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What is softwareupdated on Mac? Why it uses so much CPU, and how to fix it

Updated · 2 min read · by

Quick answer

softwareupdated is the service that checks for, downloads and prepares macOS updates. Preparing a big update can keep it busy for a while. Short spikes are normal. If it stays high, something is keeping it busy, and the steps below find and fix it.

What is softwareupdated?

softwareupdated runs macOS's Software Update. It checks Apple's servers for updates, downloads them in the background if automatic updates are on, and prepares them so installing is quicker.

The "preparing" step unpacks and verifies a large update, which uses real CPU and disk for a while.

Why is softwareupdated using so much CPU?

How to fix high softwareupdated CPU usage

  1. Confirm it in Activity Monitor. Press ⌘ Space, type Activity Monitor, open the CPU tab and sort by % CPU. Watch softwareupdated for a minute: short spikes are normal, only steady high usage needs fixing.
  2. Open System Settings › General › Software Update to see what's in progress.
  3. Let it finish and install the update. The work stops once the update is installed.
  4. Free up disk space if updates keep failing; big updates need plenty of room.
  5. Adjust automatic updates with the info button next to Automatic updates, if you'd rather download manually.

More help: How to check CPU usage on a Mac

Questions people ask

What is softwareupdated on a Mac?

softwareupdated is the service that checks for, downloads and prepares macOS updates. Preparing a big update can keep it busy for a while.

Can I quit softwareupdated?

It relaunches when needed. Installing the pending update is the real fix.

Is softwareupdated a virus?

Yes. softwareupdated is part of macOS.