Disable bunch of #$!@ in High Sierra

disable.sh

#!/bin/bash

# NOTE: This script must be run from Terminal within RECOVERY MODE. This version is for macOS High Sierra.
#   There is no need to disable SIP (via csrutil), because recovery mode is not constrained by SIP.
# WARNING: It might enable things that you may not like. Please double check the services in the TODISABLE vars.
#
# For OSes newer than High Sierra, see comments in the original gist author's Catalina version, at 
#   https://gist.github.com/pwnsdx/1217727ca57de2dd2a372afdd7a0fc21
#   (see the "Note about Big Sur" at the top, and there are comments about Monterey further down).
#
# Get active services: launchctl list | grep -v "\-\t0"
# Find a service: grep -lR [service] /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/System/Library/Launch* /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Library/Launch* /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Users/Gordon/Library/LaunchAgents

# User Agents to disable
TODISABLE=('com.citrixonline.GoToMeeting.G2MUpdate' 'com.dropbox.DropboxMacUpdate.agent' 'com.github.facebook.watchman' 'com.logmein.GoToMeeting.G2MUpdate' 'com.macpaw.CleanMyMac4.Updater' 'com.skype.skype.shareagent' 'com.spotify.webhelper' 'homebrew.mxcl.postgresql' 'homebrew.mxcl.chromedriver' 'homebrew.mxcl.mongodb' '')

for agent in "${TODISABLE[@]}"
do
    {
        launchctl unload -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Users/Gordon/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist
        launchctl unload -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Users/Gordon/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist
    } &> /dev/null
    mv /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Users/Gordon/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Users/Gordon/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist.bak
    echo "[OK] User Agent ${agent} disabled"
done

# Library Agents to disable
TODISABLE=('org.pqrs.karabiner.agent.karabiner_observer' 'org.pqrs.karabiner.agent.karabiner_grabber' 'org.pqrs.karabiner.karabiner_session_monitor' 'org.pqrs.karabiner.karabiner_console_user_server' 'com.avid.ApplicationManager' 'com.avid.avidlink' 'com.paceap.eden.licensed.agent' 'com.google.keystone.xpcservice' 'com.google.keystone.agent' 'com.microsoft.update.agent' 'com.oracle.java.Java-Updater' 'com.paragon-software.ntfs.notification-agent' 'com.avid.CloudClientServices' 'com.avid.transport.client' 'com.microsoft.OneDriveStandaloneUpdater')

for agent in "${TODISABLE[@]}"
do
    {
        launchctl unload -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist
        launchctl unload -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist
    } &> /dev/null
    mv /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist.bak
    echo "[OK] Library Agent ${agent} disabled"
done

# System Library Agents to disable
TODISABLE=('com.apple.SafariNotificationAgent' 'com.apple.appstoreupdateagent' 'com.apple.SafariPlugInUpdateNotifier' 'com.apple.iCloudHelper' 'com.apple.CloudPhotosConfiguration' 'com.apple.protectedcloudstorage.protectedcloudkeysyncing' 'com.apple.SafariCloudHistoryPushAgent' 'com.apple.ManagedClientAgent.agent' 'com.apple.ManagedClientAgent.enrollagent' 'com.apple.knowledge-agent' 'com.apple.siriknowledged' 'com.apple.bird' 'com.apple.corespotlightd' 'com.apple.corespotlightservice' 'com.apple.SafariBookmarksSyncAgent' 'com.apple.softwareupdate_notify_agent' 'com.apple.Spotlight' 'com.apple.videosubscriptionsd' 'com.avid.ApplicationManagerHelper' 'com.barebones.bbedit' 'com.apple.notificationcenterui' 'com.apple.photolibraryd' 'com.apple.security.keychainsyncingoveridsproxy' 'com.apple.personad' 'com.apple.passd' 'com.apple.screensharing.MessagesAgent' 'com.apple.CommCenter-osx' 'com.apple.Maps.mapspushd' 'com.apple.Maps.pushdaemon' 'com.apple.photoanalysisd' 'com.apple.telephonyutilities.callservicesd' 'com.apple.CalendarAgent' 'com.apple.iCloudUserNotifications' 'com.apple.familycircled' 'com.apple.familycontrols.useragent' 'com.apple.familynotificationd' 'com.apple.gamed' 'com.apple.icloud.findmydeviced.findmydevice-user-agent' 'com.apple.icloud.fmfd' 'com.apple.imagent' 'com.apple.cloudfamilyrestrictionsd-mac' 'com.apple.cloudpaird' 'com.apple.cloudphotosd' 'com.apple.DictationIM' 'com.apple.assistant_service' 'com.apple.CallHistorySyncHelper' 'com.apple.CallHistoryPluginHelper' 'com.apple.AOSPushRelay' 'com.apple.IMLoggingAgent' 'com.apple.geodMachServiceBridge' 'com.apple.syncdefaultsd' 'com.apple.security.cloudkeychainproxy3' 'com.apple.security.idskeychainsyncingproxy' 'com.apple.security.keychain-circle-notification' 'com.apple.sharingd' 'com.apple.appleseed.seedusaged' 'com.apple.cloudd' 'com.apple.assistantd' 'com.apple.parentalcontrols.check' 'com.apple.parsecd' 'com.apple.identityservicesd')

