macOS processes › Backups and updates
What is backupd on Mac?
backupd is the Time Machine backup process. It runs during backups and while Time Machine manages local snapshots and older backups.
What it does
For each backup, backupd works out what changed since the last one, copies it to your backup disk, and removes older backups as space runs out. backupd-helper starts backups on schedule. Backups to a network drive are stored as a disk image, so diskimagesiod works alongside it.
Why it gets busy
- The first backup to a new disk, which copies everything.
- Large changes since the last backup, like a new virtual machine, a photo import or a big download.
- Backing up to a network drive, which is slower and uses more CPU.
- Cleaning up old backups when the backup disk is full.
Why is backupd using so much CPU?
backupd is copying changes to your Time Machine disk. The first backup, big changes and network backups take longest, so exclude big folders or lower the backup frequency.
Is it safe to quit?
Stopping it mid-backup leaves that backup unfinished. Use Skip This Backup instead.
How to calm it down
- To stop the current backup, choose Skip This Backup from the Time Machine menu in the menu bar.
- Exclude large folders you don't need backed up, like Downloads or virtual machines, in System Settings › General › Time Machine › Options….
- In the same Options, set Back up frequency to daily or weekly if hourly backups get in your way.
- On a laptop, turn off backing up on battery power in Options.
In SystemWatch
SystemWatch labels backupd as Time Machine backup, and History shows how long each backup ran, so you can spot the ones that drag.
