Are you struggling with your Macbook because it feels sluggish while being used? If that is the case, it would be a good time to take some action and improve the performance of your computer.
Devices start to slow down after a while, but it does not mean you should write them off and look for something new. As far as Macbooks are concerned, you can do quite a few things that will speed them up. And the methods below will be an excellent place to start, especially if you do not have a lot of experience with the subject.
Method #1 – Free up Disk Space
If you are running out of disk space, prepare to encounter warning messages that can become quite annoying. Instead of waiting before it becomes too late, look to free up disk space by doing the following:
- Get a utility tool to get rid of junk files like caches, plugins, extensions, and backups. MacPaw has a great mac cleaner review on their website that will help you with picking the best software for this purpose.
- Transfer some data to Dropbox, iCloud, or even external storage devices like USB memory sticks.
- Delete old applications, email attachments, and downloads.
- Subscribe to streaming services, so you do not have to keep large media files on the computer.
Method #2 – Look for Resource-hungry Apps
Activity Monitor is a tool that you can utilize to find the resource-hungry applications. Sort the processes by CPU and memory usage to find out the ones that require the most resources.
There will be applications that are an integral part of the system and cannot be removed. But you may also find some that are running in the background without offering anything of value. Such apps can be deleted.
Method #3 – Turn off Visuals
Visuals are important in certain situations, like when you are marketing or working with graphic design. However, those who are looking to boost the performance of a Macbook should not hesitate and adjust certain visual settings.
Go to the Dock and untick the boxes from both “Animate opening applications” and “Automatically hide and show the Dock.” You can also switch the Genie effect to the Scale effect in the “Minimize windows using” section of the Dock.
Method #4 – Reindex Spotlight
If you have recently upgraded the OS version, you have probably noticed how much of a strain Spotlight puts on the system while indexing. Usually, it takes a few hours, and everything should be back to normal.
However, there are instances when Spotlight is stuck, and you cannot afford to wait for who knows how long before you can use it again.
Go to System Preferences and select Spotlight. Click the Privacy tab and drag your hard drive from Finder and put it into the Privacy List. When the icon of the hard drive is visible, remove it by clicking the minus sign at the bottom-right corner.
The indexing process will start again, and you should be able to use the Macbook after a few hours and without any hiccups.
Method #5 – Declutter Desktop
Do not get in the habit of putting every file on your desktop. Each icon consumes resources as it gets rendered whenever you switch between the desktop and another window.
Organize files in an orderly fashion and have them in the proper location. The number of icons on the desktop should be kept to a minimum. Or better yet, there should not be any at all.
Method #6 – Scan for Malware
It is good when people are actively avoiding clicking on shady links or opening unknown files. You can never be certain what might come out of that. But nothing prevents the computer from cybersecurity threats better than anti-virus software.
The necessary measures should be taken even more when you are using the computer at work. There are more risks because the information about the company you work in might also be available to those who are looking to exploit it.
The bottom line is that every computer should have reliable anti-virus software running in the background at all times.
Method #7 – Optimize the Browser
Some people have the most issues when they are surfing the internet. And it may be that the one at fault is not the computer, but the browser.
Clear caches, browsing history, and remove any extensions or add-ons that offer no value. And if the browser still feels sluggish, consider installing an alternative.
Method #8 – Improve Battery Life
Battery life should also be preserved. Have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off when you do not need them. Adjust screen brightness and shut off applications in the background you are not using.
Give your Macbook some rest now and then. It is better not to have it switched on at all times. And do not leave the charger plugged in when the battery is at full.
