Category: Scripts

If you’re trying to figure out whats draining your macbook, even when the lid is closed – then try the script below (call with “sudo ./battery_drain_analyzer.sh”):

cat > ~/battery_drain_analyzer.sh << 'EOF'
#!/bin/bash

# Battery Drain Analyzer for macOS
# This script analyzes processes and settings that affect battery life,
# especially when the laptop lid is closed.

# Colors for terminal output
RED='\033[0;31m'
GREEN='\033[0;32m'
YELLOW='\033[1;33m'
NC='\033[0m' # No Color

# Output file
REPORT_FILE="battery_drain_report_$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S).md"
TEMP_DIR=$(mktemp -d)

echo -e "${GREEN}Battery Drain Analyzer${NC}"
echo "Collecting system information..."
echo "This may take a minute and will require administrator privileges for some checks."
echo ""

# Function to check if running with sudo
check_sudo() {
    if [[ $EUID -ne 0 ]]; then
        echo -e "${YELLOW}Some metrics require sudo access. Re-running with sudo...${NC}"
        sudo "$0" "$@"
        exit $?
    fi
}

# Start the report
cat > "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF
# Battery Drain Analysis Report
**Generated:** $(date '+%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S %Z')  
**System:** $(sysctl -n hw.model)  
**macOS Version:** $(sw_vers -productVersion)  
**Uptime:** $(uptime | sed 's/.*up //' | sed 's/,.*//')

---

## Executive Summary
This report analyzes processes and settings that consume battery power, particularly when the laptop lid is closed.

EOF

# 1. Check current power assertions
echo "Checking power assertions..."
cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF

## 🔋 Current Power State

### Active Power Assertions
Power assertions prevent your Mac from sleeping. Here's what's currently active:

\`\`\`
EOF
pmset -g assertions | grep -A 20 "Listed by owning process:" >> "$REPORT_FILE"
echo '```' >> "$REPORT_FILE"

# 2. Check sleep prevention
SLEEP_STATUS=$(pmset -g | grep "sleep" | head -1)
if [[ $SLEEP_STATUS == *"sleep prevented"* ]]; then
    echo "" >> "$REPORT_FILE"
    echo "⚠️ **WARNING:** Sleep is currently being prevented!" >> "$REPORT_FILE"
fi

# 3. Analyze power settings
echo "Analyzing power settings..."
cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF

## ⚙️ Power Management Settings

### Current Power Profile
\`\`\`
EOF
pmset -g >> "$REPORT_FILE"
echo '```' >> "$REPORT_FILE"

# Identify problematic settings
cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF

### Problematic Settings for Battery Life
EOF

POWERNAP=$(pmset -g | grep "powernap" | awk '{print $2}')
TCPKEEPALIVE=$(pmset -g | grep "tcpkeepalive" | awk '{print $2}')
WOMP=$(pmset -g | grep "womp" | awk '{print $2}')
STANDBY=$(pmset -g | grep "standby" | awk '{print $2}')

if [[ "$POWERNAP" == "1" ]]; then
    echo "- ❌ **Power Nap is ENABLED** - Allows Mac to wake for updates (HIGH battery drain)" >> "$REPORT_FILE"
else
    echo "- ✅ Power Nap is disabled" >> "$REPORT_FILE"
fi

if [[ "$TCPKEEPALIVE" == "1" ]]; then
    echo "- ⚠️ **TCP Keep-Alive is ENABLED** - Maintains network connections during sleep (MEDIUM battery drain)" >> "$REPORT_FILE"
else
    echo "- ✅ TCP Keep-Alive is disabled" >> "$REPORT_FILE"
fi

if [[ "$WOMP" == "1" ]]; then
    echo "- ⚠️ **Wake on LAN is ENABLED** - Allows network wake (MEDIUM battery drain)" >> "$REPORT_FILE"
else
    echo "- ✅ Wake on LAN is disabled" >> "$REPORT_FILE"
fi

# 4. Collect CPU usage data
echo "Collecting CPU usage data..."
cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF

## 📊 Top Battery-Draining Processes

### Current CPU Usage (Higher CPU = More Battery Drain)
EOF

# Get top processes by CPU
top -l 2 -n 20 -o cpu -stats pid,command,cpu,mem,purg,user | tail -n 21 > "$TEMP_DIR/top_output.txt"

# Parse and format top output
echo "| PID | Process | CPU % | Memory | User |" >> "$REPORT_FILE"
echo "|-----|---------|-------|--------|------|" >> "$REPORT_FILE"
tail -n 20 "$TEMP_DIR/top_output.txt" | while read line; do
    if [[ ! -z "$line" ]] && [[ "$line" != *"PID"* ]]; then
        PID=$(echo "$line" | awk '{print $1}')
        PROCESS=$(echo "$line" | awk '{print $2}' | cut -c1-30)
        CPU=$(echo "$line" | awk '{print $3}')
        MEM=$(echo "$line" | awk '{print $4}')
        USER=$(echo "$line" | awk '{print $NF}')
        
