Free Delivery when you spend £35.00 or more
15 Quick Tips to Speed Up Your MacBook

15 Quick Tips to Speed Up Your MacBook

15 Quick Tips to Speed Up Your MacBook

Is your MacBook running slower than it used to? Or perhaps it's not keeping up with the latest software updates? Don't worry, you're not alone. Many MacBook users experience these issues. But the good news is, there are several quick and easy ways to speed up your MacBook and get it running like new again. Let's dive into these 15 tips.

Check Your Hard Drive Space

One of the most common reasons for a slow MacBook is a lack of hard drive space. Your MacBook needs enough space to store system files, applications, and user data. If your hard drive is almost full, your MacBook may start to slow down.

To check your hard drive space, click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen, then select 'About This Mac' and 'Storage'. If your hard drive is almost full, consider deleting unnecessary files or moving them to an external hard drive.

Close Unnecessary Applications: Running too many applications at once can slow down your MacBook. Each open application uses a portion of your MacBook's memory and processing power. If you're not using an application, it's best to close it.

To close an application, right-click on its icon in the Dock and select 'Quit'. Alternatively, you can use the Command + Q shortcut.

Update Your Software: Software updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can speed up your MacBook. It's a good idea to keep your operating system and applications up to date.

To check for software updates, click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen, then select 'App Store' and 'Updates'. If there are any available updates, click on the 'Update' button next to each one.

Reset the SMC: The System Management Controller (SMC) controls several low-level functions of your MacBook, including thermal management and battery management. If your MacBook is running slow, resetting the SMC may help.

To reset the SMC, shut down your MacBook, then press and hold the power button for 10 seconds. Release the power button, wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn on your MacBook.

Use Activity Monitor

Activity Monitor is a utility that shows the processes that are running on your MacBook. It can help you identify applications that are using a lot of memory or processing power.

To open Activity Monitor, go to Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor. If you see an application that's using a lot of resources and you're not using it, consider closing it.

Reduce Login Items: Login items are applications that start up automatically when you turn on your MacBook. Too many login items can slow down your MacBook's startup time.

To reduce login items, go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items. Select any applications that you don't need to start up automatically, then click on the '-' button.

Turn Off Visual Effects: Visual effects, such as animated windows and backgrounds, can slow down your MacBook. If you don't need these effects, consider turning them off.

To turn off visual effects, go to System Preferences > Dock & Menu Bar > Dock & Menu Bar. Uncheck the boxes next to 'Animate opening applications' and 'Automatically hide and show the Dock'.

Clean Up Your Desktop: A cluttered desktop can slow down your MacBook. Each icon on your desktop uses a small amount of memory. If you have a lot of icons on your desktop, consider moving them to folders or deleting them.

To clean up your desktop, right-click on an empty area of your desktop, then select 'Clean Up'. This will automatically arrange your icons in a grid. You can then move them to folders or delete them as necessary.

Use Disk Utility

Disk Utility is a tool that can help you repair disk errors and clean up your hard drive. If your MacBook is running slow, using Disk Utility may help.

To use Disk Utility, go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility. Select your hard drive in the sidebar, then click on the 'First Aid' button.

Reset the PRAM: The Parameter RAM (PRAM) stores several system settings, including display settings and startup disk selection. If your MacBook is running slow, resetting the PRAM may help.

To reset the PRAM, shut down your MacBook, then turn it on and immediately press and hold the Option, Command, P, and R keys for 20 seconds. Release the keys, and your MacBook will restart.

Use a Different Browser: Some web browsers are more resource-intensive than others. If you're experiencing slow performance while browsing the web, consider using a different browser.

Popular web browsers include Safari, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox. Try a few different browsers to see which one works best for you.

Delete Old Files: Old files that you no longer need can take up a lot of space on your hard drive. If your hard drive is almost full, deleting old files can help speed up your MacBook.

To delete old files, go to Finder > All My Files. Sort your files by date, then delete any old files that you no longer need.

Turn Off FileVault: FileVault is a security feature that encrypts your hard drive. While it's a good idea to keep FileVault turned on for security reasons, it can slow down your MacBook. If you don't need FileVault, consider turning it off.

To turn off FileVault, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault. Click on the 'Turn Off FileVault' button.

Upgrade Your Hardware: If you're still experiencing slow performance after trying the above tips, consider upgrading your hardware. Adding more RAM or replacing your hard drive with a solid state drive (SSD) can significantly speed up your MacBook.

Keep in mind that upgrading your hardware can be expensive and may void your warranty. It's a good idea to consult with a professional before making any hardware changes.

Get Professional Help: If all else fails, consider getting professional help. A certified Apple technician can diagnose and fix any hardware or software issues that may be slowing down your MacBook.

To find an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider near you, go to the Apple website and click on 'Support' and 'Service and Repair'.

Conclusion

there are many ways to speed up your MacBook. From checking your hard drive space to getting professional help, these 15 tips can help you get your MacBook running like new again. Remember, it's always a good idea to back up your data before making any changes to your MacBook. Happy computing!

While you're boosting your MacBook's performance, don't forget about the safety of your other Apple devices. At Case Monkey, we understand the importance of keeping your tech protected. Our wide selection of affordable, high-quality phone cases ensures your iPhone stays in top condition, just like your newly optimized MacBook. Check out our products today and give your devices the protection they deserve!