How to Boost macOS Performance

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Over time, any computer can begin to slow down, including those running macOS. A slow Mac can be caused by a variety of reasons such as software issues, hardware limitations, or poor system management. Understanding and resolving these problems can significantly improve your Mac's performance. This detailed guide will walk you through various ways to effectively boost macOS performance.

1. Managing storage space

Storage space plays a vital role in macOS performance. Lack of enough space can slow down your system drastically. Here's how to manage storage effectively:

1.1 Clean up system junk

Cleaning your system regularly will help maintain optimal performance. macOS works with cache files to speed up operations; however, these can become clogged over time.

• Use a tool like CleanMyMac X to safely clean temporary files, system logs, and caches.
• Go to ~/Library/Caches and manually delete the application cache files, but be careful when doing so.

1.2 Optimize storage

macOS provides built-in tools to manage storage effectively:

• Click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, and switch to the Storage tab.
• Use the Manage... option to review recommendations for optimizing storage by storing in iCloud, reducing clutter, and more.

2. Application management

Apps can be resource-intensive, impacting overall system performance. Here's how to keep them under control:

2.1 Remove unnecessary applications

Having too many applications installed, especially ones that run at startup, can slow down macOS:

• Go to the Applications folder, sort by size, and delete the apps you no longer use.
• Open System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items, and remove or hide unnecessary startup items.

2.2 Update your applications

Keeping your applications updated ensures they are optimized for performance and security:

• Open the App Store and click the Updates tab to install updates for your apps.
• Enable automatic app updates by checking System Preferences > Software Update.

3. System maintenance

Frequent system maintenance is important to improve the performance of your macOS. Here are some strategies that can help you maintain optimal performance:

3.1 Run Disk Utility

The built-in Disk Utility tool can be used to fix disk-related problems, which can improve performance.

• Open Disk Utility from Applications > Utilities.
• Select your system drive and click First Aid to run the repair.

3.2 Reset the PRAM and SMC

Resetting the PRAM (Parameter RAM) and SMC (System Management Controller) may resolve hardware-related performance issues:

• To reset the PRAM, restart your Mac and hold down Option + Command + P + R until you hear the startup sound twice.
• To reset the SMC, instructions vary depending on your Mac model. Generally, for laptops, shut down your Mac, connect to power, and press Shift + Control + Option + Power keys for 10 seconds, then release.

4. Resource monitoring

Monitoring your Mac's resource usage can help you get to the root of performance degradation:

4.1 Use Activity Monitor

Activity Monitor provides CPU, memory, disk, and network usage information:

• Open Activity Monitor from Applications > Utilities.
• Check the CPU tab for processes using too much CPU, and force-close them if necessary.
• Review memory usage to make sure your Mac isn't running out of RAM.

5. Upgrading the hardware

Sometimes, software optimizations are not enough, and a hardware upgrade may be necessary:

5.1 Add more RAM

If your Mac allows it, consider upgrading the RAM for better multitasking capability and faster performance.

5.2 Switch to SSD

If your Mac is using a hard disk drive (HDD), upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) can significantly improve load times and performance.

6. Manage visual effects

Although macOS's visual effects are aesthetically pleasing, they can slow down older machines:

6.1 Minimize transparency

Disabling transparency effects makes the system run more smoothly:

• Go to System Preferences > Accessibility > Display, and check Reduce Transparency.

6.2 Reduce speed

Reducing the motion effect may also help:

• In the same Display settings, enable the Reduce Motion option.

7. Customize the browser

Browsers can consume a lot of resources. Here's how to optimize them:

7.1 Limit browser extensions

Extensions can consume more resources:

• Evaluate your currently installed extensions and remove unnecessary extensions.
• On Safari, go to Preferences > Extensions to manage them.

7.2 Clear browser cache

Cached data can accumulate over time, slowing down the browser:

• On Safari, go to Preferences > Privacy and click Manage Website Data... to clear the cache.

8. Use the latest macOS version

Keeping your macOS updated ensures you have the latest performance improvements and security patches:

• To check for available updates, click the Apple menu, choose System Preferences, and then choose Software Update.

Conclusion

By adopting these practices, you can effectively boost the performance of your macOS. While software tips and tricks can mitigate many problems, proper hardware upgrades can significantly contribute to better performance for demanding tasks. Regular maintenance, being careful about system usage, and proactive management are the keys to keeping your Mac running smoothly. Always remember to back up important data before making any major changes to your system.

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