{"id":5412,"date":"2023-06-27T09:54:48","date_gmt":"2023-06-27T09:54:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/?p=5412"},"modified":"2023-06-27T12:17:42","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T12:17:42","slug":"mac-running-slow-how-to-improve-its-performance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/mac-running-slow-how-to-improve-its-performance\/","title":{"rendered":"Mac Running Slow? Here\u2019s 7 Tips How to Improve its Performance"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is your Mac running slow, making you question its performance? Whether it&#8217;s an aging iMac or a brand-new MacBook Air, we all encounter those frustrating moments when apps freeze, booting takes an eternity, and videos stutter relentlessly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With time, signs of wear and tear become apparent\u2014your Mac crawls along, and windows and applications become unresponsive. These unmistakable red flags serve as a clear indication that your Mac is desperately in need of a boost.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you constantly ask, &#8220;<\/span><b>Why is my Mac running slow<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?&#8221; fear not! In this article, we\u2019ll highlight why your MacBook is running slow and provide solutions to improve its performance. So, let&#8217;s dive right in!<\/span><\/p>\n\n<h2><b>Why is my Mac running slow and tips to improve its performance<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several issues cause a Mac to run slowly, and troubleshooting can be tedious. Identifying each cause and employing the simplest solutions make the most sense. Here is why your Mac is running slow and how to fix each issue to improve overall performance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1.<\/b><b>You have a lot running in the background<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes your Mac may struggle with even the simplest tasks because of too much activity in the background. As such, an app you\u2019re using to handle easy tasks may require more memory than your Mac has.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To get the gist of what is running in the background, use <\/span><b><i>Activity Monitor<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and find out how much memory your Mac and apps use. Its role is to reveal what\u2019s silently siphoning your Mac&#8217;s resources and allow you to take necessary action.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One way to improve your Mac&#8217;s performance, in this case, is to quit an app that\u2019s taking up too much of the processing power. Here\u2019s how to approach it via the activity monitor:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open <\/span><b><i>Activity Monitor<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and identify all the real-time apps and processes running on your Mac<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5416\" src=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog1.png\" alt=\"Activity monitor - Mac running slow - unremot.com\" width=\"512\" height=\"359\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog1.png 512w, https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog1-300x210.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go to the <\/span><b><i>Memory tab<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, then activate the Memory filter atop the list. You\u2019ll get a clear picture of the programs and the amount of RAM they take up on your Mac.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5417\" src=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog2.png\" alt=\"Memory tab - Mac running slow - unremot.com\" width=\"512\" height=\"359\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog2.png 512w, https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog2-300x210.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Navigate to the window&#8217;s top-left corner and locate the \u201cX\u201d icon. With a simple click, you\u2019ll close the apps and processes that weigh down your Mac&#8217;s performance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5418\" src=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog3.png\" alt=\"Navigation - Mac running slow - unremot.com\" width=\"512\" height=\"359\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog3.png 512w, https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog3-300x210.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, proceed cautiously, for some of these processes might be vital cogs in the system&#8217;s complex machinery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Also read:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/seven-best-mac-productivity-apps\/\">7 Best Mac Productivity Apps<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><b>2.<\/b><b>Depleted hard drive space<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s no secret that nothing slows down a Mac quite like a hard drive on the edge of capacity. Heavy tons of files saved directly to the hard drive easily eat up space and cause issues with your Mac running slow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slow performance is just one of them, which may mean you&#8217;re about to reach the storage limit. To fix this issue, check the available Mac storage space and consider cleaning it up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This involves more than just discarding old movie files or organizing your Desktop. It may also call for a thorough system-wide assessment where you need a reliable cleaning tool that guarantees safe deletions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a slow iMac or any Mac model, a<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/mackeeper.com\/cleaning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cleaner for MacBook<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a great choice. Its innovative technology comprehensively cleans your Mac, distinguishing what and where to clean. The tool safely removes caches, logs, language packs, and more to accelerate your Mac.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3.<\/b><b>Unoptimized Mac storage<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One common reason for a sluggish Mac is unoptimized storage. Apple developers have recognized this issue and provided helpful recommendations for managing and optimizing your Mac&#8217;s storage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To access these recommendations, simply follow these steps:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Click on the <\/span><b><i>Apple menu &gt; About This Mac<\/i><\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Select <\/span><b><i>General<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and choose <\/span><b><i>Storage<\/i><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5419\" src=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog4.png\" alt=\"Storage - Mac running slow - unremot.com\" width=\"512\" height=\"211\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog4.png 512w, https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog4-300x124.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Click <\/span><b><i>Manage <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and follow Apple prompts to free up your storage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under the Storage tab, you&#8217;ll find useful tips on optimizing your storage. You can transfer your files and data to iCloud, freeing up valuable space on your Mac. Just click the &#8220;Store in iCloud&#8221; option and select the files you want to save in iCloud storage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5421\" src=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog5.png\" alt=\"iCloud Storage - Mac running slow - unremot.com\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog5.png 512w, https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog5-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, consider removing large files, like Apple TV shows, to further optimize your storage. Remember to regularly empty the trash and clean up your folders to increase your Mac\u2019s performance. These options are found under the Storage tab in System Settings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4.<\/b><b>Malware infection<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A slower-than-usual Mac could be surprisingly a sign that your device is infected with malware. Viruses and other harmful apps run hidden background processes that consume significant system resources, slowing down Mac.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The good news is that you can quickly remove malware from your Mac through simple and effective processes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the methods of eliminating malware from your Mac is utilizing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reliable antivirus software<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You can also regularly scan your Mac, be cautious when downloading files, and keep your macOS updated.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5.