Macbooks excel when it comes to durability. However, there will still come a time when you notice that the overall performance has dropped significantly.
When the sluggishness appears, thinking about purchasing a new Macbook should not be the first thing on your mind. No, you can still do plenty of work to boost the performance. And if you want to find out what you need to do, continue reading.
Method #1 – Clean up Junk Files
Junk files like caches and temporary backups tend to accumulate over time and should be removed regularly.
Getting rid of these junk files will do more than just boost the overall performance of the computer. It will also free up disk space.
While it is possible to take care of the problem manually, using a cleaner for mac is a better solution. Just the fact that automating the process will eliminate the possibility of removing crucial data yourself should be enough to convince you.
Method #2 – Scan for Viruses
Malware or viruses are among the most common problems behind a drop in the computer's overall performance. Some users do not even bother with having anti-malware tools installed.
You can find articles about how the macOS is somehow immune to cybersecurity threats. This is far from reality, and if you have noticed a sudden drop in the Macbook's performance, it is likely that there is a virus or malware eating away at the system.
Thoroughly scan the computer and make sure that there are no viruses. And be sure to have a reliable anti-malware tool running in the background at all times.
Method #3 – Optimize Web Browser
A number of users face the most issues when they are surfing the internet. In some instances, it could be the browser instead of the system itself.
Some web browsers consume a lot of resources, and if you add extra extensions and plugins, you are bound to encounter problems. Thus, look to optimize your browser by removing any unnecessary extensions, clearing caches, and keeping the number of open tabs to a minimum.
Method #4 – Free up Disk Space
Freeing up disk space is one of the best methods to boost the performance of a Macbook. You can do the following:
- Delete old applications as those can be installed later.
- Transfer files to external storage devices or clouds.
- Empty the trash bin as dragging files into it only transfers them to another location.
Method #5 – Stop Memory Leaks
Memory leaks are a common occurrence when the computer is running for a long time. Programs start to distribute memory incorrectly, and the overall efficiency of resources starts to plummet.
Restarting the Macbook is the easiest solution to this problem. If you restart the computer a few times every day, the memory leaks should not be a concern. And remember that if you have to wait for applications to load every time you boot the computer, you can always trim the list of the startup items.
Method #6 – Look at Activity Monitor
Launch Activity Monitor and source the processes by CPU and memory usage. Applications that end up on the top are your biggest concern.
There will be some apps that you cannot remove since they are an integral part of the system. But you should still find some opportunities to shut down idle processes running in the background for no reason.
You could also look to try alternatives that might consume fewer resources. For instance, if your anti-virus or internet browser is taking too much memory, try other browsers and anti-malware tools.
Method #7 – Declutter Desktop
Some people like to keep everything on the desktop because it is more convenient. However, this habit is quite bad to have as the more icons there are on the desktop, the more toll it takes on the computer's system.
Every icon is rendered when you switch between the desktop and another window. Think about how many times a day you make this switch. The system suffers heavily. And you should also notice how slow the Macbook loads after every restart.
Instead of keeping everything on the desktop, transfer those files to another location, and keep your data organized.
Method #8 – Keep the System up to Date
It does not matter if the update is major or minor. Even a quick hotfix can be a huge difference-maker, so whenever there is a new update for the system or any application that you use, install it.
Being up to date will ensure that you have the most recent features and are less prone to cybersecurity threats.
Method #9 – Clean Dust and Dirt
Cleaning dust and dirt should be a part of your computer's maintenance routine. You need to remove the filth that accumulates inside the computer regularly. It will help with the performance and prevent overheating that could lead to damages to the internal hardware.
Walter Guevara is a software engineer, startup founder and currently teaches programming for a coding bootcamp. He is currently building things that don't yet exist.
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