for agent in "${TODISABLE[@]}"
do
    {
        launchctl unload -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/System/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist
        launchctl unload -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/System/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist
    } &> /dev/null
    mv /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/System/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/System/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist.bak
    echo "[OK] Agent ${agent} disabled"
done

# Library Daemons to disable
TODISABLE=('org.pqrs.karabiner.karabiner_kextd' 'org.pqrs.karabiner.karabiner_observer' 'org.pqrs.karabiner.karabiner_grabber' 'com.avid.bsd.shoetoolv120' 'com.avid.hub.service' 'com.avid.transport.client' 'com.docker.vmnetd' 'com.google.keystone.daemon' 'com.microsoft.autoupdate.helper' 'com.microsoft.office.licensingV2.helper' 'com.oracle.java.Helper-Tool' 'com.paceap.eden.licensed' 'com.paragon-software.installer' 'com.paragon-software.ntfs.loader' 'com.paragon-software.ntfsd' 'com.macpaw.CleanMyMac4.Agent' 'com.microsoft.OneDriveStandaloneUpdaterDaemon' 'com.microsoft.OneDriveUpdaterDaemon' 'com.vidyo.DPA.VidyoCamera')

for daemon in "${TODISABLE[@]}"
do
    {
        launchctl unload -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Library/LaunchDaemons/${daemon}.plist
        launchctl unload -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Library/LaunchDaemons/${daemon}.plist
    } &> /dev/null
    mv /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Library/LaunchDaemons/${daemon}.plist /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Library/LaunchDaemons/${daemon}.plist.bak
    echo "[OK] Library Daemon ${daemon} disabled"
done

# System Library Daemons to disable
TODISABLE=('com.apple.softwareupdated' 'com.apple.softwareupdate_download_service' 'com.apple.softwareupdate_firstrun_tasks' 'com.apple.netbiosd' 'com.apple.preferences.timezone.admintool' 'com.apple.preferences.timezone.auto' 'com.apple.remotepairtool' 'com.apple.rpmuxd' 'com.apple.security.FDERecoveryAgent' 'com.apple.icloud.findmydeviced' 'com.apple.findmymacmessenger' 'com.apple.findmymac' 'com.apple.SubmitDiagInfo' 'com.apple.screensharing' 'com.apple.appleseed.fbahelperd' 'com.apple.apsd' 'com.apple.AOSNotificationOSX' 'com.apple.FileSyncAgent.sshd' 'com.apple.ManagedClient.cloudconfigurationd' 'com.apple.ManagedClient.enroll' 'com.apple.ManagedClient' 'com.apple.ManagedClient.startup' 'com.apple.iCloudStats' 'com.apple.locationd' 'com.apple.mbicloudsetupd' 'com.apple.laterscheduler' 'com.apple.awacsd' 'com.apple.eapolcfg_auth' 'com.apple.familycontrols')

for daemon in "${TODISABLE[@]}"
do
    {
        launchctl unload -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/${daemon}.plist
        launchctl unload -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/${daemon}.plist
    } &> /dev/null
    mv /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/${daemon}.plist /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/${daemon}.plist.bak
    echo "[OK] Daemon ${daemon} disabled"
done

enable.sh

#!/bin/bash

# NOTE: This script must be run from Terminal within RECOVERY MODE. This version is for macOS High Sierra.
#   There is no need to disable SIP (via csrutil), because recovery mode is not constrained by SIP.
# WARNING: It might enable things that you may not like. Please double check the services in the TOENABLE vars.
#
# For OSes newer than High Sierra, see comments in the original gist author's Catalina version, at 
#   https://gist.github.com/pwnsdx/1217727ca57de2dd2a372afdd7a0fc21
#   (see the "Note about Big Sur" at the top, and there are comments about Monterey further down).
#
# Get active services: launchctl list | grep -v "\-\t0"
# Find a service: grep -lR [service] /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/System/Library/Launch* /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Library/Launch* /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Users/Gordon/Library/LaunchAgents

