The Apple macOS Blog

Is your Mac not as speedy as it used to be? Don't worry, you're not alone! Even the newest Macs with Apple silicon can slow down over time. But don't give up on your trusty computer just yet. Today I've got some great tips to help you speed up your Mac and get it running like new again.

Why is your Mac running slow?

Before we dive into the solutions, let's look at some common reasons why your Mac might be sluggish:

1. Outdated operating system
2. Nearly full hard drive
3. Too many background processes
4. Too many apps running simultaneously
5. Aging hardware

Now, let's explore how to tackle these issues and speed up your Mac!

Optimize your storage

First things first, check how much free space you have on your Mac. Here's how:

1. Click the Apple menu
2. Select "About This Mac"
3. Click "More Info"
4. Choose "Storage Settings"

You'll see a colorful graph showing how your storage is being used. For optimal performance, aim to keep at least 10% of your startup disk free.

Use the built-in Optimize Storage feature to free up space

1. Review the recommendations below the graph
2. Enable the options that make sense for you
3. We suggest turning on all of them for the best results

Free up hard drive space

While you're in the Storage settings, go through each category and delete files you no longer need. This includes old documents, backups, and unused applications.

Remember, some files like macOS and System Data can't be deleted. To safely remove system junk like cache and logs, consider using a trusted Mac cleaning utility. These tools can help you find and remove unnecessary files without risking essential system components.

Update your macOS

Keeping your operating system up to date is crucial for optimal performance. Here's how to check for updates:

1. Open System Settings
2. Go to General > Software Update
3. Click "Update Now" or "Restart Now" to install any available updates

Alternatively, you can check for updates in the App Store under the "Updates" tab.

Remove startup items

Reduce the number of apps that launch automatically when you start your Mac:

1. Go to System Settings > General > Login Items
2. Select items you don't need at startup
3. Click the "-" button to remove them
4. Check "Allow in the Background" and disable unnecessary items
5. Restart your Mac

Run maintenance scripts

macOS has built-in maintenance scripts that can help optimize your system. You can run these manually using Terminal or use a trusted Mac utility app like OnyX or iBoostUp to simplify the process.

Uninstall unused apps

Remove apps you no longer use to free up space and reduce system load:

1. Go to System Settings > General > Storage
2. Click the "i" icon next to Applications
3. Select unused apps and click "Delete"

Another way is to simply drag unwanted apps from the Applications folder to the Trash.An even better way is to use a powerful app uninstaller, like the one included with iBoostUp to completely remove all traces of any app from your Mac.

Free up RAM

Identify and close memory-hogging apps:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities)
2. Click the Memory tab
3. Sort by memory usage
4. Select resource-intensive apps and click the "X" to quit them

Be careful not to close essential system processes!

You can also run iBoostUp's Memory Booster to free up even more RAM with just a single click:

Check for malware

Malware can significantly slow down your Mac. Use a reputable antivirus to scan for and remove any threats.

Turn off visual effects

For older Macs, disabling some visual animations can improve performance. Use Terminal commands to turn off dock animations, window animations, and other effects.

Consider adding an SSD

If you have an older Mac with a traditional hard drive, upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) can provide a significant speed boost. While this option is more expensive and technically challenging, it can breathe new life into an aging Mac.

By following these tips, you can significantly improve your Mac's performance and make it feel like new again. Remember to perform regular maintenance to keep your Mac running smoothly. With a little care and attention, your trusty computer will continue to serve you well for years to come!

❤️ Maria