Dock using CPU or memory on a Mac: what it runs besides the Dock
The Dock process also runs Mission Control, Launchpad, Spaces and wallpaper. It used up to 4% CPU and 43 MB on our Mac. What drives it up and how to reset it.
What does the Dock process do?
More than the Dock. The same process draws Mission Control, Launchpad, Spaces, hot corners, stacks and the desktop wallpaper. It lives at /System/Library/CoreServices/Dock.app and runs as you.
| Sample on our Mac | CPU | Memory |
|---|---|---|
| Busy moment | 4.0% | 11 MB resident |
| Later | 0.0% | 43 MB |
Why is the Dock using CPU?
- A dynamic or video wallpaper, redrawn constantly.
- Many Spaces or full screen apps for Mission Control to keep ready.
- A large folder shown as a stack in the Dock, such as a Downloads folder with thousands of files.
- Magnification and animations while you move the pointer over it.
How do I reset it?
killall DockThe Dock, wallpaper and Spaces reload within a second. Your settings stay. Moving wallpapers are covered in live wallpaper apps and big Downloads folders in Downloads taking up space.
See it live
Free Mac's System tab ranks every process by processor use and energy impact, once a second, and marks the ones macOS will not let you quit as protected. See also WindowServer high CPU.
Related: com.apple.WebKit.WebContent high CPU and FindMyWidgetPeople.
Common questions
Why is the Dock using CPU on my Mac?
It also draws Mission Control, Spaces, Launchpad and the wallpaper. Moving wallpapers and large stacks are common causes.
How do I restart the Dock?
Run killall Dock in Terminal. It reloads in a second and keeps your settings.
How much memory does the Dock use?
About 43 MB on our Mac.