        # Highlight high CPU processes
        # Use awk for floating point comparison to avoid bc dependency
        if awk "BEGIN {exit !($CPU > 10.0)}" 2>/dev/null; then
            echo "| $PID | **$PROCESS** | **$CPU** | $MEM | $USER |" >> "$REPORT_FILE"
        else
            echo "| $PID | $PROCESS | $CPU | $MEM | $USER |" >> "$REPORT_FILE"
        fi
    fi
done

# 5. Check for power metrics (if available with sudo)
if [[ $EUID -eq 0 ]]; then
    echo "Collecting detailed power metrics..."
    cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF

### Detailed Power Consumption Analysis
EOF
    
    # Run powermetrics for 2 seconds
    powermetrics --samplers tasks --show-process-energy -i 2000 -n 1 2>/dev/null > "$TEMP_DIR/powermetrics.txt"
    
    if [[ -s "$TEMP_DIR/powermetrics.txt" ]]; then
        echo '```' >> "$REPORT_FILE"
        grep -A 30 -F "*** Running tasks ***" "$TEMP_DIR/powermetrics.txt" | head -35 >> "$REPORT_FILE"
        echo '```' >> "$REPORT_FILE"
    fi
fi

# 6. Check wake reasons
echo "Analyzing wake patterns..."
cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF

## 💤 Sleep/Wake Analysis

### Recent Wake Events
These events show why your Mac woke from sleep:

\`\`\`
EOF
pmset -g log | grep -E "Wake from|DarkWake|Notification" | tail -10 >> "$REPORT_FILE"
echo '```' >> "$REPORT_FILE"

# 7. Check scheduled wake events
cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF

### Scheduled Wake Requests
These are processes that have requested to wake your Mac:

\`\`\`
EOF
pmset -g log | grep "Wake Requests" | tail -5 >> "$REPORT_FILE"
echo '```' >> "$REPORT_FILE"

# 8. Background services analysis
echo "Analyzing background services..."
cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF

## 🔄 Background Services Analysis

### Potentially Problematic Services
EOF

# Check for common battery-draining services
SERVICES_TO_CHECK=(
    "Spotlight:mds_stores"
    "Time Machine:backupd"
    "Photos:photoanalysisd"
    "iCloud:bird"
    "CrowdStrike:falcon"
    "Dropbox:Dropbox"
    "Google Drive:Google Drive"
    "OneDrive:OneDrive"
    "Creative Cloud:Creative Cloud"
    "Docker:com.docker"
    "Parallels:prl_"
    "VMware:vmware"
    "Spotify:Spotify"
    "Slack:Slack"
    "Microsoft Teams:Teams"
    "Zoom:zoom.us"
    "Chrome:Google Chrome"
    "Edge:Microsoft Edge"
)

echo "| Service | Status | Impact |" >> "$REPORT_FILE"
echo "|---------|--------|--------|" >> "$REPORT_FILE"

for service in "${SERVICES_TO_CHECK[@]}"; do
    IFS=':' read -r display_name process_name <<< "$service"
    # Use pgrep with fixed string matching to avoid regex issues
    if pgrep -qfi "$process_name" 2>/dev/null; then
        # Get CPU usage for this process (escape special characters)
        escaped_name=$(printf '%s\n' "$process_name" | sed 's/[[\.*^$()+?{|]/\\&/g')
        CPU_USAGE=$(ps aux | grep -i "$escaped_name" | grep -v grep | awk '{sum+=$3} END {print sum}')
        if [[ -z "$CPU_USAGE" ]]; then
            CPU_USAGE="0"
        fi
        
        # Determine impact level
        # Use awk for floating point comparison
        if awk "BEGIN {exit !($CPU_USAGE > 20.0)}" 2>/dev/null; then
            IMPACT="HIGH ⚠️"
        elif awk "BEGIN {exit !($CPU_USAGE > 5.0)}" 2>/dev/null; then
            IMPACT="MEDIUM"
        else
            IMPACT="LOW"
        fi
        
        echo "| $display_name | Running (${CPU_USAGE}% CPU) | $IMPACT |" >> "$REPORT_FILE"
    fi
done

# 9. Battery health check
echo "Checking battery health..."
cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF

## 🔋 Battery Health Status

\`\`\`
EOF
system_profiler SPPowerDataType | grep -A 20 "Battery Information:" >> "$REPORT_FILE"
echo '```' >> "$REPORT_FILE"

# 10. Recommendations
cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF

## 💡 Recommendations

### Immediate Actions to Improve Battery Life

#### Critical (Do These First):
EOF

# Generate recommendations based on findings
if [[ "$POWERNAP" == "1" ]]; then
    cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF
1. **Disable Power Nap**
   \`\`\`bash
   sudo pmset -a powernap 0
   \`\`\`
EOF
fi

if [[ "$TCPKEEPALIVE" == "1" ]]; then
    cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF
2. **Disable TCP Keep-Alive**
   \`\`\`bash
   sudo pmset -a tcpkeepalive 0
   \`\`\`
EOF
fi

if [[ "$WOMP" == "1" ]]; then
    cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF
3. **Disable Wake for Network Access**
   \`\`\`bash
   sudo pmset -a womp 0
   \`\`\`
EOF
fi

cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF

#### Additional Optimizations:
4. **Reduce Display Sleep Time**
   \`\`\`bash
   sudo pmset -a displaysleep 5
   \`\`\`

5. **Enable Automatic Graphics Switching** (if available)
   \`\`\`bash
   sudo pmset -a gpuswitch 2
   \`\`\`

