macOS defaults

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Update Frequency ​

How frequently Activity Monitor should update its data, in seconds.

  • Tested on macOS:
    • Sonoma
    • Ventura
    • Monterey
  • Parameter type: int
    • 1
    • 2
    • 5

Set to 1 ​

Very often (1s)

bash
defaults write com.apple.ActivityMonitor "UpdatePeriod" -int "1" && killall Activity\ Monitor

Set to 2 ​

Often (2s)

bash
defaults write com.apple.ActivityMonitor "UpdatePeriod" -int "2" && killall Activity\ Monitor

Set to 5 (default value) ​

Normally (5s)

bash
defaults write com.apple.ActivityMonitor "UpdatePeriod" -int "5" && killall Activity\ Monitor

Read current value ​

bash
defaults read com.apple.ActivityMonitor "UpdatePeriod"

Reset to default value ​

bash
defaults delete com.apple.ActivityMonitor "UpdatePeriod" && killall Activity\ Monitor