An underperforming Macbook leads some people into thinking that they should buy a new computer. However, you can do plenty of things to improve the performance without spending money, unless you are willing to invest in additional RAM or replacing your hard drive with a solid-state drive.
Most issues stem from negligence. Macs require maintenance as well. Here are some tips that will help you restore the state of your Macbook to a point where you can enjoy using it again.
Tip #1 – Have Enough Free Storage Space
Running out of disk space on a Macbook is simpler than you think. The drives do not provide a lot of storage, which is a problem for people who like to keep most of their files on a computer.
Having only a few gigabytes of free drive space leads to many performance problems, such as stuttering, crashes, or freezes. If these problems become a common occurrence, the first thing to do is checking whether there is enough free space on your drive.
Delete old applications, downloads, email attachments, and any other files that you no longer need. Transfer data to clouds, external storage devices. Use streaming services, so you do not have to keep large media files on the computer. It is easy to run out of system space, but turning the situation around could be too hard for some when they realize how many important files there are on the disk.
Tip #2 – Disable Visual Effects
Visual effects are consuming system resources. Disabling automated Dock effects and a backlit keyboard would free up CPU and improve battery life. If you are a pragmatic person, do not bother with visual effects at all and disable them.
Tip #3 – Stop Memory Leaks
Applications that have been active for a long time will start to leak memory. You can prevent the issue by regularly restarting the computer. A restart every few hours is a good piece of advice in general. You should notice improvements in the computer’s performance after every restart.
Tip #4 – Declutter Desktop
A cluttered desktop is never a pretty sight. Getting out of the habit of hoarding files on a computer’s desktop is hard. People get used to keeping files on the desktop because it is more convenient. But every icon on a computer’s desktop requires resources.
Move files to another location if you have a cluttered desktop. And if you struggle with finding what you need, create a naming system, and use the search feature.
Tip #5 – Install System Updates
Install operating system updates at your earliest convenience. These updates introduce new features, improves performance and stability, and patches security holes that the system has.
Speaking of updates, it is also worth updating not just the OS, but any application that you use. Being up to date gives you the best available version and increases the odds of having the most-optimally performing computer.
Tip #6 – Try Another Internet Browser
If you are experiencing the most performance issues while using an internet browser, why not try an alternative? There are multiple different browsers that vary in how they perform. Yes, it is important to remove caches and limit the number of browser extensions regularly, but if you are not happy with your current internet browser, switching to a different browser is the simplest solution.
Tip #7 – Close Background Applications
Background applications are consuming system resources, and it is possible that some of these applications are not necessary at the time. Launch Activity Monitor and determine which processes are resource-hungry the most.
There might be room for removing some applications from the system completely or replacing them with more efficient alternatives (just like the example of trying another browser). Computers have limited resources, and how you manage them determines whether the system is running optimally or not.
Tip #8 – Make Sure the System Is Malware-Free
Malware and viruses are one of the worst things that could happen to your computer and disrupt how macOS works. Some threats cannot be removed even if you have a good antivirus. There are cases when reinstalling the operating system is the only solution.
Take precautionary measures to avoid cybersecurity threats. Use a VPN when surfing the net, create difficult passwords, enable the firewall, install ad blockers in an internet browser, and do not click on shady links.
Tip #9 – Remove Dirt Inside Macbook
Do not wait until there is too much dirt and dust inside the Macbook. The filth should be removed regularly. Take the computer to a service store if you are not keen on taking the Macbook apart yourself.
Conclusion
Reviving your Macbook and making it perform is possible even if the computer is old. The tips in the article are enough to create a solid maintenance strategy. Create good habits and take proper care of your Mac.
Rich Thomas