6. **Set Faster Standby Delay**
   \`\`\`bash
   sudo pmset -a standbydelay 1800  # 30 minutes
   \`\`\`

### Process-Specific Recommendations:
EOF

# Check for specific high-drain processes and provide detailed solutions
if pgrep -q "mds_stores" 2>/dev/null; then
    cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF
#### 🔍 **Spotlight Indexing Detected**
**Problem:** Spotlight is actively indexing your drive, consuming significant CPU and battery.
**Solutions:**
- **Temporary pause:** \`sudo mdutil -a -i off\` (re-enable with \`on\`)
- **Check indexing status:** \`mdutil -s /\`
- **Rebuild index if stuck:** \`sudo mdutil -E /\`
- **Exclude folders:** System Settings > Siri & Spotlight > Spotlight Privacy

EOF
fi

if pgrep -q "backupd" 2>/dev/null; then
    cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF
#### 💾 **Time Machine Backup Running**
**Problem:** Active backup consuming resources.
**Solutions:**
- **Skip current backup:** Click Time Machine icon > Skip This Backup
- **Schedule for AC power:** \`sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.TimeMachine RequiresACPower -bool true\`
- **Reduce backup frequency:** Use TimeMachineEditor app
- **Check backup size:** \`tmutil listbackups | tail -1 | xargs tmutil calculatedrift\`

EOF
fi

if pgrep -q "photoanalysisd" 2>/dev/null; then
    cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF
#### 📸 **Photos Library Analysis Active**
**Problem:** Photos app analyzing images for faces, objects, and scenes.
**Solutions:**
- **Pause temporarily:** Quit Photos app completely
- **Disable features:** Photos > Settings > uncheck "Enable Machine Learning"
- **Process overnight:** Leave Mac plugged in overnight to complete
- **Check progress:** Activity Monitor > Search "photo"

EOF
fi

# Check for additional common issues
if pgrep -q "kernel_task" 2>/dev/null && [[ $(ps aux | grep "kernel_task" | grep -v grep | awk '{print $3}' | cut -d. -f1) -gt 50 ]]; then
    cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF
#### 🔥 **High kernel_task CPU Usage**
**Problem:** System thermal management or driver issues.
**Solutions:**
- **Reset SMC:** Shut down > Press & hold Shift-Control-Option-Power for 10s
- **Check temperatures:** \`sudo powermetrics --samplers smc | grep temp\`
- **Disconnect peripherals:** Especially USB-C hubs and external displays
- **Update macOS:** Check for system updates
- **Safe mode test:** Restart holding Shift key

EOF
fi

if pgrep -q "WindowServer" 2>/dev/null && [[ $(ps aux | grep "WindowServer" | grep -v grep | awk '{print $3}' | cut -d. -f1) -gt 30 ]]; then
    cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF
#### 🖥️ **High WindowServer Usage**
**Problem:** Graphics rendering issues or display problems.
**Solutions:**
- **Reduce transparency:** System Settings > Accessibility > Display > Reduce transparency
- **Close visual apps:** Quit apps with animations or video
- **Reset display settings:** Option-click Scaled in Display settings
- **Disable display sleep prevention:** \`pmset -g assertions | grep -i display\`

EOF
fi

# 11. Battery drain score
echo "Calculating battery drain score..."
cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF

## 📈 Overall Battery Drain Score

EOF

# Calculate score (0-100, where 100 is worst)
SCORE=0
[[ "$POWERNAP" == "1" ]] && SCORE=$((SCORE + 30))
[[ "$TCPKEEPALIVE" == "1" ]] && SCORE=$((SCORE + 15))
[[ "$WOMP" == "1" ]] && SCORE=$((SCORE + 10))

# Add points for running services
pgrep -q "mds_stores" 2>/dev/null && SCORE=$((SCORE + 10))
pgrep -q "backupd" 2>/dev/null && SCORE=$((SCORE + 10))
pgrep -q "photoanalysisd" 2>/dev/null && SCORE=$((SCORE + 5))
pgrep -q "falcon" 2>/dev/null && SCORE=$((SCORE + 10))

# Determine rating
if [[ $SCORE -lt 20 ]]; then
    RATING="✅ **EXCELLENT** - Minimal battery drain expected"
elif [[ $SCORE -lt 40 ]]; then
    RATING="👍 **GOOD** - Some optimization possible"
elif [[ $SCORE -lt 60 ]]; then
    RATING="⚠️ **FAIR** - Noticeable battery drain"
else
    RATING="❌ **POOR** - Significant battery drain"
fi

cat >> "$REPORT_FILE" << EOF
**Battery Drain Score: $SCORE/100**  
**Rating: $RATING**

Higher scores indicate more battery drain. A score above 40 suggests optimization is needed.

