How to use Activity Monitor on Mac

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

Activity Monitor is a powerful utility on macOS that allows users to monitor system performance, including CPU usage, memory usage, disk activity, and network usage. To use Activity Monitor effectively, you can access it through multiple methods, and it provides detailed insights into the processes running on your Mac.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before using Activity Monitor, ensure you have the following:
  • •macOS version 10.5 (Leopard) or later is required.
  • •Administrator access may be necessary to view all processes.
  • •No additional software is required to run Activity Monitor.
  • •Backup important data to prevent loss during troubleshooting.

Method 1: Launching Activity Monitor via Spotlight

This method is quick and efficient for accessing Activity Monitor without navigating through Finder.
  • •Step 1: Press Command (⌘) + Spacebar to open Spotlight Search.
  • •Step 2: Type 'Activity Monitor' and press Enter.
  • •Step 3: The Activity Monitor window will appear, displaying real-time system statistics.
  • •Step 4: If Activity Monitor does not open, ensure Spotlight is enabled in System Preferences under 'Spotlight' > 'Search Results'.

For macOS Monterey (12) and later

No specific changes for launching via Spotlight.

For macOS Big Sur (11) and earlier

No specific changes for launching via Spotlight.

Method 2: Accessing Activity Monitor through Finder

Use this method if you prefer navigating through the Finder to locate Activity Monitor.
  • •Step 1: Open Finder by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock.
  • •Step 2: In the Finder menu, click on 'Applications'.
  • •Step 3: Scroll down and open the 'Utilities' folder.
  • •Step 4: Double-click on 'Activity Monitor' to launch it.
  • •Step 5: If you cannot find it, use the search bar in the top right corner of the Finder window.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while using Activity Monitor, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Activity Monitor is not responding' - Solution: Force quit Activity Monitor by pressing Command (⌘) + Option (⌥) + Esc, select Activity Monitor, and click 'Force Quit'.
  • •Issue: Unable to see all processes - Fix: Open Activity Monitor, go to 'View' in the menu bar, and select 'All Processes'.
  • •Problem: Activity Monitor is slow to load - Workaround: Restart your Mac to clear temporary files and free up system resources.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your productivity with these tips and shortcuts:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Command (⌘) + 1 - Switch to the CPU tab.
  • •Command line: Open Terminal and type 'open -a Activity\ Monitor' - This command opens Activity Monitor directly from the Terminal.
  • •Hidden feature: Use the 'Sample Process' option in the 'View' menu to analyze a specific process for performance issues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Regularly monitoring system performance with Activity Monitor can help maintain optimal Mac performance.