Despite the fact that MacBooks are quite reliable, you are bound to run into performance issues sooner or later. It helps if you have a proper maintenance routine for your laptop, but not everyone is keen to put in enough effort. Let’s learn about some neat suggestions to boost Mac’s performance.
Using a poorly optimized Mac is a chore. It takes longer for applications to load, there are random crashes, freezes, and a regular restart is only a temporary solution.
At some point, you might start to think that getting a new computer is the best option, but giving up on your underperforming MacBook so soon should not be on the table quite yet.
There are multiple ways to improve the laptop’s speed and other metrics, which should make the device more usable.
Eliminate Redundant System Junk
Let’s start with one of the simplest things, which is drive storage. Over time, the MacBook’s drive collects various junk, such as old applications, email attachments, and localization files.
System storage is also one of the examples of unnecessary data. If you were to click here, you would find out that old backups, app caches, extensions, and unused disk images can take a decent amount of storage. Moreover, these files are a hindrance to the system because it needs to process more data.
Get a cleanup utility tool like CleanMyMac X or remove unnecessary storage manually. The more free space there is on the MacBook’s disk, the better it should perform.
Stop Running Useless Background Apps
Keep close tabs on Activity Monitor to find out whether there are redundant background processes. The odds are that you forgot about quitting a particular application after using it. Some people also do not bother closing startup applications.
Each resource consumption source is taking valuable memory and other Mac resources, which slows the laptop.
Scan the MacBook for Malware and Viruses
Macs are not as prone to malware as other computers. It seems that hackers are not as inclined to develop a threat that targets macOS since there are not as many people using macOS as there are those who use Windows.
Regular macOS updates that improve not just the overall performance and add new features are worth a shout. Apple engineers are keeping tabs on the latest threats and push updates to protect users.
With all that said, the odds of attracting unwanted malware or virus on the MacBook still exist. They might be slower, but they are still there.
Scan the computer using antivirus software. If the tool does not detect infected data, you are in luck and can move on to other performance improvement methods.
On the other hand, if an antivirus finds corrupted files, you should not hesitate and remove them from the system.
Get a Cooling Pad
Investing in a cooling pad is worth a shout even if you do not use the MacBook in a poorly ventilated room. Sometimes, running resource-demanding applications is enough to overheat the hardware, particularly if your computer is quite old.
Other than a cooling pad, you can reduce the internal MacBook temperature by cleaning the dust inside the laptop. It might be a bit tricky to take the laptop apart, but with the right tools and instructions, you should be able to do it and clean the dust yourself. And in case you do not want to take a risk, take the MacBook to a computer service store and leave it in the hands of experienced people.
Declutter the Desktop
Each desktop icon requires rendering when you switch between the desktop and other windows. It is possible that a cluttered desktop could be one of the primary sources behind poor Mac performance.
If you find it convenient to keep app shortcuts and important work documents on the MacBook’s desktop for quicker access, remember that this convenience comes at the price of the computer’s performance.
Add New Hardware
New hardware additions are not that common among MacBook owners. First of all, it is difficult to replace hardware. For some models, it is borderline impossible.
Another thing to consider is that some hardware replacements are too expensive and not worth it.
Nevertheless, if your Mac model is compatible with hardware changes, and you have a budget or find a decent deal, then go for it. Some of the most popular changes in Mac hardware include replacing hard drives with solid-state drives, adding RAM, and getting an external graphics processing unit.
Reinstall macOS
For some, reinstalling macOS might seem like too much of a bother, but the method works because it wipes the junk your Mac accumulated over time. In other words, you would be giving the computer a fresh start.
It might take a while to figure out how to reinstall macOS properly for those with no experience, but there are plenty of step-by-step instructions available online that should guide you through the process.
