Why kernel_task uses lots of CPU on a hot MacBook Pro — by Adam on Ask Different

beginnerforumCC BY-SA (Stack Exchange; version depends on post date)

kernel_task deliberately takes CPU time to slow the Mac down when it's too hot. This answer traced it on Intel MacBook Pros to heat from charging on the left-side Thunderbolt ports, and found charging from the right side helped. Mostly relevant to Intel models.

Quick steps

Move the charger to a right-side port
Check temperatures and what else is heating the chassis

Paraphrased from the source. Menus can differ by version, so check the original for full details.

Read the full thread on apple.stackexchange.com

Source: Why kernel_task uses lots of CPU on a hot MacBook Pro by Adam on Ask Different. Licence: CC BY-SA (Stack Exchange; version depends on post date).

Source reviewed: 2026-11-02
Link checked: Not yet
Tested hands-on: Not by Oddbyte.Me

kernel_taskcpuheatmacbook procharging

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