A new Macbook will not perform up to par for forever. After a while, you will notice that the speed at which it carries out various processes noticeable slows down. And when that happens, some users believe that the only solution is to buy a new computer.
While a new Macbook is an option, there are better, more efficient, and budget-friendly methods. If you want to boost your computer’s performance, this article will be of great help.
Method #1 – Defrag the Disk
Macbook is different from Windows when talking about file defragmentation. In the former, files are defragmented automatically. Nevertheless, there are some instances when you have to defrag mac manually or get special software.
The point of defragmentation is to make more space on the drive. If you have been hoarding files and have not cleared the junk, you will run out of space sooner or later.
Method #2 – Delete Old and Useless Files
Defragmenting the disk will not solve the problem of lacking space. You will need to take a closer look at what you have on the computer. If there are files that can be deleted, you should look to clear some stuff out.
Old applications can always be reinstalled, so if you have not used it in the last few months, there is no real reason to have it around. Email attachment and download folders may also be more extensive than you expect.
There is also an option to transfer some of your files to cloud-based services like Dropbox or iCloud. They will be in a safe place and lessen the burden of the hard drive.
Method #3 – Pay Attention to Activity Monitor
Turn on Activity Monitor and sort processes by CPU usages. Some applications consume more energy than others. However, if there are heavy consumers, you should consider finding alternatives.
Website browsers are a good example. You have a choice between Safari, Chrome, Opera, and Firefox. Test each of these and find out which consumes the least. And look to do more with other processes that are using too much CPU.
Method #4 – Declutter Desktop
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Too many icons on a desktop will cause issues. It is convenient to some when everything is available in a single location. But when there is hardly any room left on the desktop, Macbook’s performance drops a lot.
Each icon has to be rendered when you switch from desktop to another window. So instead of burdening and living with a messy desktop, look to organize everything in the folders and put the files in another location.
Method #5 – Scan for Malware and Viruses
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Cybersecurity threats can streak when you least expect it. Despite all the dangers, some users neglect to have anti-virus software on their computers. You can find excellent anti-virus software for free.
Some viruses do more harm than just slowing down the performance of a computer or taking up drive space. You risk exposing sensitive information as well. It is better to be safe than sorry, and anti-virus should be running at all times.
Method #6 – Remove Apps from Startup Menu
Restarting a Macbook regularly stops memory leakage and gives it a fresh start when it boots again. And if you have many startup items that launch together with the computer every time, you are not doing yourself any favors.
Every application that is in the login takes time to load up. Unless you are going to use any of them right away, there is very little reason to keep applications on the list. Go to System Preferences, click on Users and Groups. Log in your profile and go to Login Items. Untick boxes next to apps, and the next time you start the computer, they will not launch with it.
Method #7 – Reinstall the OS
When problems continue to persist despite all the fixes, you may end up having to reinstall the OS. Having a clean slate will get rid of most issues that have been holding the performance back. But before you reinstall the OS, make sure to back up your files.
Method #8 – Add RAM And Get an SSD
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Adding new hardware is another great solution and will boost your Macbook’s performance. You can buy RAM or even get an SSD. There are great deals because new products get released, and it lowers the prices of older versions of hardware. It will cost you money, but not as much as having to buy a complete new Macbook.
Method #9 – Clear Dust and Dirt
In some cases, the problem does not lie in the system. The dust and dirt accumulate over time, and if you are not regularly cleaning it, you will have plenty of issues.
Overheating will lead to uncontrollable restarts, and the issue becomes apparent when you are using the Macbook in the summer. Make cleaning all the dust and dirt as part of your computer maintenance routine.
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