If you notice that your MacBook is underperforming, do not fret too much. There might be a slight hiccup that you can fix by spending a bit of time troubleshooting potential causes.
Way #1 – Eliminate Malware
Overall, MacBooks are quite reliable when it comes to their overall security. Hackers are less likely to develop malware targeting macOS because the system is not as popular as Windows. Moreover, regular macOS updates push security upgrades to protect its users.
With that said, there is still a chance that malware might have infected your MacBook. To be sure, use reliable antivirus software and scan the system. If you are not sure what the best anti-malware tool for macOS is, check the list of available antiviruses on MacUpdate.
If the antivirus scan reveals potentially corrupted files, do not hesitate and remove them from the computer. Finally, make sure that you have antivirus software running in the background when the MacBook is turned on so it can detect and remove cybersecurity threats before they infect your Mac.
Way #2 – Clean Dust Inside
Loud noise and overheating are signs of too much dust inside the laptop. If you have waited too long to clean the filth that accumulates inside the MacBook over time, it should not surprise you that the computer is underperforming.
Many laptop owners are reluctant to clean the dust inside the computer because taking the device apart is risky, and it is something one has to do to clean the MacBook thoroughly.
It would be better to leave the task to someone experienced. There should be a local computer service shop that offers cleaning services. Get in touch with the shop and ask if they could clean the dust inside the MacBook for you. Even if you need to pay for the work, you will rest easy knowing that professionals are handling the cleaning.
Pro tip: If you want to solve the overheating problem, in addition to cleaning the MacBook’s dust, invest in a cooling pad.
Way #3 – Add New Hardware
A new MacBook model comes with the latest hardware (as far as MacBooks go), meaning that there are no real options to upgrade it. However, if you have an older model, your Mac might be due for some new hardware.
So long as the model is compatible with hardware upgrades, you can:
- Add extra RAM
- Replace a hard drive with a solid-state drive
- Get an external graphics processing unit
If you find the hardware to be expensive, wait for the next holiday season or another occasion when there is a sale and spend your money then.
Way #4 – Free up Drive Space
Running out of drive space on a MacBook is quite common since the available storage is not that much in the first place. It also does not help if a person has a habit of hoarding large media files instead of using streaming platforms or forgetting to delete old downloads.
Besides removing unnecessary files permanently, one can increase MacBook’s storage by transferring files to iCloud or an external hard drive. The latter can also be used with Time Machine to back up data, which makes an investment in an external HDD worth even more.
Way #5 – Declutter the Desktop
A cluttered desktop is a result of a Mac user who likes to have quicker access to computer documents and app shortcuts.
The convenience might be nice, but it spells trouble for the overall MacBook performance. Whenever you switch tabs between the laptop’s desktop and other windows, the system has to process each desktop icon by rendering it.
Instead of cluttering the MacBook’s desktop, remove app shortcuts and relocate documents. It might take a while to get used to the change, but it is for the better MacBook performance.
Way #6 – Keep Tabs on Background and Startup Apps
Use Activity Monitor to determine which background processes are consuming the most resources. If an app stands out, quit it to preserve Mac’s memory and CPU.
As for startup items, if the MacBook needs a lot of time to load after you boot it, consider trimming up the startup application list.
Go to System Preferences, click Users and Groups, select your profile, and click on Login Items at the top of the tab. From here, you can remove startup applications.
Way #7 – Run the Latest macOS Version
Not having the latest macOS version could be one of the primary reasons behind poor Mac performance. macOS updates introduce new features, improve security, and boost the overall performance.
Make sure to prioritize updating the operating system, even if it takes a while for the update to download and install. Once you install the update, you should notice a significant difference in how the MacBook is performing.