Contrary to what you might think, Apple doesn’t manufacture and sell nearly as many laptops as its competitors. HP, Dell, and Lenovo drive the majority of the laptop market.
But Apple doesn’t need to sell the most computers since they make the best computers. Everyone would prefer a MacBook. They are sleek, fast, and easy to use.
Plus, since most people use an iPhone, the cross-device interface is streamlined.
But Macs aren’t always perfect. They’re subject to many of the same problems that every other computer is subject to.
A slow running Mac is a big problem. But it’s not always a problem with the Mac. Sometimes, it’s a problem with the owner of the Mac.
Wondering how you can optimize Mac performance so you can get more done in less time? Keep reading below for some important Mac fixes today.
Slow Running Mac? Possible Reasons and Fixes
1. Outdated Operating System
The operating system (or Mac OS) is subject to regular software updates. These updates, issued by Apple, are released on a regular basis.
They are meant to fix bugs that were discovered that might be limiting the performance of your computer. If you don’t allow these upgrades to take place, your computer might suffer.
Most of the time, you need to manually approve these upgrades. Since your computer needs a bit of time, and a good old-fashioned restart, it won’t just do it automatically.
It’s easy for people to skip an update for a day, then a week, then a month. Before they know it, they’re a few upgrades behind, wondering why their computer hardly works anymore.
When you see a software update available for your Macbook, complete it as soon as you can. Sometimes they can take more than a few minutes, so it’s best to do it after you are done using it for the evening.
2. Restart Your Mac
Thanks to long-lasting batteries that conserve power when not being used, Macs don’t die very often. And since you can just close your laptop when you’re done using it, most people never turn their computer off.
And while it’s nice to have a laptop ready to go at a moment’s notice, you do need to restart your computer once in a while. Ideally, you restart it once a day or at least a few times per week.
Without knowing how it helps, most people know that restarting a device often fixes issues. For the nerds among us, restarting your device refreshes your RAM.
That’s your computer’s working memory. The more time a computer runs, the more this RAM gets used up, and the slower your running speed.
Just make it a habit to restart your computer once a day, and you’ll avoid tons of problems.
3. Free Up Storage Space
Along with RAM, which is active memory, your Mac has storage space for all of your files and applications. It’s easy to fill this storage space up fast as you download new apps, music, videos, or images.
Photographers and designers find it especially challenging, as images can take up tons of space.
You can check to see how much free space you have on your current disk by clicking the Apple icon at the top of your screen. Click “About This Mac” and then click “Storage.“
You’ll see how much free space you have (or don’t have) and see which categories take up the most space.
You can make your computer faster by freeing up as much space as possible. Delete unused apps, empty your trash bin, and go through your Downloads folder, trashing anything you no longer need.
You can also buy an external hard drive where you can transfer files you want to keep but don’t need to access every day, such as photographs.
4. Close Apps You Aren’t Using
It’s easy to open a dozen apps and just leave them open while you use your computer. But each open app is likely consuming resources.
The more resources being consumed, the slower your computer will be. It might even stop processes that are crucial from happening.
It’s simple: once you’re done using an app, close it completely.
5. Clear Your Browser Cache
Your computer isn’t the only thing that might be running slow. Your internet browser is a separate app on your computer.
For Mac users, the default is Safari, but Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Microsoft Edge are all popular alternatives. But when using any of these, the browser automatically caches images and files on websites you frequent.
A full cache can slow down your browsing experience. But a clear cache will run much more efficiently.
6. Close Browser Tabs
Too many browser tabs open at one time can also impact computer speed. If you’re like most people, you probably have 30 tabs open right now.
While each one might only be taking up a small number of resources, it certainly adds up. Especially if you’re switching back and forth, reloading each one constantly.
Use a simple browser extension like OneTab that will close but save all of your open tabs so you don’t lose anything.
7. Stop Apps From Opening on Startup
Some apps that you download from the internet have the audacity to open automatically each time you start your computer (we’re talking about you, Spotify).
Too many things opening on startup can slow you down. Open each app’s settings and click to disable automatic opening on startup.
8. Upgrade Your Slow Running Mac
Sometimes your Mac just gets too old. A quality computer lasts an average of about five years. Naturally, after this time, a computer, even a Mac, can start to deteriorate.
Consider upgrading your Mac to a more recent model. Or consider switching from PC to Mac for the first time. A fresh Mac model runs like no other device.
Keep Your Mac Going
Macs are amazing devices. Countless people depend on nothing but a Mac to make a full-time income. But a slow running Mac is the fastest way to kill productivity.
With a few simple tips and tricks, you can keep your Mac running at full speed for years to come.
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