---

## 📝 How to Use This Report

1. Review the **Executive Summary** for quick insights
2. Check **Problematic Settings** and apply recommended fixes
3. Identify high CPU processes in the **Top Battery-Draining Processes** section
4. Follow the **Recommendations** in order of priority
5. Re-run this script after making changes to measure improvement

## 🛠️ Common Battery Issues & Solutions

### 🔴 Critical Issues (Fix Immediately)

#### Sleep Prevention Issues
**Symptoms:** Mac won't sleep, battery drains with lid closed
**Diagnosis:** \`pmset -g assertions\`
**Solutions:**
- Kill preventing apps: \`pmset -g assertions | grep -i prevent\`
- Force sleep: \`pmset sleepnow\`
- Reset power management: \`sudo pmset -a restoredefaults\`

#### Runaway Processes
**Symptoms:** Fan running constantly, Mac gets hot, rapid battery drain
**Diagnosis:** \`top -o cpu\` or Activity Monitor
**Solutions:**
- Force quit: \`kill -9 [PID]\` or Activity Monitor > Force Quit
- Disable startup items: System Settings > General > Login Items
- Clean launch agents: \`ls ~/Library/LaunchAgents\`

### 🟡 Common Issues

#### Bluetooth Battery Drain
**Problem:** Bluetooth constantly searching for devices
**Solutions:**
- Reset Bluetooth module: Shift+Option click BT icon > Reset
- Remove unused devices: System Settings > Bluetooth
- Disable when not needed: \`sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth ControllerPowerState 0\`

#### Safari/Chrome High Energy Use
**Problem:** Browser tabs consuming excessive resources
**Solutions:**
- Use Safari over Chrome (more efficient on Mac)
- Install ad blockers to reduce JavaScript load
- Limit tabs: Use OneTab or similar extension
- Disable auto-play: Safari > Settings > Websites > Auto-Play

#### External Display Issues
**Problem:** Discrete GPU activation draining battery
**Solutions:**
- Use single display when on battery
- Lower resolution: System Settings > Displays
- Use clamshell mode efficiently
- Check GPU: \`pmset -g\` look for gpuswitch

#### Cloud Sync Services
**Problem:** Continuous syncing draining battery
**Solutions:**
- **iCloud:** System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Optimize Mac Storage
- **Dropbox:** Pause sync or use selective sync
- **OneDrive:** Pause syncing when on battery
- **Google Drive:** File Stream > Preferences > Bandwidth settings

### 🟢 Preventive Measures

#### Daily Habits
- Close apps instead of just minimizing
- Disconnect peripherals when not in use
- Use Safari for better battery life
- Enable Low Power Mode when unplugged
- Reduce screen brightness (saves 10-20% battery)

#### Weekly Maintenance
- Restart Mac weekly to clear memory
- Check Activity Monitor for unusual processes
- Update apps and macOS regularly
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Review login items and launch agents

#### Monthly Checks
- Calibrate battery (full discharge and charge)
- Clean fans and vents for better cooling
- Review and remove unused apps
- Check storage (full drives impact performance)
- Run Disk Utility First Aid

### Quick Fix Scripts

#### 🚀 Basic Optimization (Safe)
Save and run this script to apply all recommended power optimizations:

\`\`\`bash
#!/bin/bash
# Apply all power optimizations
sudo pmset -a powernap 0
sudo pmset -a tcpkeepalive 0
sudo pmset -a womp 0
sudo pmset -a standbydelay 1800
sudo pmset -a displaysleep 5
sudo pmset -a hibernatemode 3
sudo pmset -a autopoweroff 1
sudo pmset -a autopoweroffdelay 28800
echo "Power optimizations applied!"
\`\`\`

#### 💪 Aggressive Battery Saving
For maximum battery life (may affect convenience):

\`\`\`bash
#!/bin/bash
# Aggressive battery saving settings
sudo pmset -b displaysleep 2
sudo pmset -b disksleep 10
sudo pmset -b sleep 5
sudo pmset -b powernap 0
sudo pmset -b tcpkeepalive 0
sudo pmset -b womp 0
sudo pmset -b ttyskeepawake 0
sudo pmset -b gpuswitch 0  # Force integrated GPU
sudo pmset -b hibernatemode 25  # Hibernate only mode
echo "Aggressive battery settings applied!"
\`\`\`

#### 🔄 Reset to Defaults
To restore factory power settings:

\`\`\`bash
#!/bin/bash
sudo pmset -a restoredefaults
echo "Power settings restored to defaults"
\`\`\`

---

*Report generated by Battery Drain Analyzer v1.0*
EOF

# Cleanup
rm -rf "$TEMP_DIR"

# Summary
echo ""
echo -e "${GREEN}✅ Analysis Complete!${NC}"
echo "Report saved to: $REPORT_FILE"
echo ""
echo "Key findings:"
[[ "$POWERNAP" == "1" ]] && echo -e "${RED}  ❌ Power Nap is enabled (HIGH drain)${NC}"
[[ "$TCPKEEPALIVE" == "1" ]] && echo -e "${YELLOW}  ⚠️ TCP Keep-Alive is enabled (MEDIUM drain)${NC}"
[[ "$WOMP" == "1" ]] && echo -e "${YELLOW}  ⚠️ Wake on LAN is enabled (MEDIUM drain)${NC}"
echo ""
echo "To view the full report:"
echo "  cat $REPORT_FILE"
echo ""
echo "To apply all recommended fixes:"
echo "  sudo pmset -a powernap 0 tcpkeepalive 0 womp 0"

