mds_stores builds and updates the Spotlight search index; it's part of macOS and safe. It works hard after a macOS update, a migration or big file changes and settles when indexing finishes, and you can exclude folders in Spotlight's Search Privacy settings.
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One Mac, macOS 26.5 (25F71) on Apple silicon, read with ps and codesign on October 29, 2026
| Path | /System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/Metadata.framework/Versions/A/Support/mds_stores |
|---|---|
| Runs as | _mds_stores, a macOS system account |
| Signed by | Apple (Software Signing), identifier com.apple.mds_stores |
mds_stores is a core macOS system process responsible for maintaining the Spotlight search index. It reads file metadata — names, content, dates, and types — and stores them in an optimized database so Spotlight can return search results instantly. It is managed by its parent process mds (metadata server).
High CPU usage during or after large file transfers, macOS updates, or Time Machine backups
Constant disk activity that slows down other applications
Indexing loops where the process restarts repeatedly without completing
Excessive memory consumption on drives with millions of small files
Open Terminal and run 'mdutil -s /' to see if indexing is enabled and whether a rebuild is in progress. If it says 'Indexing enabled' and 'Scan in progress,' wait for it to finish.
Go to System Settings > Spotlight (Siri & Spotlight on older macOS) > Search Privacy (Spotlight Privacy) and add folders you don't need indexed, such as large build directories, virtual machines, or download caches.
Run 'sudo mdutil -E /' in Terminal to erase and rebuild the index. This forces a clean reindex and often resolves indexing loops. Expect high CPU for 30-60 minutes afterward.
If indexing still seems stuck, restart the Mac. The metadata server and its helpers start again with it and pick up where indexing left off.
mds_stores using high CPU during a reindex after a macOS update is normal and will resolve on its own. Be concerned if it sustains more than 100% CPU for several hours with no recent file changes, or if it respawns repeatedly — this can indicate a corrupt index or a file that triggers an indexing crash loop.
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No. mds_stores is a legitimate Apple system process that powers Spotlight search. It is code-signed by Apple and ships with every version of macOS. A program can give itself a similar name, so check the path: the real one runs as the _mds_stores system account from /System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/Metadata.framework/Versions/A/Support/mds_stores.
mds_stores uses significant CPU when rebuilding the Spotlight index. This happens after macOS updates, when you connect a new external drive, after restoring from backup, or when large numbers of files change at once. The high CPU usage is temporary and typically resolves within 30-60 minutes.
You can disable Spotlight indexing with 'sudo mdutil -a -i off' in Terminal, which will stop mds_stores from running. However, this disables Spotlight search entirely, including Finder search and Siri file lookups. A better approach is to exclude specific large folders in Spotlight's Search Privacy (or Spotlight Privacy) settings.
You cannot permanently stop mds_stores without disabling Spotlight. It is a system-managed daemon that launchd restarts automatically. To reduce its impact, exclude unnecessary folders from indexing, avoid storing millions of tiny files on indexed volumes, and let reindexing complete fully rather than interrupting it.
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