot into that allows maintenance to be carried out to restore ...
    • Mac OS – Control Mac OS update behaviour

      Information Under default settings Mac OS will push major updates and interim security updates. In some circumstances it may be necessary to change these settings to maintain compatibility with specialist software. Resolution Follow the directions ...