Steps to Improve Your MacBook’s Performance
If you have problems with a MacBook’s performance, do not think about getting a replacement just yet. It might be that you have just neglected some things, and the computer is no longer meeting your expectations.
There are multiple things you can do to boost MacBook’s performance. This step-by-step guide should be a useful reference. You will notice positivity if you take every step mentioned.
Clear Dust and Dirt Inside
Dust and dirt accumulate inside over time, leading to problems bigger than MacBook’s performance. The high temperature that your Mac radiates and loud noises coming from internal fans indicate too much dirt inside. The problem will not solve itself, and it will not be too long before you end up with a damaged MacBook.
Clean dust and dirt regularly. Take the MacBook to a service store if you are afraid of taking the computer apart yourself. It will cost extra, but the price is worth it to make the process hassle-free.
Optimize Internet Browser
Some users face most problems when they are trying to load a webpage. This often happens because of a poorly optimized internet browser, or even using a wrong browser.
As far as optimization goes, users should be more careful with extensions they add. Clearing browser caches regularly is also recommended. Lastly, avoid multiple browser tabs, if possible. Even if idle, an extra tab consumes memory and other computer resources.
Improve Cybersecurity
Talking about high tech cybersecurity, a virus or malware is likely running rampant on your MacBook. A mediocre antivirus cannot detect every threat, so investing in reliable software is a good piece of advice.
If you are looking to fortify your computer’s security even more, consider:
- creating more complicated passwords
- using virtual private networks while browsing
- enabling the firewall
- avoiding shady links you encounter online
- installing an ad blocker extension on your browser
- keeping your operating system up to date
- asking for advice from professionals
Free up Hard Drive Space
Lack of available storage space on a MacBook is quite popular, especially for people that are not good at managing files. Mac applications also create temporary junk files that take up space and slow the computer’s overall performance.
In addition to removing temporary data regularly, you will also need to pay closer attention to Mail and Download folders. Also, delete applications you no longer use, transfer data to external storage devices or clouds, and subscribe to streaming services, so you do not have to keep media files on the MacBook.
Install System Updates
New versions of macOS introduce fresh features, security improvements, and overall performance stability. As a rule of thumb, it is recommended to have the most recent version of the OS installed all the time. The same thing applies to any applications that you use. Be sure that your system is up to date.
Close Background Applications
Idle background applications offer nothing of value most of the time. There are some exceptions, such as antiviruses or apps you use to communicate while working. However, at least one or two idle applications may be silently consuming system resources.
Launch Activity Monitor and sort processes by CPU or memory usage. You will see which apps are currently active and can look to close the ones that you do not need.
Add New Hardware
If you have money to spare, and your MacBook model allows for it, do not hesitate and improve hardware. Adding extra RAM is one of the most popular options, but more and more users are replacing HDDs with SSDs. The latter is a more optimal option performance-wise, even if it does not have the most storage space available.
Declutter Desktop
Desktop clutter can get out of hand if you are not careful. Many people underestimate how much of a performance hindrance a cluttered desktop is. Users believe that they are not sacrificing performance by keeping files on their MacBook’s desktop. But the reality is different.
Icons on the desktop are rendered when you switch between tabs and the desktop. The process requires resources, and it puts a toll on the system. Move your files to another location instead of keeping them on the desktop. And if you are having problems finding a file manually, remember a search feature on your Mac.
Limit Visual Effects
Visual effects are something pragmatic MacBook users should disable automatically. Fewer visual effects mean prolonged battery life in addition to better overall performance.
Disable Dock effects and make the panel static. A backlit keyboard is another popular feature, but it offers nothing of real value, meaning that you can use a regular keyboard, even if it might seem like an outdated option.
