If you have a MacBook that is progressively getting slower and slower, do not expect the issue to disappear by itself. Unless you take some action, the trend will continue until you are left with a barely functioning computer.
Thankfully, there are multiple methods to improve the situation. You can take some time and spend it working on your MacBook’s performance. Let’s take a look at how you can tinker with the device to make it run better.
Keep Tabs on Background Apps
First of all, take a look at how many background processes there currently are. You can do so by launching the Activity Monitor, which lets you sort background apps and other processes by various metrics, such as memory, CPU, and battery life.
Whenever you notice a process that seems to be out of place, do not hesitate and remove it from the list. Freeing up system resources will improve the overall MacBook performance. Also, if some of the applications are active because they are part of the startup item list and you forgot to close them after booting the computer.
Add New Hardware
New hardware upgrades are a bit tricky, as they are with other laptops. However, in the case of Macs, the opportunities are even fewer due to the incompatibility of some models, and you will need to spend a lot of money if you do not wish to wait for sales.
Having said that, a hardware upgrade could still make a significant difference. When it comes to MacBooks, you could still get an external graphics processing unit or replace your old hard drive with a solid-state drive. Other than these two, adding extra RAM is also a possibility.
Scan for Potential Cyber Threats
It is true that macOS is not as prone to cybersecurity threats if you were to compare it to other operating systems. On the other hand, the odds of catching malware or other cybersecurity threats on the device still exist, meaning that you need to be wary of them.
Perhaps the reason why your Mac is struggling to perform is that it has malware on it. Instead of guessing whether that is the case, get antivirus software and scan the system to confirm your worries. If the scan reveals that the system is clean, you can move on to the next method. And if the antivirus discovers corrupted data, remove threatening files from the computer.
Eliminate System Junk
The system junk that accumulates over time is a problem for the system because it needs to process unnecessary data.
Getting a cleanup utility tool will be a good investment because it is a source that will help with removing old system backups, app caches, extensions, and other unnecessary system data.
If you still notice drive storage problems, you could also consider transferring some files to external storage devices. A USB flash drive or a hard drive should not cost too much.
Clean Filth Inside the Laptop
The MacBook will collect dust inside it whether you like it or not. And unless you clean the filth regularly, you will notice that the laptop starts to overheat and make loud noises more so than usual.
Cleaning the dust itself is not the problem. The problem is getting to it. Since opening the MacBook is a must to clean it thoroughly, quite a few people are reluctant to take on the task themselves because they are afraid of damaging the device.
In such cases, it is probably for better to leave the cleaning in the hands of someone who has experience. You will need to pay money, but at least it will go towards knowing that the computer is in good hands while it is getting cleaned.
Declutter the Desktop
Each time you switch tabs and return to the desktop, the system has to process desktop icons, and it takes a toll on the overall performance. The more shortcuts on the desktop, the worse the performance.
Sure, you could argue that keeping app icons and documents on the computer’s desktop is more convenient as you can access it easier, but this convenience means slower MacBook speed.
Run the Latest macOS Version
As a rule of thumb, you should always install the latest macOS version for optimal performance. Other than the latest features and security upgrades, operating system developers also look to introduce changes that improve the device performance, and macOS is no exception.
Reinstall the OS
Sometimes, giving your computer a fresh start would be the best course of action. It is no secret that reinstalling macOS is tricky, particularly for first-timers, but there are plenty of sources that take you through a step-by-step process and let you delete and install the operating system.