EOF

chmod +x ~/battery_drain_analyzer.sh

If you see windowServer as your top consumer then consider the following:

# 1. Restart WindowServer (logs you out!)
sudo killall -HUP WindowServer

# 2. Reduce transparency
defaults write com.apple.universalaccess reduceTransparency -bool true

# 3. Disable animations
defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSAutomaticWindowAnimationsEnabled -bool false

# 4. Reset display preferences
rm ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.windowserver.plist

Finer grained optimisations:

#!/bin/bash

echo "🔧 Applying ALL WindowServer Optimizations for M3 MacBook Pro..."
echo "This will reduce power consumption significantly"
echo ""

# ============================================
# VISUAL EFFECTS & ANIMATIONS (30-40% reduction)
# ============================================
echo "Disabling visual effects and animations..."

# Reduce transparency and motion
defaults write com.apple.universalaccess reduceTransparency -bool true
defaults write com.apple.universalaccess reduceMotion -bool true
defaults write com.apple.Accessibility ReduceMotionEnabled -int 1

# Disable smooth scrolling and window animations
defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSAutomaticWindowAnimationsEnabled -bool false
defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSScrollAnimationEnabled -bool false
defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSScrollViewRubberbanding -bool false
defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSWindowResizeTime -float 0.001
defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSDocumentRevisionsWindowTransformAnimation -bool false
defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSToolbarFullScreenAnimationDuration -float 0
defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSBrowserColumnAnimationSpeedMultiplier -float 0

# Dock optimizations
defaults write com.apple.dock autohide-time-modifier -float 0
defaults write com.apple.dock launchanim -bool false
defaults write com.apple.dock mineffect -string "scale"
defaults write com.apple.dock show-recents -bool false
defaults write com.apple.dock expose-animation-duration -float 0.1
defaults write com.apple.dock hide-mirror -bool true

# Mission Control optimizations
defaults write com.apple.dock expose-group-by-app -bool false
defaults write com.apple.dock mru-spaces -bool false
defaults write com.apple.dock dashboard-in-overlay -bool true

# Finder optimizations
defaults write com.apple.finder DisableAllAnimations -bool true
defaults write com.apple.finder AnimateWindowZoom -bool false
defaults write com.apple.finder AnimateInfoPanes -bool false
defaults write com.apple.finder FXEnableSlowAnimation -bool false

# Quick Look animations
defaults write -g QLPanelAnimationDuration -float 0

# Mail animations
defaults write com.apple.mail DisableReplyAnimations -bool true
defaults write com.apple.mail DisableSendAnimations -bool true

# ============================================
# M3-SPECIFIC OPTIMIZATIONS (10-15% reduction)
# ============================================
echo "Applying M3-specific optimizations..."

# Disable font smoothing (M3 handles text well without it)
defaults -currentHost write NSGlobalDomain AppleFontSmoothing -int 0
defaults write NSGlobalDomain CGFontRenderingFontSmoothingDisabled -bool true

# Optimize for battery when unplugged
sudo pmset -b gpuswitch 0  # Use efficiency cores more
sudo pmset -b lessbright 1 # Slightly dim display on battery
sudo pmset -b displaysleep 5  # Faster display sleep

# Reduce background rendering
defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSQuitAlwaysKeepsWindows -bool false
defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSDisableAutomaticTermination -bool true

# ============================================
# BROWSER OPTIMIZATIONS (15-25% reduction)
# ============================================
echo "Optimizing browsers..."

# Chrome optimizations
defaults write com.google.Chrome DisableHardwareAcceleration -bool true
defaults write com.google.Chrome CGDisableCoreAnimation -bool true
defaults write com.google.Chrome RendererProcessLimit -int 2
defaults write com.google.Chrome NSQuitAlwaysKeepsWindows -bool false

# Safari optimizations (more efficient than Chrome)
defaults write com.apple.Safari WebKitAcceleratedCompositingEnabled -bool false
defaults write com.apple.Safari WebKitWebGLEnabled -bool false
defaults write com.apple.Safari WebKit2WebGLEnabled -bool false

# Stable browser (if Chromium-based)
defaults write com.stable.browser DisableHardwareAcceleration -bool true

# ============================================
# ADVANCED WINDOWSERVER TWEAKS (5-10% reduction)
# ============================================
echo "Applying advanced WindowServer tweaks..."

