macOS processes › Backups and updates
What is softwareupdated on Mac?
softwareupdated checks for, downloads and prepares macOS updates and other Apple updates. It's busiest while an update is downloading or being prepared.
What it does
It powers Software Update in System Settings and the automatic checks in the background. After downloading, it prepares the update by verifying and staging files, which can use a lot of CPU and disk for a while before you're asked to restart. It also installs Security Responses and system data files if those options are on.
Why it gets busy
- Downloading a macOS update, which can be several gigabytes.
- Preparing an update after it downloads.
- Checking for updates on schedule or when you open Software Update.
- Retrying a failed download on an unstable connection.
Why is softwareupdated using so much CPU?
softwareupdated is downloading or preparing an update. Preparing is the heavy part, and it ends after the update installs.
Is it safe to quit?
macOS restarts it, and interrupting preparation can mean starting the download or preparation over.
How to calm it down
- Install the pending update. The preparation work ends once it's installed.
- To control timing, open System Settings › General › Software Update and click the info button next to Automatic Updates to choose what downloads and installs on its own.
- Keep Install Security Responses and system files turned on. Those updates are small and important.
- Stay plugged in and on a reliable network while an update downloads.
In SystemWatch
SystemWatch labels softwareupdated as Software Update and shows how long it's been busy, so you know whether an update is still preparing.
