How do I fix high node (Node.js) usage?

1. Check which Terminal window, editor or app started it 2. Stop dev servers you don't need (Control-C in their Terminal window) 3. Quit the editor or app that launched it 4. Force quit the specific node process if it's stuck

What is node (Node.js) on Mac?

Q: Is it safe to quit node (Node.js)?

Yes, it's safe to quit. Generally safe; whatever it was running (a server, build or app feature) stops.

By Junaid, maker of Taskglass · Last reviewed November 5, 2026

Node.js, the JavaScript runtime used by developer tools, local servers and some apps.

node runs JavaScript programs outside a browser. Developers use it for local web servers, build tools and scripts, and some apps run their background work on it. If you're not a developer, a node process was probably started by an app or tool you installed. Check its file path and parent app to see where it came from.

Category: Developer tools
Made by: OpenJS Foundation (open source)
Safe to quit:: Yes

Shown in Activity Monitor as node

Why is node (Node.js) using so much CPU or memory?

A development server or build/watch process (webpack, Vite, Next.js, etc.)
Tests or scripts running
Language servers started by code editors
A script stuck in a loop or leaking memory

What to do

1Check which Terminal window, editor or app started it
2Stop dev servers you don't need (Control-C in their Terminal window)
3Quit the editor or app that launched it
4Force quit the specific node process if it's stuck

Safe to quit? Yes.

Generally safe; whatever it was running (a server, build or app feature) stops.

Typical usage

Rough ranges on Apple Silicon Macs. Yours will vary.

Memory: 50 MB – 2 GB depending on the program

Related processes

Part of the Taskglass Process Library