Even new Macbook models are bound to start underperforming eventually. You may begin to think that getting a new computer is the best solution to the problem. While spending money on another Mac is an option, not everyone can afford to change their computer every couple of years.
Thankfully, poor Macbook performance does not mean that you can forget about ever restoring it back to what it was before. It is the opposite – you have plenty of different ways to boost Mac’s speed. Here are some tips on how to do that.
#1 – Get Rid of Unnecessary Data
Do not end with just a few gigabytes of free storage on your drive. Files accumulate quickly if you forget to remove old junk, like email attachments, downloads, and applications that have been on the computer for years.
Temporary app extensions, plugins, and backups are a type of data that you can see after changing the system settings. Removing these files manually is not the best option because you risk deleting something accidentally. Instead, get cleaner software and let it remove junk data for you.
There is no need to delete every file. You have the option of transferring data to clouds or external storage devices, like memory sticks.
#2 – Add New Hardware
New hardware is cheaper than a new computer, especially if you wait for holidays and buy hardware with a discount. RAM is one of the first things to consider. More memory improves performance significantly, particularly when you have to use resource-heavy applications.
Replacing HDD with SSD is another popular option. New Mac models have solid-state drives, but if your Macbook is older, you can benefit a lot by purchasing an SSD.
Finally, Apple added support for external GPUs a couple of years ago. If you are not happy with your current graphic processor unit, getting a replacement could be just the thing.
#3 – Stop Memory Leaks
Preventing memory leaks is simple. All you need is restart the computer. Applications that have been running for a long time distribute memory where the memory should not go, and it causes problems for the overall performance of your Macbook.
Get in the habit of restarting your Mac every couple of hours, and you will notice the difference in performance right away. And if you hate to wait for applications to load after each restart, trim the startup item list.
#4 – Declutter Desktop
Avoid cluttering your desktop. Aim to keep files in different locations. Create a system that lets you locate files without any problems. Name them and use Spotlight in case there is too much data.
Each icon on the desktop requires resources that are finite. It might be more convenient to keep files on the desktop and access them immediately, but you should not sacrifice the performance of your Macbook for the sake of that convenience.
#5 – Clean Dust and Dirt Inside
Just like removing junk data and other files from the disk regularly, you should also remove dust and dirt inside the Macbook. Do not wait until your internal hardware is starting to malfunction. Remember that there are service stores if you are afraid of taking the Mac apart yourself.
#6 – Buy a Cooling Pad
A cooling pad is a great accessory that helps you regulate Macbook’s temperature when you are stuck in a poorly ventilated room. There are times when the weather outside is too hot as well, and even an AC cannot help with your situation.
Getting some cold air to your Macbook directly helps, and that is exactly what a cooling pad is for.
#7 – Manage Applications
See which of your applications are consuming the most resources. It may be that some apps are running in the background for no reason, and shutting them down would free up system resources.
Looking for better alternatives is also a good piece of advice. Antiviruses and internet browsers are good examples of application variety of the same category.
#8 – Create a New Profile
A new profile is a simple yet effective way to leave some performance issues behind and start fresh. Some compare it to reinstalling the operating system, but a new profile is different. And speaking of reinstalling the OS, it is also something you may want to consider if the Macbook continues to underperform.
#9 – Improve Macbook’s Security
Avoid viruses and malware because you may struggle to get rid of them when they are on the computer. Moreover, Macbook’s performance is not the only thing at risk. Personal information could also be exposed.
Get reliable antivirus, enable the firewall, and consider a virtual private network for browsing security, especially if you have to connect to public Wi-Fi.
