musicMagpie Blog

Nothing ruins your day quite like your MacBook running slow. Whether you’re rushing to meet a deadline or trying to binge-watch your favourite series, a slow MacBook can be incredibly frustrating. But don’t worry! We’re here to help you figure out why your MacBook is dragging its feet and, more importantly, how to get it back up to speed. Keep reading to find out how to fix your slow MacBook!

In this blog:

• Why is my MacBook so slow?
  • Not enough startup disk space
  • Memory overload
  • Unnecessary background processes
  • Malware and outdated software
  • Overheating
• How to fix a slow MacBook
  • Quit unnecessary apps
  • Optimise storage
  • Manage startup applications
  • Clear your cache
  • Remove unnecessary extensions
  • Shut down background processes
  • Clean your MacBook
  • Update your MacBook
  • Check for malware

Why is my MacBook so slow?

There are several reasons your MacBook might be slow. Let’s dive into the most common culprits:

Not enough startup disk space

If your startup disk is full, your MacBook doesn’t have enough room to breathe. This can make everything feel sluggish, from opening apps to loading files.

Memory overload

Some apps demand more memory than your MacBook can easily handle. If you’re running several memory-hogging apps at once, your system can slow to a crawl. You can use Activity Monitor (find it in Finder > Applications > Utilities) to check how much memory your apps are using.

Unnecessary background processes

Too many apps or processes running in the background can quietly drain resources and slow things down.

Malware and outdated software

Both malware and outdated software can make your MacBook sluggish. Malware can sneak onto your MacBook and sap its resources, while running old versions of macOS or apps can lead to compatibility issues and slowdowns.

Overheating

A dusty MacBook can overheat, causing the system to throttle performance to keep things cool.

How to fix a slow MacBook

Ready to speed things up? Try these tips to breathe new life into your slow MacBook:

Quit unnecessary apps

If you’re not using an app, close it! Running too many apps simultaneously can sap your MacBook’s resources. Simply close any unnecessary tabs and apps by right-clicking the app and selecting quit.

Optimise storage

Freeing up space on your startup disk will help your MacBook run more smoothly. If possible, try to move files you don’t use regularly to an external storage device or cloud storage and delete any unnecessary files. You can also follow Apple’s storage recommendations by opening the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage and following the recommendations for freeing up space.

Manage startup applications

Some apps automatically launch when you start your MacBook, slowing things down. To disable them go to System Settings > General > Login Items and remove any unnecessary apps from the list.

Clear your cache

Caches store temporary files, but over time, they can bloat and slow your system. Open Finder > Go (in menu bar) > Go to Folder and type `~/Library/Caches/` to delete unnecessary cache files – but be careful not to delete anything important!

Remove unnecessary extensions

Browser extensions can hog memory and slow your MacBook. Disable any you don’t need by going to your browser’s settings.

Shut down background processes

Use Activity Monitor to identify and shut down unnecessary processes that are consuming resources. To open Activity Monitor, go to Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor and select the process you want to quit from the Process Name List, then click Stop in the upper-left corner.

Clean your MacBook

If your MacBook is overheating, give it a good clean. Dust buildup in the vents and fans can trap heat and slow down performance. Book in at your local Apple Store’s Genius Bar and request an internal cleaning to make sure any dust and dirt is safely removed from your Mac.

Update your MacBook

Make sure you’re running the latest version of macOS and your apps. Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes. Head to System Settings > General > Software Updates to check if your Mac needs a software update.

Check for malware

Use a trusted antivirus program to scan for and remove any malware that might be lurking on your MacBook.

If your MacBook is still running slow, it may be time for an upgrade! Check out our refurbished MacBook models and refurbished laptops to get your next device for even less.