Wdavdaemon_unprivileged Mac High CPU

What is Wdavdaemon_unprivileged on Mac

wdavdaemon unprivileged is a process related to Microsoft Defender. The feature is responsible for ensuring that audio and video runs effectively on your device, and it’s generally an essential part of your operations. Despite this, though, it can occasionally cause problems and result in a slower computer—especially if you have a Mac with lower processing capabilities.

How to check Wdavdaemon_unprivileged CPU usage on Mac

A high CPU percentage with wdavdaemon unprivileged suggests that the program is working harder than it needs to. However, it could also indicate outdated caches, a necessary software update, or something else. You can find out the true culprit via Activity Monitor on your device:

1. Open the Activity Monitor app. You can do this by searching for it in Spotlight.
2. In the search bar, type Wdavdaemon_unprivileged and hit the Enter key.

Why does Wdavdaemon_unprivileged consume so much CPU on Mac

wdavdaemon unprivileged can eat up your CPU for multiple reasons. In some cases, it could be due to using multiple audio apps and services, which is why it’s important to check CPU usage on your Mac. When this happens, conflicts can occur in the backend; as a result, wdavdaemon unprivileged has to work twice as hard.

A note from our experts: 

 

In addition to finding high-consumption CPU programs manually, you can do it with less effort required on your part. The best way to do so is via a third-party tool. MacKeeper’s Memory Cleaner is one such example. Our tool deletes redundant processes on your device by finding them and allowing you to tick and untick anything that you think is unnecessary (or vice versa).

 

Using MacKeeper’s Memory Cleaner is quite simple, and you can follow these instructions to do that:

1. Download MacKeeper.
2. After downloading the app, navigate to Performance > Memory Cleaner.
3. Click on Clear Memory on the next window.
4. Find the processes you want to quit and select the x button next to them.

How to fix Wdavdaemon_unprivileged high CPU on Mac

You can fix Wdavdaemon_unprivileged high CPU on Mac in multiple ways; it’ll depend on the reason why this issue is occurring in the first place:

1. Check for file sync overload.
2. Clear application cache files.
3. Update system and app software.
4. Terminate conflicting processes and restart core services.
5. Repair system files and permissions.
6. Scan for malware or adware.
7. Disable Wdavdaemon_unprivileged (for advanced users).

1. Check for file sync overload (OneDrive, iCloud, etc.)

I always recommend starting with the least time-consuming option when trying to solve a problem. Doing so means that you’re more likely to find the solution without stressing yourself out. When starting with high CPU processes, I generally look for file sync overload.

If you use OneDrive, iCloud, and other cloud storage tools at the same time, it can trigger Microsoft Defender scanning. As a result, you will also spike CPU usage. So, I suggest:

• Pausing sync
• Using Selective Sync
• Scheduling synchronization during idle time

OneDrive is normally the main offender, and you can find each of the above via Preferences > Sync. If it’s still causing problems, you can always remove OneDrive from your Mac.

2. Clear application cache files

Outdated caches can cause conflicts that result in high CPU usage. Of all the things I’ve tried when encountering these issues, I’m always surprised how easy it is to fix many problems by simply clearing the cache.

Clearing your cache is even more important for apps that regularly sync or scan files, which includes every cloud storage tool you use and Microsoft Defender (plus other malware-scanning tools).

To do so, you’ll need to use Finder:

1. Open the Finder app.
2. Select Go > Go to Folder (it’s at the bottom of the dropdown menu).
3. Type ~/Library/Caches/ and hit the Enter key.
4. Find cache files associated with the tools you use and send them to your Trash folder. From there, you can delete them permanently.

3. Update system and app software

I always recommend keeping your macOS and third-party app software up to date, especially when they’re file-syncing and security tools. Besides being essential for everything running smoothly, you also need to do so for security purposes.

If you’re having issues with your CPU usage, consider looking to see if app and software updates are needed. First, let’s look at how to update macOS:

1. Navigate to Apple menu > System Settings.
2. Go to General > Software Update.
3. Select Check for Update.
4. If you find one, select Update Now.
5. Confirm that you agree with Apple’s licensing agreement when asked.

4. Terminate conflicting processes and restart core services

You have two options to end conflicting processes and restart core services. The first is by going to Activity Monitor and quitting Wdavdaemon_unprivileged. In addition to this, you can use Terminal to enter the necessary code for audio and security-related daemons.

Both options are viable, and neither is more difficult than the other. It depends entirely on your personal preferences.

First, let’s look at how to terminate processes via Activity Monitor:

1. Open Activity Monitor.
2. Search for Wdavdaemon_unprivileged.
3. Press X to cancel the process.

Here’s how to end the processes via Terminal instead:

1. Open the Terminal app. You can find it via Spotlight.
2. Type sudo killall coreaudiod and hit the Enter key.
3. If needed, enter your password.

5. Repair system files and permissions

Sometimes, issues with system files and permissions may cause conflicts that result in high daemon CPU usage. Disk Utility is my top recommendation for verifying your system file integrity. Below are the instructions you should follow to repair this successfully:

1. Search for Disk Utility in Spotlight and open the app.
2. Select the disk you want to check.
3. Choose First Aid.
4. Wait for the diagnosis to run and make any recommended changes that the app suggests to you.
5. Restart your Mac like normal and enter your login details on the home screen.

6. Scan for malware or adware

You should check your Mac for malware regularly anyway, but high CPU usage could be a potential sign of malware or adware. If your device is infected, it will interfere with system daemons—including the potential to infiltrate Microsoft Defender. So, I suggest using a trusted antivirus tool to look for threats.

It doesn’t matter which malware scanner you use, as long as it’s beneficial for you. Start an ordinary scan, and then you’ll find if there’s anything you need to potentially switch. You can generally start something manual and it’ll find any issues.

7. Disable Wdavdaemon_unprivileged (advanced users)

I don’t recommend disabling the daemon unless you’re skilled, as this is a very technical process. This should also be an absolute final resort if none of the other tips have failed to solve the problem. Disabling the service will also stop Microsoft Defender’s real-time protection, which may compromise security.

If you absolutely must use this step, follow the instructions below:

1. Open the Terminal app. You can do this via Spotlight.
2. Type launchctl unload and hit the Enter key.

Even if you use this step, it should only be temporary. Before doing this, you may want to see if your problem is actually associated with fileproviderd on Mac is a high CPU instead. Doing so may save you from needing to do needless extra (and risky) work.

Everything you need to know about Wdavdaemon_unprivileged high CPU

Having Wdavdaemon_unprivileged consume significant CPU is infuriating, and it can stop your device from working properly if you aren’t careful. However, the issue has several fixes—some of which are more straightforward than others. Understanding these is vital in case you encounter this problem.

If you need to clear some of your CPU usage, MacKeeper’s Memory Cleaner is a great option. You can quickly remove tools that would cause issues and save yourself from needing to do various manual processes.