What is sysextd on Mac?
By Junaid, maker of Taskglass · Last reviewed
Manages system extensions, the modern replacement for kernel extensions (VPNs, security tools, drivers).
sysextd helps install, approve, update and remove system extensions. These are modern add-ons used by VPN apps, firewalls, antivirus tools and some drivers that run outside the kernel for safety. It starts on demand and is normally quiet.
- Category
- macOS system
- Made by
- Apple
- Safe to quit:
- With care
Shown in Activity Monitor as sysextd
Why is sysextd using so much CPU or memory?
- Installing or updating a VPN, firewall, security tool or driver
- An extension waiting for your approval in System Settings
What to do
- 1Approve or deny pending extensions in System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions
- 2Let installations finish
- 3Restart your Mac
Safe to quit? With care.
It relaunches when needed; an extension install in progress might fail.
Related processes
Part of the Taskglass Process Library