Buzz
Daemon processes run in the background on macOS. backupd is a daemon supporting Time Machine for Mac system restoration. (Learn how to use Time Machine here) Daemon backupd backs up your files every hour, meaning when Time Machine is active, you'll see backupd using CPU and memory on your system.
What is backupd? Why does it run on Mac?
In the Activity Monitor, you'll also spot a process named backupd-helper. This process aids in connecting backup drives on schedule for timely backups, especially when the backup location is on the network.
How to determine if Time Machine is running?
If you observe backupd consuming significant system resources, it means Time Machine is active and backing up something. To confirm, access System Preferences => Time Machine, where you can monitor the progress of current backups.
The explanation for why backupd consumes substantial system resources is straightforward—it's due to an ongoing backup. For quicker monitoring, activate the icon on the menu bar by checking the box next to the Show Time Machine in menu bar option at the bottom of the Time Machine window. To check Time Machine, click on the icon in the menu bar.
Ever wondered about the role of backupd and why it runs on Mac? Let's delve into what backupd is and the reasons behind its presence on your Mac.
In general, backupd doesn't impede your system's performance. By default, Time Machine is configured to conserve resources and not interrupt what you're currently working on.
Run a command to boost Time Machine
If backupd is consuming substantial memory, potentially causing slowdowns, you can use a command to minimize memory usage and accelerate Time Machine.
While this is a clever idea to temporarily boost Time Machine, it's not advisable for the long term.
Use the command below to speed up the backup process:
sudo sysctl debug.lowpri_throttle_enabled=0
Use the command below to revert the changes:
sudo sysctl debug.lowpri_throttle_enabled=1
Use these commands to prevent Time Machine from slowing down your system.
Mytour's article has explained what backupd is and why it runs on Mac. If you have any questions, feel free to leave your comments below the article. Additionally, we also introduce the article on dbfseventsd, why this file runs on Mac. If interested, you can check the details of dbfseventsd here.
WindowServer is also one of the files running on Mac, you can find more information here: WindowServer