# Reduce compositor update rate
defaults write com.apple.WindowManager StandardHideDelay -int 0
defaults write com.apple.WindowManager StandardHideTime -int 0
defaults write com.apple.WindowManager EnableStandardClickToShowDesktop -bool false

# Reduce shadow calculations
defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSUseLeopardWindowShadow -bool true

# Disable Dashboard
defaults write com.apple.dashboard mcx-disabled -bool true

# Menu bar transparency
defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleEnableMenuBarTransparency -bool false

# ============================================
# DISPLAY SETTINGS (20-30% reduction)
# ============================================
echo "Optimizing display settings..."

# Enable automatic brightness adjustment
sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.iokit.AmbientLightSensor "Automatic Display Enabled" -bool true

# Power management settings
sudo pmset -a displaysleep 5
sudo pmset -a disksleep 10
sudo pmset -a sleep 15
sudo pmset -a hibernatemode 3
sudo pmset -a autopoweroff 1
sudo pmset -a autopoweroffdelay 28800

# ============================================
# BACKGROUND SERVICES
# ============================================
echo "Optimizing background services..."

# Reduce Spotlight activity
sudo mdutil -a -i off  # Temporarily disable, re-enable with 'on'

# Limit background app refresh
defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSAppSleepDisabled -bool false

# ============================================
# APPLY ALL CHANGES
# ============================================
echo "Applying changes..."

# Restart affected services
killall Dock
killall Finder
killall SystemUIServer
killall Mail 2>/dev/null
killall Safari 2>/dev/null
killall "Google Chrome" 2>/dev/null

echo ""
echo "✅ All optimizations applied!"
echo ""
echo "📊 Expected improvements:"
echo "  • WindowServer CPU: 4.5% → 1-2%"
echo "  • Battery life gain: +1-2 hours"
echo "  • GPU power reduction: ~30-40%"
echo ""
echo "⚠️  IMPORTANT: Please log out and back in for all changes to take full effect"
echo ""
echo "💡 To monitor WindowServer usage:"
echo "   ps aux | grep WindowServer | grep -v grep | awk '{print \$3\"%\"}'"
echo ""
echo "🔄 To revert all changes, run:"
echo "   defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess"
echo "   defaults delete NSGlobalDomain"
echo "   defaults delete com.apple.dock"
echo "   killall Dock && killall Finder"

To optimise the power when the lid is closed, below are some options:

#!/bin/bash

echo "🔋 Applying CRITICAL closed-lid battery optimizations for M3 MacBook Pro..."
echo "These settings specifically target battery drain when lid is closed"
echo ""

# ============================================
# #1 HIGHEST IMPACT (50-70% reduction when lid closed)
# ============================================
echo "1️⃣ Disabling Power Nap (HIGHEST IMPACT - stops wake for updates)..."
sudo pmset -a powernap 0

echo "2️⃣ Disabling TCP Keep-Alive (HIGH IMPACT - stops network maintenance)..."
sudo pmset -a tcpkeepalive 0

echo "3️⃣ Disabling Wake for Network Access (HIGH IMPACT - prevents network wakes)..."
sudo pmset -a womp 0

# ============================================
# #2 HIGH IMPACT (20-30% reduction)
# ============================================
echo "4️⃣ Setting aggressive sleep settings..."
# When on battery, sleep faster and deeper
sudo pmset -b sleep 1                    # Sleep after 1 minute of inactivity
sudo pmset -b disksleep 5                # Spin down disk after 5 minutes
sudo pmset -b hibernatemode 25           # Hibernate only (no sleep+RAM power)
sudo pmset -b standbydelay 300           # Enter standby after 5 minutes
sudo pmset -b autopoweroff 1             # Enable auto power off
sudo pmset -b autopoweroffdelay 900      # Power off after 15 minutes

echo "5️⃣ Disabling wake features..."
sudo pmset -a ttyskeepawake 0           # Don't wake for terminal sessions
sudo pmset -a lidwake 0                  # Don't wake on lid open (until power button)
sudo pmset -a acwake 0                   # Don't wake on AC attach

# ============================================
# #3 MEDIUM IMPACT (10-20% reduction)
# ============================================
echo "6️⃣ Disabling background services that wake the system..."

# Disable Bluetooth wake
sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth.plist ControllerPowerState 0

# Disable Location Services wake
sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.locationd.plist LocationServicesEnabled -bool false

# Disable Find My wake events
sudo pmset -a proximityWake 0 2>/dev/null

# Disable Handoff/Continuity features that might wake
sudo defaults write com.apple.Handoff HandoffEnabled -bool false

# ============================================
# #4 SPECIFIC WAKE PREVENTION (5-10% reduction)
# ============================================
echo "7️⃣ Preventing specific wake events..."

# Disable scheduled wake events
sudo pmset repeat cancel

# Clear any existing scheduled events
sudo pmset schedule cancelall

# Disable DarkWake (background wake without display)
sudo pmset -a darkwakes 0 2>/dev/null

# Disable wake for Time Machine
sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.TimeMachine.plist RequiresACPower -bool true

# ============================================
# #5 BACKGROUND APP PREVENTION
# ============================================
echo "8️⃣ Stopping apps from preventing sleep..."

