What is mds_stores?

mds_stores, also known as Metadata Server Stores, is a process in the macOS (Mac operating system) that manages metadata indexing for files and folders on the system. The mds_stores process collects metadata information such as file name, file type, creation date, and other attributes to make it easier and faster to search for files on the system.

The mds_stores process is a part of the Spotlight search feature in macOS, which allows users to quickly find files and folders by typing keywords into the search bar. This process continuously runs in the background to keep the metadata index updated and accurate.

While mds_stores is an essential process for efficient file searching on macOS, it can sometimes consume a lot of system resources, causing slow performance or high CPU usage. In some cases, users may need to troubleshoot the mds_stores process if it is causing issues on their system.

Overall, mds_stores plays a crucial role in maintaining the metadata index for file searching on macOS, but users may need to monitor its performance to ensure smooth operation of their system.