How To Fix fileproviderd Mac high CPU usage

If you’re facing high CPU usage caused by the fileproviderd process on your Mac, this step-by-step guide will help you resolve the issue efficiently. fileproviderd is a macOS daemon responsible for syncing files with cloud storage services, but it can sometimes consume excessive CPU resources, slowing down your system. Follow these straightforward steps to fix this problem and restore your Mac’s performance.

Step 1: Update macOS to the Latest Version

Keep your system updated to benefit from bug fixes and improvements that address CPU usage issues caused by system processes like fileproviderd.

• Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
• Navigate to General > Software Update.
• If an update is available, click Update Now and follow the prompts.

Step 2: Restart Your Cloud Storage Apps

Since fileproviderd works with cloud sync services (iCloud Drive, OneDrive, Google Drive), glitches in these apps can cause high CPU usage.

• Open the Apple menu and choose Force Quit.
• Select the relevant cloud storage app (e.g., OneDrive, Google Drive) and click Force Quit.
• Relaunch the app via Finder or the Applications folder.

Step 3: Remove Unnecessary or Stale File Provider Domains

Unused file provider domains can cause fileproviderd to work overtime. Cleaning these helps reduce CPU load.

• Open Terminal (in Utilities).
• Run fileproviderctl domain list to see active file provider domains.
• Identify stale or hidden, unauthenticated providers.
• Remove them using:

  fileproviderctl domain remove <stale-provider-name>
  

  Replace <stale-provider-name> with the exact name from the list.

Step 4: Toggle iCloud Drive Sync Off and On

Refreshing iCloud sync can resolve sync stuck states leading to CPU spikes.

• Open System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud.
• Turn off iCloud Drive sync.
• Wait a moment, then turn it back on.

Step 5: Stop Spotlight from Indexing Problematic Apps

Spotlight indexing certain cloud storage folders can exacerbate CPU usage by fileproviderd.

• Open System Settings > Siri & Spotlight.
• In Spotlight Privacy, add your cloud storage folders to the exclusion list.

Step 6: Reset or Reinstall Cloud Storage Apps

If specific apps like OneDrive or Google Drive persistently cause high CPU usage, reset their settings or reinstall them:

• Quit the app completely.
• Delete its app cache or reset via app settings if available.
• Uninstall the app and download the latest version from the official source.
• Reinstall and sign in again.

Step 7: Remove the FileProvider Folder Manually

Corrupt caches within the FileProvider folder might cause CPU spikes. Removing it forces macOS to rebuild the cache.

• In Finder, press Cmd+Shift+G and enter:
  /Library/FileProvider/
• Delete the contents of this folder. (You may need administrator access.)

Step 8: Scan Your Mac for Malware

Some malware disguises as fileproviderd, causing excessive CPU use. Use a trusted anti-malware tool like Combo Cleaner to scan and clean your system.

Step 9: Disable fileproviderd as a Last Resort

If all else fails and you don’t rely heavily on cloud syncing, temporarily disabling fileproviderd halts its CPU usage but disables related cloud features.

• Open Terminal and run:

  sudo launchctl unload -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.fileproviderd.plist
  

• To re-enable it later, run:

  sudo launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.fileproviderd.plist
  

By following these nine key steps, you can effectively reduce fileproviderd’s high CPU usage and improve your Mac’s overall responsiveness. Regular system maintenance and cautious management of cloud services will prevent similar issues in the future.