If you are unhappy with your Macbook’s performance, do not think that replacing it with another computer is the right option. You have likely neglected to take proper care of it for a while, and over time, it has reached a point where the system needs too long to load after each restart, or some applications stutter and even fail to launch.

Thankfully, there are ways to restore the computer’s performance. If you want to take action, read the tips below and speed up your Macbook.

Tip #1 – Remove Malware

For the most part, you should not have problems with malware. Macbooks are quite secure, and even their default antivirus software does a good job preventing potential cybersecurity threats.

Nevertheless, a slow Mac performance could be the result of computer viruses. Do not underestimate what minor malware can do. 

Initiate a custom disk scan to confirm that the system is virus-free. If the antivirus finds corrupted files, do not hesitate and get rid of these files right away. 

You will need to be more careful in the future. Besides having antivirus in the background, enable the firewall. Also, consider sticking to virtual private networks when surfing the net. 

Tip #2 – Get Rid of Visual Gimmicks

Enabling visual effects is not worth it. They provide no real value. If anything, gimmicks like a backlit keyboard or various app animations consume system resources, including battery life. 

If you want to have an optimally-performing Macbook, you will need to disable visual effects. Be more pragmatic and do not hesitate. After finishing, you should notice significant improvements to the Macbook’s speed as well as the battery’s lifespan. 

Tip #3 – Install System Updates

Not every Mac user is keen to download and install the macOS updates because they may take a while to finish. However, by ignoring a new OS version, you are missing out on the latest features, security patches, and overall stability and performance improvements.

Make system updates your priority, especially if the Macbook has not been running that great recently. Who knows, perhaps a missing system change is just the thing that is causing those performance problems?

Tip #4 – Declutter Desktop

Even though a cluttered computer desktop is not a pretty sight, it does not seem to bother quite a few people. For them, having app shortcuts and important documents on the desktop is more convenient. They do not need to use the search function or navigate through folders to find a file on a computer.

However, each desktop icon will consume valuable system resources, particularly when you switch back and forth between the Macbook’s desktop and another tab. 

Aim to declutter your desktop. It should not have any icons, and if you are struggling to remember where a particular document or an app shortcut is, use the search feature.

Tip #5 – Limit Background Applications

Look at the Activity Monitor to determine which applications are consuming the most system resources. Limiting background apps would free up memory and CPU and improve the performance. 

Besides redundant applications, you can also look for some alternatives. For example, if you use Google Chrome as your default internet browser, switching to Safari may make a difference. Safari is the default Macbook browsers, but given Chrome’s popularity, it is no surprise to see people preferring it over Safari.

Besides the internet browser, you could also test different antivirus software. If an alternative antivirus provides the same security but consumes fewer resources, installing such a replacement seems like a good idea.

Finally, if you are running a resource-heavy application, like a video game, keep in mind that the computer has a limited number of available resources. Having other apps in the background in addition to the video game is not an optimal setup.

Tip #6 – Free up Enough Drive Space

For all of its advantages, a Macbook is not the best when it comes to available storage space. Avoid ending up with just a few gigabytes of free storage. If your drive has 500 gigabytes of available space, at least 50 gigabytes should be free.

Managing computer data is not that challenging once you have a system. For starters, keep an eye on applications and remove the ones you no longer use. Taking care of old downloads, email attachments, and temporary system data like backups, extensions, and plugins would help as well.

Lastly, remember that you can transfer data to external storage devices and cloud services like Dropbox and iCloud.

Tip #7 – Clean Dust Inside

Do not leave the filth inside the Macbook. The dust and dirt that accumulates inside pose a threat to the internal hardware. 

If you hear a loud noise coming from the internal fans, or notice that the laptop is overheating, take the Macbook to a computer service store and ask to remove the dust inside. It is unlikely that you would be doing this yourself, given the risks of taking the computer apart and damaging its hardware.