Even if you have just purchased a new Macbook, there will come a time when you notice that it starts to underperform. The applications take longer to load, a spinning beach ball appears more frequently and is persistent, and there might even be occasional crashes or freezes.
Remove System Junk Regularly
Those who take proper care of the computer will have an easier way out of the problem. You can create a system to maintain the Macbook in good condition by following these tips.
Table of contents
Tip #1: Remove System Junk Regularly
Tip #2: Free up Drive Space
Tip #3: Disable Visual Effects
Tip #4: Make Sure to Install System Updates
Tip #5: Close Background Applications
Tip #6: Check for Computer Viruses
Tip #7: Prevent Memory Leaks
Tip #1: Remove System Junk Regularly
Temporary system junk is a hindrance to the overall performance. The Macbook creates temporary data all the time. App extensions, plugins, caches, and system backups are just a few examples.
CleanMyMac X is one of the best options when it comes to taking care of the system junk. The software removes unwanted files automatically, meaning that you do not have to tinker with the system settings to access the data yourself and then get rid of it manually.
You may be reluctant to spend money on such a tool, but the investment is worth it because it is important to remove junk regularly. Imagine how much time you will save when you can set up the software to do the work in the background while you are free to continue with your day.
Tip #2: Free up Drive Space
Temporary junk data frees up the hard drive space, but the difference is negligible when you consider how much storage some of the other types of data required.
Free up Drive Space
Focus on large media files, such as movies, music, and TV shows. Perhaps you can transfer your plan-to-watch backlog to external storage devices or consume media on streaming platforms, such as Netflix or Disney+?
Some applications are also large, especially video games. The bottom line is that you need to keep closer tabs on what kind of files you have on the computer and make the necessary changes when there is not enough drive space.
Tip #3: Disable Visual Effects
Be pragmatic, and do not bother with Macbook’s visual effects. A backlit keyboard or animated openings for Dock serve no real purpose other than just looking pretty. If you aim to get the most out of your MacBook performance-wise, then do not hesitate and disable visual effects.
More to it, visual effects use up more of the battery power and Macbook’s IoT battery cycles are limited.
Tip #4: Make Sure to Install System Updates
System updates may take a while to install, but you should prioritize them regardless. A new OS version introduces stability and performance improves, patches potential security holes, and adds the latest features.
Make Sure to Install System Updates
It is worth mentioning that there are instances when installing the most recent OS version has the opposite effect. Instead of improving the performance of your Macbook, an update might slow the computer’s speed. If that happens, go back to the previous OS version and wait for a hotfix.
Tip #5: Close Background Applications
Activity Monitor has a list of active applications. Some background processes may consume more resources than they should. Moreover, it is difficult to manage system resources optimally when you have redundant apps running in the background.
Sort the processes in the Activity Monitor and see which applications stand out the most. Maybe you can make some changes by finding alternatives? For example, if your current internet browser requires more memory than you like to see, why not try another browser? There are plenty of available options, and since the purpose of a browser is to provide you access to the internet, there is no big difference in what kind of browser you use.
Tip #6: Check for Computer Viruses
Viruses and malware could be the main cause of poor Macbook performance. There are various kinds of cybersecurity threats. Some aim to get hold of people’s personal information; others are meant to cause distress and overburden the computer.
Check for Computer Viruses
Reliable antivirus software is the best way to avoid potential viruses and malware, especially when the software is running in the background all the time.
At the same time, you can take further measures and enable the Firewall, install an ad blocker extension for your browser, and browse the web via a virtual private network.
Tip #7: Prevent Memory Leaks
Applications that have been running for a while start to mess with the system’s resources and distribute memory where the memory should not go. The optimal solution is to restart the Macbook every few hours.
If you are reluctant to press the restart button because it takes too long for the computer to load, make some adjustments, such as:
- trimming up the startup item list
- decluttering Macbook’s desktop
- enabling the auto-login feature
It should not take too long to notice how much better the computer performs once you get in the habit of restarting it.