<\/b><b>Insufficient RAM<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Random Access Memory (RAM) is crucial to your Mac&#8217;s performance. It is a temporary storage space where your computer stores data it needs to access quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insufficient RAM means your Mac will compensate for using part of the hard drive. Accessing data from the hard drive is much slower than accessing it from RAM. This results in a noticeable slowdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To improve your Mac&#8217;s performance with insufficient RAM, consider upgrading it. Increasing the RAM capacity will give it more breathing room to handle multiple tasks efficiently.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, you should first check your Mac&#8217;s specifications and consult with an authorized service provider. They\u2019ll help you establish the maximum amount of RAM your Mac can support and the compatible modules.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If upgrading the RAM is not feasible, try optimizing performance by closing unnecessary applications and browser tabs. Each open application consumes memory, so closing unused apps will free up RAM for more critical tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>6.<\/b><b>Fragmented hard drive<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A fragmented hard drive occurs when files are stored in non-contiguous locations on the disk. Over time, as you create, modify, and delete files, gaps appear on the hard drive, leading to file fragmentation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fragmentation can slow down your Mac&#8217;s performance significantly. This happens because the system must search for and access file fragments scattered across the drive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, read and write operations take much longer when files are fragmented. The hard drive&#8217;s read\/write heads must physically retrieve all the file pieces. The result is increased access times, slower file retrieval, and reduced overall system performance causing issues with your Mac running slow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To address this issue and improve performance, use <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mac\u2019s built-in Disk Utility tool<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Disk Utility offers a feature called &#8220;Repair Disk&#8221; that scans and resolves file system issues, including fragmentation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here&#8217;s how to use Disk Utility:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go to the <\/span><b><i>Finder app &gt; Applications folder &gt; Utilities &gt; Disk Utility<\/i><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5422\" src=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog6-1.png\" alt=\"Disk utility - Mac running slow - unremot.com\" width=\"512\" height=\"272\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog6-1.png 512w, https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog6-1-300x159.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Select your Mac&#8217;s hard drive from the list on the left-hand side<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Click on the <\/span><b><i>First Aid<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> button located at the top of the Disk Utility window<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5423\" src=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog7.png\" alt=\"First Aid - Mac running slow - unremot.com\" width=\"512\" height=\"246\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog7.png 512w, https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog7-300x144.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Click on <\/span><b><i>Run <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or <\/span><b><i>Repair Disk<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and wait for the repair process to complete<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disk Utility will analyze your disk and fix any issues, including repairing file fragmentation. This process may take some time and also requires you to have a backup of your important data.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>7.<\/b><b>Outdated operating system<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Running an outdated version of macOS can significantly impact your Mac&#8217;s performance. An older operating system may make your Mac slow and less compatible with newer applications and hardware.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Updating your macOS is crucial to keep your Mac at its optimal potential. Apple regularly releases macOS updates that address bugs, introduce new features, and improve overall performance not causing issues with your Mac running slow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here&#8217;s how you can update your macOS:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Click on the <\/span><b><i>Apple menu<\/i><\/b><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Select <\/span><b><i>System Preferences<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from the dropdown menu<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5424\" src=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog8.png\" alt=\"System preferences - Mac running slow - unremot.com\" width=\"487\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog8.png 487w, https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog8-285x300.png 285w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 487px) 100vw, 487px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go to <\/span><b><i>Software Update<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the System Preferences window<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5425\" src=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog9.png\" alt=\"Software update - Mac running slow - unremot.com\" width=\"512\" height=\"446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog9.png 512w, https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog9-300x261.png 300w, https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog9-70x60.png 70w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Click the <\/span><b><i>Update Now<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> button to commence the installation process if updates are available<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5426\" src=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog10.png\" alt=\"Update now - Mac running slow - unremot.com\" width=\"512\" height=\"297\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog10.png 512w, https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blog10-300x174.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MacOS updates often include improvements to core components, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">File system<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Graphics drivers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Power management.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All three can have a positive impact on your Mac&#8217;s performance. Moreover, an updated macOS ensures compatibility with newer software applications. Remember, staying updated with your macOS serves more than improving performance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also crucial for maintaining the security and stability of your Mac. Check for and install updates regularly to ensure your Mac performs optimally and is protected against vulnerabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Also read:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/top-10-upgrades-for-your-mac-pro\/\">Top 10 Upgrades for Your Mac Pro: Which Parts Will Give You the Best Performance Boost<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><b>Final Thoughts<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A slow-performing Mac can be frustrating. But you can take appropriate steps to improve its performance by understanding the common reasons behind its sluggishness. This guide has highlighted key factors that can contribute to a slow Mac and provided practical tips to address each one.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Implementing the above-shared suggestions and adopting good computing habits will let you enjoy a faster and more efficient Mac experience. This will enable you to work, create, and explore seamlessly. Take action today, implement these tips, and unlock the full potential of your Mac! Happy computing!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is your Mac running slow, making you question its performance? Whether it&#8217;s an aging iMac or a brand-new MacBook Air, we all encounter those frustrating moments when apps freeze, booting takes an eternity, and videos stutter relentlessly. With time, signs of wear and tear become apparent\u2014your Mac crawls along, and windows and applications become unresponsive. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5429,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-5412","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-productivity","8":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5412","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5412"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5412\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5433,"href":"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5412\/revisions\/5433"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5429"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5412"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5412"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unremot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5412"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}