macOS processes › Menu bar and interface
What is Dock on Mac?
The Dock process runs the Dock and several other parts of the interface, including Mission Control, Spaces, hot corners and the Command-Tab app switcher. Quitting it is safe; macOS brings it straight back.
What it does
Besides the Dock itself, it handles Mission Control, Spaces, hot corners, the app switcher and minimizing windows. On Sequoia it also runs Launchpad; macOS Tahoe replaced Launchpad with an Apps view in Spotlight.
Why it gets busy
- Animations: magnification, the Genie minimize effect and opening animations.
- Mission Control with many windows or Spaces.
- Many apps showing badges or progress bars on their Dock icons.
- Gradual memory growth when the Mac hasn't been restarted in a long time.
Why is Dock using so much CPU?
The Dock uses CPU for animations, Mission Control and icon badges. Turning off magnification and animations, or restarting it, usually fixes it.
Is it safe to quit?
macOS restarts it in a second. Your windows stay where they are.
How to calm it down
- In System Settings › Desktop & Dock, turn off Magnification and Animate opening applications, and set Minimize windows using to Scale Effect.
- Restart it with
killall Dockin Terminal if it acts up. It comes right back. - Close Spaces you don't use in Mission Control.
In SystemWatch
SystemWatch knows how much memory the Dock normally uses, and the website edition can restart it in one click when it misbehaves.
