How to Fix Slow MacBook: Boost Speed & Optimize Performance

In the previous lesson, we tackled how to fix a MacBook stuck on the Apple logo or black screen, which is a common issue many users face. Now, let’s dive into another frequent problem: a slow MacBook. If your MacBook is running slow, don’t worry. This guide will help you speed it up and optimize its performance.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive to offer accurate troubleshooting steps, we are not responsible for any damage that may occur to your device by following these instructions. Proceed at your own risk, and if unsure, consult a professional technician.

My Experience with a Slow MacBook

I recently faced a situation where my MacBook was running painfully slow. It took forever to open apps, and even simple tasks like browsing the web felt like a chore. I knew I had to fix it, so I started by checking the startup apps, which were eating up too much memory. After clearing unused files and checking the Activity Monitor, I managed to speed up my MacBook significantly. Let me walk you through the steps I took to fix this issue.

How to Turn Off Startup Apps on Mac: Manage Startup Apps

One of the main reasons your MacBook might be running slow is because too many apps are launching at startup. These apps consume memory and CPU resources, which slows down your system. To fix this:

1. Go to System Settings > General > Login Items.

2. You’ll see a list of apps that start automatically when you log in.

3. Select the apps you don’t need and click the minus (-) button to remove them.

For example, I noticed apps like Spotify and Slack were set to launch at startup, even though I didn’t need them right away. Removing these helped free up resources and speed up my MacBook.

How to clear cache on mac: Clear Cache and Unused Files

Over time, your MacBook accumulates cache and unused files, which take up valuable storage space and slow down performance. Here’s how to clear them:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.

2. Type ~/Library/Caches and press Enter.

3. Delete the files in this folder. Be careful not to remove folders, just the files inside them.

I found that clearing my browser cache and system cache made a noticeable difference. For instance, Safari’s cache alone was taking up over 2GB of space!

Check Mac Activity Monitor for CPU and Memory Usage

The Activity Monitor is a powerful tool that shows which apps and processes are using the most CPU and memory. To use it:

How to Open Activity Monitor on Mac?

1. Open Finder: Click the Finder icon in the Dock (the smiling face icon).

2. Go to Applications: In the Finder window, select Applications from the sidebar.

3. Open Utilities Folder: Scroll down and open the Utilities folder.

4. Launch Activity Monitor: Double-click Activity Monitor to open it.

Check Mac CPU and Memory Usage

1. Click on the CPU tab to see which apps are using the most processing power.

2. Switch to the Memory tab to check memory usage.

When I checked my Activity Monitor, I found a background process called mdworker was using a lot of CPU. A quick search told me it was related to Spotlight indexing. I let it finish, and my MacBook’s performance improved.

Clean up Mmac Storage

macOS has a built-in feature called Optimize Storage that helps you free up space by removing unused files and storing older files in iCloud. To use it:

1. Go to System Settings > General > Storage.

2. Click Optimize Storage and follow the prompts.

This feature helped me remove old movies and TV shows I no longer needed, freeing up over 20GB of space.

Update macOS

Sometimes, a slow MacBook is simply due to outdated software. Updating macOS can fix bugs and improve performance. This is how to update macos:

1. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.

2. If an update is available, click Update Now.

After updating my MacBook to the latest version of macOS, I noticed faster app launches and smoother performance.

Conclusion

Fixing a slow MacBook doesn’t have to be complicated. By managing startup apps, clearing cache, checking the Activity Monitor, optimizing storage, and updating macOS, you can speed up your MacBook and optimize its performance. These steps worked for me, and I’m confident they’ll work for you too.

If you found this guide helpful, stay tuned for the next lesson, where we’ll cover MacBook Overheating – Causes and Fixes. Don’t forget to revisit the previous lesson on MacBook Stuck on Apple Logo or Black Screen if you missed it.