A Macbook is bound to drop its performance sooner or later. And when that happens, some individuals begin to ponder on the idea that they need to buy a new computer.
While spending money on a new model is an option, there are methods that will improve the performance of the current Macbook. If you have been unhappy with how your Macbook is performing, this article will be of great use.
Tip #1 – Delete Junk Files
Junk files are a burden, and they will accumulate over time. You cannot get rid of them manually most of the time and need a specific utility software to clean.
Caches and old backups take more space than you imagine. Consider reading a review by MacPaw about MacKeeper and other great alternatives on cleanup software. Get one that suits your needs the most.
Tip #2 – Scan for Viruses and Malware
Even a small malware can turn into a real problem. You might notice that the Macbook has suddenly started to perform worse, and you did not make any significant changes in the system.
Threats will take any opportunity they can to get inside a computer. And new malware and viruses get created all the time, even ones specifically targeting macOS.
Instead of risking your personal information and performance of a computer, get anti-virus, and have peace of mind. And run regular scans like once every week to strengthen the security even more.
Tip #3 – Get Rid of Old Files
Some files take space without providing any merit. Old applications can be deleted and reinstalled later on. Language pack files from certain apps are also useless since you only need an English version most of the time. If you find more files like these, think whether you actually need them. And if not, press the delete button.
Tip #4 – Optimize Web Browser
A web browser can also become sluggish and ruin your internet surfing sessions. This usually happens when one installs too many add-ons and extensions. Look at your extension list and try disabling some of them.
Having the most recent version and keeping a number of open tabs to a minimum will also help with browsing the internet.
Tip #5 – Look at Activity Monitor
Activity Monitor is a tool you use to determine which processes in the background consume the most energy. It gives a bigger picture, and allows you to determine which apps need replacements.
Sort applications by memory and CPU usages. If you see one that consumes too much, look for an alternative. Or if there is no real reason to have it in the first place, delete the app.
Finally, pay attention when you are closing the apps. Clicking on the “X” button does not close them but minimizes the applications. You may forget about it, especially if you do not have a lot of experience with a Macbook or switched from Windows recently.
Tip #6 – Declutter Desktop
Do not turn your desktop into a mess by putting all your files there. The number of icons on a desktop should be kept to a minimum. In fact, it would be better not to have any files there in the first place.
Every icon consumes memory, and when switching between the desktop and other windows puts a toll on the hardware. Look to organize the files to folders and have them moved to another location on the Macbook.
Tip #7 – Turn off Visual Effects
From a pragmatic point of view, visual effects offer nothing. If you are looking to boost the performance, disable visuals.
Go to the Dock and start by changing the Genie effect to Scale effect next to the “Minimize windows using” section. Also, untick the boxes from the two options you can see below: “Automatically hide and show the Dock” and “Animate opening applications”.
Tip #8 – Add RAM
RAM is relatively cheap nowadays, and you can find a lot of great deals on the internet or even at your local store. More memory is always welcome, especially if your current hardware has a rough time keeping up with everything that you have installed.
Tip #9 – Get SSD
A solid-state drive is a bit trickier to replace on a Macbook, but the effort is still worth it. Installing an SSD will be like a breath of fresh air. The computer will boot up faster, it will not take as much to transfer files from one location to another, and the overall performance will also improve.
Tip #10 – Clean Dust and Dirt
The final tip on the list is taking care of dust and dirt. Do not slack off and let things get out of hand. Make cleaning the dust a regular thing, and keep your Macbook in the top shape.