# User Agents to enable
TOENABLE=('com.citrixonline.GoToMeeting.G2MUpdate' 'com.dropbox.DropboxMacUpdate.agent' 'com.github.facebook.watchman' 'com.logmein.GoToMeeting.G2MUpdate' 'com.macpaw.CleanMyMac4.Updater' 'com.skype.skype.shareagent' 'com.spotify.webhelper' 'homebrew.mxcl.postgresql' 'homebrew.mxcl.chromedriver' 'homebrew.mxcl.mongodb' '')

for agent in "${TOENABLE[@]}"
do
    mv /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Users/Gordon/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist.bak /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Users/Gordon/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist
    {
        launchctl load -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Users/Gordon/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist
        launchctl load -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Users/Gordon/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist
    } &> /dev/null
    echo "[OK] User Agent ${agent} enabled"
done

# Library Agents to enable
TOENABLE=('org.pqrs.karabiner.agent.karabiner_observer' 'org.pqrs.karabiner.agent.karabiner_grabber' 'org.pqrs.karabiner.karabiner_session_monitor' 'org.pqrs.karabiner.karabiner_console_user_server' 'com.avid.ApplicationManager' 'com.avid.avidlink' 'com.paceap.eden.licensed.agent' 'com.google.keystone.xpcservice' 'com.google.keystone.agent' 'com.microsoft.update.agent' 'com.oracle.java.Java-Updater' 'com.paragon-software.ntfs.notification-agent' 'com.avid.CloudClientServices' 'com.avid.transport.client' 'com.microsoft.OneDriveStandaloneUpdater')

for agent in "${TOENABLE[@]}"
do
    mv /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist.bak /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist
    {
        launchctl load -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist
        launchctl load -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist
    } &> /dev/null
    echo "[OK] Library Agent ${agent} enabled"
done

# System Library Agents to enable
TOENABLE=('com.apple.SafariNotificationAgent' 'com.apple.appstoreupdateagent' 'com.apple.SafariPlugInUpdateNotifier' 'com.apple.iCloudHelper' 'com.apple.CloudPhotosConfiguration' 'com.apple.protectedcloudstorage.protectedcloudkeysyncing' 'com.apple.SafariCloudHistoryPushAgent' 'com.apple.ManagedClientAgent.agent' 'com.apple.ManagedClientAgent.enrollagent' 'com.apple.knowledge-agent' 'com.apple.siriknowledged' 'com.apple.bird' 'com.apple.corespotlightd' 'com.apple.corespotlightservice' 'com.apple.SafariBookmarksSyncAgent' 'com.apple.softwareupdate_notify_agent' 'com.apple.Spotlight' 'com.apple.videosubscriptionsd' 'com.avid.ApplicationManagerHelper' 'com.barebones.bbedit' 'com.apple.notificationcenterui' 'com.apple.photolibraryd' 'com.apple.security.keychainsyncingoveridsproxy' 'com.apple.personad' 'com.apple.passd' 'com.apple.screensharing.MessagesAgent' 'com.apple.CommCenter-osx' 'com.apple.Maps.mapspushd' 'com.apple.Maps.pushdaemon' 'com.apple.photoanalysisd' 'com.apple.telephonyutilities.callservicesd' 'com.apple.CalendarAgent' 'com.apple.iCloudUserNotifications' 'com.apple.familycircled' 'com.apple.familycontrols.useragent' 'com.apple.familynotificationd' 'com.apple.gamed' 'com.apple.icloud.findmydeviced.findmydevice-user-agent' 'com.apple.icloud.fmfd' 'com.apple.imagent' 'com.apple.cloudfamilyrestrictionsd-mac' 'com.apple.cloudpaird' 'com.apple.cloudphotosd' 'com.apple.DictationIM' 'com.apple.assistant_service' 'com.apple.CallHistorySyncHelper' 'com.apple.CallHistoryPluginHelper' 'com.apple.AOSPushRelay' 'com.apple.IMLoggingAgent' 'com.apple.geodMachServiceBridge' 'com.apple.syncdefaultsd' 'com.apple.security.cloudkeychainproxy3' 'com.apple.security.idskeychainsyncingproxy' 'com.apple.security.keychain-circle-notification' 'com.apple.sharingd' 'com.apple.appleseed.seedusaged' 'com.apple.cloudd' 'com.apple.assistantd' 'com.apple.parentalcontrols.check' 'com.apple.parsecd' 'com.apple.identityservicesd')

for agent in "${TOENABLE[@]}"
do
    mv /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/System/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist.bak /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/System/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist
    {
        launchctl load -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/System/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist
        launchctl load -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/System/Library/LaunchAgents/${agent}.plist
    } &> /dev/null
    echo "[OK] Agent ${agent} enabled"
done