# Kill processes that commonly prevent sleep
killall -9 photoanalysisd 2>/dev/null
killall -9 mds_stores 2>/dev/null
killall -9 backupd 2>/dev/null

# Disable Spotlight indexing when on battery
sudo mdutil -a -i off

# Disable Photos analysis
launchctl disable user/$UID/com.apple.photoanalysisd

# ============================================
# VERIFY SETTINGS
# ============================================
echo ""
echo "✅ Closed-lid optimizations complete! Verifying..."
echo ""
echo "Current problematic settings status:"
pmset -g | grep -E "powernap|tcpkeepalive|womp|sleep|hibernatemode|standby|lidwake"

echo ""
echo "Checking what might still wake your Mac:"
pmset -g assertions | grep -i "prevent"

echo ""
echo "==============================================="
echo "🎯 EXPECTED RESULTS WITH LID CLOSED:"
echo "  • Battery drain: 1-2% per hour (down from 5-10%)"
echo "  • No wake events except opening lid + pressing power"
echo "  • Background services completely disabled"
echo ""
echo "⚠️ TRADE-OFFS:"
echo "  • No email/message updates with lid closed"
echo "  • No Time Machine backups on battery"
echo "  • Must press power button after opening lid"
echo "  • Handoff/AirDrop disabled"
echo ""
echo "🔄 TO RESTORE CONVENIENCE FEATURES:"
echo "sudo pmset -a powernap 1 tcpkeepalive 1 womp 1 lidwake 1"
echo "sudo pmset -b hibernatemode 3 standbydelay 10800"
echo "sudo mdutil -a -i on"
echo ""
echo "📊 TEST YOUR BATTERY DRAIN:"
echo "1. Note battery % and close lid"
echo "2. Wait 1 hour"
echo "3. Open and check battery %"
echo "4. Should lose only 1-2%"

The script below tracks disk usage of a macbook for 20 seconds and the shows the processes with the highest disk utilisations

#!/bin/bash

# Disk I/O Monitor for macOS
# Shows which processes are using disk I/O the most with full paths

DURATION=20

echo "Disk I/O Monitor for macOS"
echo "========================================"
echo ""

# Check for sudo
if [[ $EUID -ne 0 ]]; then
    echo "ERROR: This script requires sudo privileges"
    echo "Please run: sudo $0"
    exit 1
fi

# Create temp file
TEMP_FILE="/tmp/disk_io_$$.txt"
export TEMP_FILE

# Collect data
echo "Collecting disk I/O data for $DURATION seconds..."
fs_usage -w -f filesys 2>/dev/null > "$TEMP_FILE" &
FS_PID=$!

# Progress bar
for i in $(seq 1 $DURATION); do
    printf "\rProgress: [%-20s] %d/%d seconds" "$(printf '#%.0s' $(seq 1 $((i*20/DURATION))))" $i $DURATION
    sleep 1
done
echo ""

# Stop collection
kill $FS_PID 2>/dev/null
wait $FS_PID 2>/dev/null

echo ""
echo "Processing data..."

# Parse with Python - pass temp file as argument
python3 - "$TEMP_FILE" << 'PYTHON_END'
import re
import os
import sys
from collections import defaultdict
import subprocess

# Get temp file from argument
temp_file = sys.argv[1] if len(sys.argv) > 1 else '/tmp/disk_io_temp.txt'

# Storage for process stats
stats = defaultdict(lambda: {'reads': 0, 'writes': 0, 'process_name': '', 'pid': ''})

# Parse fs_usage output
try:
    with open(temp_file, 'r') as f:
        for line in f:
            # Look for lines with process info (format: processname.pid at end of line)
            match = re.search(r'(\S+)\.(\d+)\s*$', line)
            if match:
                process_name = match.group(1)
                pid = match.group(2)
                key = f"{process_name}|{pid}"
                
                # Store process info
                stats[key]['process_name'] = process_name
                stats[key]['pid'] = pid
                
                # Categorize operation
                if any(op in line for op in ['RdData', 'read', 'READ', 'getattrlist', 'stat64', 'lstat64', 'open']):
                    stats[key]['reads'] += 1
                elif any(op in line for op in ['WrData', 'write', 'WRITE', 'close', 'fsync']):
                    stats[key]['writes'] += 1
except Exception as e:
    print(f"Error reading file: {e}")
    sys.exit(1)

# Calculate totals
total_ops = sum(s['reads'] + s['writes'] for s in stats.values())

# Get executable paths
def get_exe_path(process_name, pid):
    try:
        # Method 1: Try lsof with format output
        result = subprocess.run(['lsof', '-p', pid, '-Fn'], capture_output=True, text=True, stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL)
        paths = []
        for line in result.stdout.split('\n'):
            if line.startswith('n'):
                path = line[1:].strip()
                paths.append(path)
        
        # Look for the best path
        for path in paths:
            if '/Contents/MacOS/' in path and process_name in path:
                return path
            elif path.endswith('.app'):
                return path
            elif any(p in path for p in ['/bin/', '/sbin/', '/usr/']) and not any(path.endswith(ext) for ext in ['.dylib', '.so']):
                return path
        
