Mac processes, explained

What each process in Activity Monitor is, why it gets busy, and whether it's safe to quit. 85 guides, written in plain English.

Part of macOS

• WhySlowWhySlow (this app)
• kernel_taskKernel (heat control)
• WindowServerScreen drawing
• launchdProcess launcher
• loginwindowLogin and session manager
• DockDock and Mission Control
• FinderFinder
• SystemUIServerMenu bar items
• ControlCenterControl Center
• NotificationCenterNotification Center
• logdSystem logging
• opendirectorydUser accounts directory
• configdNetwork settings
• mDNSResponderNetwork names (DNS and Bonjour)
• coreaudiodAudio
• bluetoothdBluetooth
• airportdWi-Fi
• hiddKeyboard, mouse and trackpad
• powerdPower management
• sharingdAirDrop and Handoff
• distnotedSystem message bus
• cfprefsdApp settings
• UserEventAgentSystem event handler
• coreservicesdCore services
• runningboarddApp lifecycle manager
• symptomsdNetwork health monitor
• tccdPrivacy permissions
• securitydSecurity and keychain
• secdKeychain sync
• trustdCertificate checks
• syspolicydApp safety checks (Gatekeeper)
• XprotectServiceMalware protection
• amfidCode signature checks
• nsurlsessiondBackground downloads
• apsdPush notifications
• fseventsdFile change tracker
• diskarbitrationdDisk mounting
• kernelmanagerdDriver manager
• softwareupdatedSoftware Update
• backupdTime Machine
• dasdBackground task scheduler
• deletedStorage cleanup
• ReportCrashCrash reporter
• spindumpHang reporter
• VTDecoderXPCServiceVideo decoding
• VTEncoderXPCServiceVideo encoding
• MTLCompilerServiceGraphics compiler
• lsdApp database
• iconservicesagentApp icons
• containermanagerdApp containers
• localspeechrecognitionOn-device speech recognition
• mdsSpotlight
• mds_storesSpotlight file indexing
• mdworker_sharedSpotlight file reader
• mdworkerSpotlight file reader (older)
• mdbulkimportSpotlight bulk indexer
• corespotlightdSpotlight app content
• spotlightknowledgedSpotlight suggestions
• photoanalysisdPhotos analysis
• mediaanalysisdMedia analysis
• photolibrarydPhotos library
• birdiCloud Drive sync
• clouddiCloud sync
• fileproviderdCloud file provider
• duetexpertdSiri Suggestions
• siriactionsdSiri and Shortcuts actions
• suggestdSuggestions
• knowledge-agentUsage history
• routinedSignificant locations
• locationdLocation services
• assistantdSiri
• imagentMessages and FaceTime
• reminddReminders
• AMPLibraryAgentMusic library

Apps, helpers and virtual machines

• com.apple.WebKit.WebContentWeb page (Safari or an app)
• com.apple.WebKit.NetworkingWeb networking
• com.apple.WebKit.GPUWeb graphics
• Virtual machineVirtual machine
• com.docker.backendDocker
• nodeNode.js
• GoogleSoftwareUpdateAgentGoogle Software Update
• Microsoft AutoUpdateMicrosoft AutoUpdate
• AdobeCRDaemonAdobe background services
• Dropbox background servicesDropbox background services
• Zoom background servicesZoom background services