No. cfprefsd is a core macOS service.
It's not network-related.
Because cfprefsd caches preferences, editing a .plist file directly may not take effect until cfprefsd reloads it; using the defaults command goes through cfprefsd and avoids that problem. One system-wide instance runs as root and one per user.
Facts
- Owner
- Apple (part of macOS)
- Network-related
- No
- Block it?
- Don’t block it
Should you worry?
No. cfprefsd is a core macOS service. Brief CPU spikes happen when apps change settings; constant high use usually means one app writing preferences in a loop.
Frequently asked questions
What is cfprefsd?
The macOS preferences daemon. It reads, caches and writes app and system settings.
Why is cfprefsd using CPU?
An app is reading or writing preferences frequently. Restarting the app usually stops it.
Why doesn't my .plist edit take effect?
cfprefsd caches preferences. Use the defaults command, or log out and back in.