# Library Daemons to enable
TOENABLE=('org.pqrs.karabiner.karabiner_kextd' 'org.pqrs.karabiner.karabiner_observer' 'org.pqrs.karabiner.karabiner_grabber' 'com.avid.bsd.shoetoolv120' 'com.avid.hub.service' 'com.avid.transport.client' 'com.docker.vmnetd' 'com.google.keystone.daemon' 'com.microsoft.autoupdate.helper' 'com.microsoft.office.licensingV2.helper' 'com.oracle.java.Helper-Tool' 'com.paceap.eden.licensed' 'com.paragon-software.installer' 'com.paragon-software.ntfs.loader' 'com.paragon-software.ntfsd' 'com.macpaw.CleanMyMac4.Agent' 'com.microsoft.OneDriveStandaloneUpdaterDaemon' 'com.microsoft.OneDriveUpdaterDaemon' 'com.vidyo.DPA.VidyoCamera')

for daemon in "${TOENABLE[@]}"
do
    mv /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Library/LaunchDaemons/${daemon}.plist.bak /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Library/LaunchDaemons/${daemon}.plist
    {
        launchctl load -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Library/LaunchDaemons/${daemon}.plist
        launchctl load -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Library/LaunchDaemons/${daemon}.plist
    } &> /dev/null
    echo "[OK] Library Daemon ${daemon} enabled"
done

# System Library Daemons to enable
TOENABLE=('com.apple.softwareupdated' 'com.apple.softwareupdate_download_service' 'com.apple.softwareupdate_firstrun_tasks' 'com.apple.netbiosd' 'com.apple.preferences.timezone.admintool' 'com.apple.preferences.timezone.auto' 'com.apple.remotepairtool' 'com.apple.rpmuxd' 'com.apple.security.FDERecoveryAgent' 'com.apple.icloud.findmydeviced' 'com.apple.findmymacmessenger' 'com.apple.findmymac' 'com.apple.SubmitDiagInfo' 'com.apple.screensharing' 'com.apple.appleseed.fbahelperd' 'com.apple.apsd' 'com.apple.AOSNotificationOSX' 'com.apple.FileSyncAgent.sshd' 'com.apple.ManagedClient.cloudconfigurationd' 'com.apple.ManagedClient.enroll' 'com.apple.ManagedClient' 'com.apple.ManagedClient.startup' 'com.apple.iCloudStats' 'com.apple.locationd' 'com.apple.mbicloudsetupd' 'com.apple.laterscheduler' 'com.apple.awacsd' 'com.apple.eapolcfg_auth' 'com.apple.familycontrols')

for daemon in "${TOENABLE[@]}"
do
    mv /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/${daemon}.plist.bak /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/${daemon}.plist
    {
        launchctl load -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/${daemon}.plist
        launchctl load -w /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/${daemon}.plist
    } &> /dev/null
    echo "[OK] Daemon ${daemon} enabled"
done

To pwnsdx's fantastic gist I've added sections (User Agents, "Library" Agents/Daemons) to disable/enable /Library/Launch* and ~/Library/LaunchAgents processes, which are specific to some real-time/music applications I have installed (substitute your own), but also include fairly common things like Dropbox and Google Chrome agents which eat up a lot of processing time. I also found all processes that are needed for iCloud to run, so now I don't have to actually Sign Out of iCloud (which can cause loss of Calendar and Contacts updates when you sign back in) in order to temporarily disable it.

My 2021 updates: I added more agents & daemons that potentially affect real-time music applications - mainly the NI Battery plugin, within host application GigPerformer 4. The script now runs only in Recovery Mode, where you don't need to disable SIP (I'm still using High Sierra, so I don't know if that is still the case on newer OSes). In addition to running this script, I manually disable Bluetooth and WiFi, Notifications, Spotlight indexing of /Volumes/Macintosh HD, the App Store's automatic check for updates, a bunch of User Login Items, and manually quit still-running applications like Dropbox and OneDrive. I uninstalled CleanMyMac X, which was yet another source of processes that caused distortion, dropouts, and note pile-ups in our Battery drum kits, and now my MacBook Pro runs GigPerformer and its plugins without issues at our live shows.