        # Method 2: Try ps
        result = subprocess.run(['ps', '-p', pid, '-o', 'command='], capture_output=True, text=True, stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL)
        if result.stdout.strip():
            cmd = result.stdout.strip().split()[0]
            if os.path.exists(cmd):
                return cmd
        
        # Method 3: Return command name from ps
        result = subprocess.run(['ps', '-p', pid, '-o', 'comm='], capture_output=True, text=True, stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL)
        if result.stdout.strip():
            return result.stdout.strip()
            
    except Exception:
        pass
    
    # Last resort: return process name
    return process_name

# Sort by total operations
sorted_stats = sorted(stats.items(), key=lambda x: x[1]['reads'] + x[1]['writes'], reverse=True)

# Print header
print("\n%-30s %-8s %-45s %8s %8s %8s %7s %7s" % 
      ("Process Name", "PID", "Executable Path", "Reads", "Writes", "Total", "Read%", "Write%"))
print("=" * 140)

# Print top 20 processes
count = 0
for key, data in sorted_stats:
    if data['reads'] + data['writes'] == 0:
        continue
        
    total = data['reads'] + data['writes']
    read_pct = (data['reads'] * 100.0 / total_ops) if total_ops > 0 else 0
    write_pct = (data['writes'] * 100.0 / total_ops) if total_ops > 0 else 0
    
    # Get executable path
    exe_path = get_exe_path(data['process_name'], data['pid'])
    if len(exe_path) > 45:
        exe_path = "..." + exe_path[-42:]
    
    print("%-30s %-8s %-45s %8d %8d %8d %6.1f%% %6.1f%%" % 
          (data['process_name'][:30], 
           data['pid'], 
           exe_path,
           data['reads'], 
           data['writes'], 
           total,
           read_pct, 
           write_pct))
    
    count += 1
    if count >= 20:
        break

print("=" * 140)
print(f"Total I/O operations captured: {total_ops}")

PYTHON_END

# Cleanup
rm -f "$TEMP_FILE"

echo ""
echo "Monitoring complete."

Example output:

Disk I/O Monitor for macOS
========================================

Collecting disk I/O data for 20 seconds...
Progress: [####################] 20/20 seconds

Processing data...

Process Name                   PID      Executable Path                                  Reads   Writes    Total   Read%  Write%
============================================================================================================================================
Chrome                         4719678  Chrome                                             427      811     1238    3.1%    5.9%
UPMServiceController           4644625  UPMServiceController                               423      587     1010    3.1%    4.3%
UPMServiceController           4014337  UPMServiceController                               468      309      777    3.4%    2.2%
wsdlpd                         3060029  wsdlpd                                             154      370      524    1.1%    2.7%
tccd                           4743441  tccd                                               359       48      407    2.6%    0.3%
tccd                           4742031  tccd                                               358       48      406    2.6%    0.3%
com.crowdstrike.falcon.Agent   6174     com.crowdstrike.falcon.Agent                       301        5      306    2.2%    0.0%
UPMServiceContro               4644625  UPMServiceContro                                    12      285      297    0.1%    2.1%
mds_stores                     4736869  mds_stores                                         204       71      275    1.5%    0.5%
EndPointClassifier             6901     EndPointClassifier                                  40      231      271    0.3%    1.7%

Each day that I wake up I try and figure out if I can do less work than yesterday. With this in mind I was playing around to see if there is a way to save me typing my password each time I SUDO. It turns out this is quite a simple change…

Open Terminal and run the following to edit sudos behaviour:

sudo nano /etc/pam.d/sudo

Next add the following to the top of the file:

auth       sufficient     pam_tid.so

The only issue with this is that /etc/pam.d/sudo is overwritten on every macOS update (major, minor or patch – it is always overwritten and reset back to its default state).

MacOS: Sonoma

In their “What’s new for enterprise in macOS Sonoma” document Apple listed the following in the “Bug fixes and other improvements” section:

Touch ID can be allowed for sudo with a configuration that persists across software updates using /etc/pam.d/sudo_local. See /etc/pam.d/sudo_local.template for details.

So lets create a template file in /etc/pam.d/sudo_local.template:

sudo nano /etc/pam.d/sudo_local.template

Next uncomment the auth line, as per:

# sudo_local: local config file which survives system update and is included fo$
# uncomment following line to enable Touch ID for sudo
auth       sufficient     pam_tid.so

This should mean that Touch ID now survive system updates!

Quick tests:

sudo ls
# exit sudo
sudo -k
sudo ls

To enable Touch ID access on Iterm2. You need to do the following. Go to Prefs -> Advanced -> Allow sessions to survive logging out and back in and set value to no . Restart Iterm2 and touch ID authentication will work on Iterm2.

There are a few things that I tweak when I get a new Macbook, one of which is the screenshot format (mainly because it doesnt natively render in Whatsapp). So I thought I would share the code snippet that you can run in Terminal to alter the default image type of your screenshots:

For JPEG use:

$ defaults write com.apple.screencapture type JPG

For GIF use:

$ defaults write com.apple.screencapture type GIF

For PDF use:

$ defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PDF

For PNG use:

$ defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PNG