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  3. Issues using the NordVPN app
  4. NordVPN application is using too many system resources

The NordVPN application is using too many system resources on macOS

Problem

The NordVPN app is causing performance issues on your macOS device.

Common symptoms

  • Your computer slows down when NordVPN is on.
  • The task manager shows NordVPN using more than 50% of RAM or CPU.

Troubleshooting steps

Sideload version (NordVPN app downloaded from the NordVPN website)

  • Restart your computer.
  • Check if you are using the latest version of the NordVPN app:
     
    1. Click the cogwheel icon in the bottom left of the NordVPN app.
    2. If the app is outdated, you will see a banner showing that a new version is available. Click the “Update” button.
  • If you have an antivirus, ensure NordVPN is on the exclusions list.
  • Disable post-quantum encryption:
     
    1. Open the NordVPN app and click the cogwheel icon in the lower-left corner to enter the “Settings” menu.
    2. Click “General.”
    3. Set “Post-Quantum encryption” to “Off.”
       
  • Pause Threat Protection Pro™ to see if it's causing issues:
     
    1. Click the shield icon on the left side of the NordVPN application.
    2. Click “Overview.”
    3. Click “Pause” and select the time you’d like the feature to be paused for.
       
  • Delete NordVPN and install the latest version from our website:
     
    1. Open the Finder app by clicking the happy face icon in the dock at the bottom of the screen.
    2. Click the “Applications” folder on the left.  
    3. Right-click the NordVPN app icon and select the “Move to Bin” option.
      NOTE: You don’t need to empty the bin to reinstall NordVPN, especially if you have other files there you might want to keep.
    4. Restart your device.
    5. Install NordVPN from our website.

App Store version (NordVPN app downloaded from the App Store)

  • Restart your computer.
  • Check if you are using the latest version of the NordVPN app:
     
    1. Open the App Store on your Mac.
    2. Click "Updates" in the sidebar on the left.
    3. If you see NordVPN in the list of available updates, click the "Update" button next to it. If NordVPN does not appear in the list, your app is already up to date.
       
  • If you have an antivirus, ensure NordVPN is on the exclusions list.
  • Disable post-quantum encryption:
     
    1. Open the NordVPN app and click the cogwheel icon in the lower-left corner to enter the “Settings” menu.
    2. Click “General.”
    3. Set “Post-Quantum encryption” to “Off.”
       
  • Temporarily disable browsing protection:

    • Click the shield icon on the left side of the NordVPN application.
    • Click “Browser protection.”
    • Click the toggle next to “DNS filtering” to disable it.
    • If the issue is not fixed, re-enable DNS filtering by clicking the toggle again to maintain your protection, and proceed to the next troubleshooting step.
       
  • Reinstall the NordVPN application:
     
    1. Open the App Store.
    2. Click on your profile name in the bottom-left corner.
    3. Scroll down to locate the NordVPN app in "My Apps" section.
    4. Click the three-dots icon next to the NordVPN app.
    5. Select Delete App and confirm the deletion.
    6. Once the app is deleted, use the search bar in the top-left of the App Store to search for "NordVPN."
    7. Click the download button.
      NOTE: You can also try downloading and installing the app directly from the NordVPN website as an alternative.

Additional tips

  • Check if the issue occurs on other devices connected to the same network. If it does, try switching to a different network.
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