How to Speed Up your MacBook Performance

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-- Meta – What you expect from your Mac is fast speed and high performance. But this plan might take a hit if it does not work at its best. Here’s the guide to help you get your device back on track.

Mac is the ultimate device when we consider performance and overall utility. But there are times like with every machine, when it would deliver snappy performances. And that's a clear sign that you need to take corrective action to optimize MacBook performance. You don't need to buy a new MacBook again to see the high-speed performance. Here's a list of some simple steps. These will make your Mac work at its best and positively impact your work productivity

1. Install macOS System Updates

This is the simplest and most effective way to boost your MacBook's performance. You should run the latest macOS version. Apple regularly releases updates that include security enhancements and performance optimizations. macOS 13: Ventura (Rome) which was released in 2022. The latest will be macOS 14: Sonoma (Sunburst) – Beta, which is expected to be available in Oct 2023. Before you upgrade your MacBook, you can learn more about what's new in macOS Sonoma update.

For the latest updates on Mac, follow these steps.

  • Click on the Apple logo. It's in the top-left corner.
  • Select "System Preferences. Then "Software Update.
  • If there's an update available, click Update Now.

Keeping your macOS updated makes sure that you get the latest improvements and can enhance your MacBook's speed. It will also help you to keep your customer loyal and improve their experience.


2. Close power-hungry programs

The simplest and quickest way to boost your iMac or MacBook's performance is to close any applications or programs that you're not currently using. Your Mac may be allocating valuable memory and CPU resources to programs that are idling in the background. It can be different working programs (like Excel, Word, Google Analytics, or supply side platform) or apps, that you use every day ( Spotify, Social Media etc). Shutting down these unneeded applications will free up system resources, giving your Mac more power for essential tasks. 

3. Check the Activity Monitor to know what’s slowing you down

The Activity Monitor is your Mac's secret weapon for diagnosing performance issues. It offers a detailed overview of your Mac's activity. This makes it easier to get hold of the excessive resource-using culprits. Access it by following these steps:

a. Click the Apple logo and select "Force Quit." b. In the Force Quit Applications window, select resource-intensive or unresponsive apps and click "Force Quit."

Moreover, the Activity Monitor provides a breakdown of resource consumption for each running program, categorized by CPU, Memory, Energy, Disk, and Network usage. For an even deeper dive into performance, go to the CPU tab to identify and close any CPU-intensive apps that may be sapping your Mac's power.

4. Delete apps you don't use

Over time, you might accumulate a collection of apps that you no longer use. These apps can take up valuable storage space and potentially run background processes that affect your MacBook's performance. To delete unused apps:

a. Open the "Applications" folder. 

b. Drag and drop the app you want to uninstall into the Trash. c. Right-click the Trash icon and select "Empty Trash."

Don't forget to check for associated files or preferences that some apps leave behind, and delete those as well. Streamlining your app collection can help declutter your MacBook and improve its performance. Heavy programs like testing tools, comparative usability testing tools and video editing apps consume a lot of space. So when not in use, simply delete them.

5. Delete old and unused files

A cluttered hard drive can seriously hinder your Mac's speed. Photos, videos, and music files, in particular, can gobble up storage space. iCloud is not a magic solution for storage problems. But it can be of big help. Here's how:

a. Delete unnecessary files and documents that are consuming your Mac's storage. b. Clean out your Downloads folder, often a forgotten stash of files. c. Offload music and movies to an external HDD. You can also switch to streaming services like Apple Music. It offers cloud-based access to your music library.

Freeing up storage space will lighten the load on your Mac. A lighter load leads to a noticeable boost in its performance.

6. Empty the bin

A quick and straightforward method to reclaim storage space and enhance your Mac's speed is to declutter by deleting old and unused files. Remember to empty the Bin afterward to prevent storage consumption.

7. iCloud syncing

iCloud is a handy tool for syncing files and photos across your devices. But it can sometimes slow down your Mac, especially when handling large files. To optimize iCloud usage:

a. Avoid storing massive files and documents on your desktop. Keep only essential items to speed up syncing. b. Consider disabling iCloud Photos if your Mac seems overwhelmed by the constant photo syncing process.

By managing iCloud settings, you can strike a balance between cloud storage and local performance.

A fresh start

If all else fails and your Mac remains sluggish despite your best efforts, consider the last option. Performing a clean reinstallation of the macOS. Be aware that this involves wiping your boot drive entirely and starting from scratch. Remember to back up your essential files, documents, and media before taking this step.

Release ID: 89116534

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This content is reviewed by our News Editor, Hui Wong.

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