Macbooks are known for their sustainability and longevity. However, after some time passes, you will notice that the computer is not performing as great as it did in the beginning.
Some think that there is no other way to salvage the situation other than spending money on a new Mac. While that is a realistic option, you can boost the performance of a Macbook without spending a lot of money.
Method #1 – Remove Junk Files
Junk files like temporary backups, caches, application extensions, and plugins accumulate over time. The sheer number of these files slows down the system, and if you leave them be, the problem will only continue to grow.
You should remove this junk regularly. There are two options. The first one is doing everything manually and creating backup folders to prevent the deletion of important files.
The second, and one that would be a lot easier is to use a cleanup utility tool. You can read software reviews on the MacPaw website, where they compare the best available software. It should help you choose one as well.
Method #2 – Free up Disk Space
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Lack of disk space slows down the overall performance of a Mac. You should maintain enough free disk space even if the drive itself is relatively small. Here are some tips on how to solve the issue:
- Delete and download old applications later in case you need to use them.
- Transfer data to Dropbox or iCloud.
- Subscribe to streaming services, so you do not have to keep large media files on the computer.
- Empty the trash bin every time you drag files into it.
Method #3 – Clean Filth Inside
Dust and dirt inside the computer can cause a lot of problems, and that includes its performance. If you are afraid of taking everything apart yourself, go to someone who can help. There should be a repair store or similar establishment that offers these services.
Regularly cleaning the filth that accumulates inside will lead to better performance and prevent overheating. This way, you can avoid any potential damage to the internal hardware of the computer.
Method #4 – Turn off Visual Effects
You are better off disabling visual effects on a Macbook. If it is performance improvements, there is no merit in having fancy animations that offer nothing of value and only slow the Mac down.
Start with the sending and receiving effects on the Mail app. Then go to the Dock and untick both “Automatically hide and show the Dock” and “Animate opening applications.” Keep in mind that disabling these effects will also prolong Macbook’s battery life.
Method #5 – Optimize Web Browser
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There are times when the Mac itself performs without any faults, but the situation changes when you launch an internet browser.
Internet browsers need optimization, as well. The situation can get out of hand if you install too many extensions and add-ons. Clearing caches and keeping the number of open browser tabs to a minimum should also be your priorities.
If the problems with the browser continue to persist, try installing another browser. It might be that changing to an alternative will solve all the issues.
Method #6 – Look for Resource-Hungry Applications
Activity Monitor allows you to sort processes by CPU and memory usage. You will find that some applications are consuming too much, but there is very little you can do since some of them are integral to the system and cannot be removed.
On the other hand, there should still be some apps that are idly running in the background and do not offer anything of value. Shutting them off will free up the memory usage and boost the performance.
You can also look to try some alternatives, such as switching anti-virus software, internet browser, or communication app for something else that may not consume as many resources.
Method #7 – Declutter Desktop
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Cluttering Macbook’s desktop with files is not a good idea even if you like the convenience of accessing everything without going through the computer or using the search function.
Each icon on the desktop is rendered when you switch between the desktop and another window. Restarting the Mac will resolve the matter for a bit, but it will not take too long before it starts to perform sluggishly again. So your only choice is to declutter the desktop and transfer the files to another location.
Method #8 – Reinstall the OS
When you are still experiencing performance issues after trying everything else, reinstalling the operating system should be the last thing to try. The process is a bit complicated, especially if you have not done it before. But there are more than enough guides online on how to reinstall the macOS.
Be sure to back up the data before you commit, though. Everything will get wiped in the process. And hopefully, when you are done, the Macbook will run without any hiccups.