Setting the priority schedule for xAgent Processes

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You can set the agent's priority scheduling setting using the Web UI or the API.

Note

Priority Scheduling for agent processes is only supported on Trellix Endpoint Security (HX) version 4.5 or later.

The table below defines the base priority settings available for xAgent processes.

xAgent Process Base Priority Settings

Description

Base Priority Class by Operating System

Windows

macOS/Linux

IDLE

xAgent process threads are prioritized at the lowest base priority and will only run when the CPU is idle. All other process threads run at a higher priority. An IDLE setting will also result in longer I/O delays for agent processing.

Important

IDLE is the default priority scheduling setting assigned to xAgent process threads.

IDLE_PRIORITY_CLASS

19

BELOW NORMAL

The operating system prioritizes xAgent process threads above process threads with an IDLE base priority but below process threads with a NORMAL base priority.

BELOW_NORMAL_PRIORITY_CLASS

5

NORMAL

The operating system does not assign xAgent process threads any special scheduling needs.

NORMAL_PRIORITY_CLASS

0

ABOVE NORMAL

The operating system prioritizes xAgent process threads above process threads with a NORMAL base priority but below process threads with a HIGH base priority.

ABOVE_NORMAL_PRIORITY_CLASS

-5

HIGH

xAgent process threads preempt process threads with a ABOVE NORMAL, NORMAL, or IDLE base priority. Process threads assigned a HIGH base priority are considered time-critical tasks and must be executed immediately.

Important

Trellix does not recommend setting the priority scheduling value for xAgent process threads to HIGH. Process threads with a HIGH base priority may use nearly all of the available CPU time on your host endpoint.

HIGH_PRIORITY_CLASS

-10

HIGHEST

xAgent process threads are given the highest base priority and preempt process threads assigned all other base priority levels and important process tasks performed by the operating system.

REALTIME_PRIORITY_CLASS

-20

This section covers how to set the base priority for xAgent process threads using the Web UI. See the Endpoint Security (HX) REST API Guide for more information on setting the base priority for agent process threads using the API.