Even the best machines tend to slow down after a few years. If you have had a Macbook for a while, you should notice that it is not performing as great as it did in the beginning.
Some users begin to panic and believe that the only solution to the problem is replacing the current model with a new one. But that is far from the truth. There are methods that can make even an old Macbook increase its performance. So before you give up, consider trying out these suggestions.
Step #1 – Free up Space in Hard Drive
Lack of space on a hard drive is one of the main culprits behind slowing the overall performance. If you are not careful, a lot of junk will accumulate over time and you will have a bad time clearing everything manually.
Caches, downloads, and other unnecessary files only consume space and serve no purpose. And even if you get rid of an app by dragging it to the trash, it does not get deleted completely. To fully delete an app, consult this article by MacPaw. And they have a lot of other great content on the website, so be sure to read that as well.
Step #2 – Declutter Desktop
If you are in a habit of putting all your stuff on the desktop, you should get rid of this habit as soon as possible. Having too many icons on the desktop slows down the overall performance and makes you look like a messy person.
Organize everything in the folders and reduce the number of files that are on the desktop. Once you do that, you will notice that switching between the desktop and another window is smoother.
Step #3 – Get Rid of Apps in Startup
Having multiple apps in the startup menu is a waste. It takes longer for the computer to load, and in most cases, you are not using the apps that launch from the start immediately anyway.
Go to System Preferences and click on Users and Groups. Select your profile, log in, and uncheck the boxes from the applications that are in the startup menu.
Step #4 – Run Anti-Virus Software
Some users like to take risks and do not bother with having anti-virus software. However, malware, viruses, and other cybersecurity threats can attack a computer when you least expect it.
It is better to be safe than sorry. Instead of taking a risk, install anti-virus software and prevent potential threats. Also, if you want to further strengthen your security while browsing the internet, consider using VPN services.
Step #5 – Use Cloud-Based Apps
Apps like iCloud and Dropbox are great because you can use them for free. The former can be upgraded if you lack space for as little as one dollar per month, but in general, users make do with the basic version.
Putting files in clouds will free up more space on the drive and ensure that your most important files are safe.
Step #6 – Find Resource-Hungry Processes
Open Activity Monitor and sort processes by CPU usage. If there are some that take too many resources and are running in the background for no reason, shut them off.
Step #7 – Update the OS
Usually, updates for the operating system happen automatically. But there are some cases when things go wrong. Therefore, get in the habit of regularly checking whether the OS is up to date or not.
You may experience a downgrade in performance after a huge update. It might be that your Macbook is too old and not compatible with the newest version. If that happens, you will need to go back to the version you were using before the most recent update.
Step #8 – Replace HDD with SSD
Replacing HDD with SSD is like a breath of fresh air. Solid-state drive improves the overall performance of a computer noticeably.
Replacing HDD with SSD is challenging so you may want to talk with a professional who can advise you on how to carry out the task. Or it may be even better to leave everything in the hands of someone who has done it multiple times before.
Step #9 – Add Extra RAM
Adding extra RAM is similar to getting an SSD. New hardware is a great upgrade and will go a long way in boosting your computer’s performance. And the best thing about it is that you can find RAM for a relatively cheap price – 8 GB cost about 30 dollars.
Step #10 – Clean Dirt and Dust
If the Macbook starts to overheat even when the room temperature is normal, dust and dirt that has accumulated over time could be the culprit. Do not neglect your computer and clean the dust and dirt regularly.
Maintenance is the Key
So to sum it all up, if your Macbook is relatively old and underperforms, do not look to spend money on a new device. Instead, take all the steps in this article and create a regular maintenance routine. You will notice the change in the computer’s performance immediately.