macOS processes › Core system
What is lsd on Mac?
lsd is the Launch Services daemon. It keeps the database that tells macOS which apps are installed and which app opens each kind of file or link.
What it does
When you double-click a document, use Open With, or click a link, macOS asks Launch Services which app to use. lsd maintains that database, registering apps as they appear and updating which app handles which file type. Finder and many other processes query it all the time, usually at very little cost.
Why it gets busy
- Installing, updating or moving many apps at once.
- Connecting a drive that contains apps, which then get registered.
- Developer tools that build and rebuild app bundles over and over.
Why is lsd using so much CPU?
lsd works hardest right after apps are installed, updated or moved, or when a drive full of apps is connected. It settles once its database is up to date.
Is it safe to quit?
macOS starts it again when needed. Opening files and Open With menus may pause for a moment.
How to calm it down
- Give it a few minutes after installing or updating apps.
- Eject drives that hold copies of apps when you don't need them.
- If Open With lists stay wrong or lsd keeps spiking, restart your Mac.
In SystemWatch
SystemWatch shows lsd's activity over time, so you can confirm it rose with an app install and dropped once registration finished.
