MacOS – Is it possible to turn off iCloud Photo Library on one device only

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I would like to know if its possible to turn off iCloud Photo Library on one of my devices. The device in question is a MacBook Air which I use while at the office during the day. I would like to keep photos on for my iPhone, iMac, and MacBook Pro. Anyone know if this is possible on a device level?

I might add the reason that I would like to know if this is possible. I’m noticing the photo processes are using high CPU as well as kernel_task. I’m attempting to minimize CPU.

Activity Monitor

Best Answer

On your MacBook Air, open System PreferencesiCloud and uncheck Photos.

iCloud Preferences

This will prevent iCloud Photos from syncing to and from the device on which you did this.

On iOS, this is done by going into SettingsPhotos and disabling iCloud Photo Library.