MacBook Running Slow? How to Speed It Up in Under an Hour

MacBook Running Slow? How To Speed Up Your Mac
MacBook Running Slow? How To Speed Up Your Mac
Geeks Brisbane

Is your MacBook running slow? It’s a common and incredibly frustrating problem. One moment you’re breezing through your work, the next you’re staring at the dreaded spinning beach ball, a clear sign your MacBook is slow. At Geeks Brisbane, we understand that you need your Mac to be fast and reliable. The good news is that you don’t have to put up with a sluggish machine.

This guide will show you how to make your Mac faster with a series of simple fixes you can do in under an hour. Let’s get your MacBook back to the speed you expect.

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Why Is My MacBook Running Slow?

Before we dive into the solutions, understanding the root cause is key. A MacBook running slow is often a symptom of underlying issues. Here are some of the most common culprits we see at our MacBook repair Brisbane service center:

  • Lack of Storage Space: A nearly full hard drive is a primary reason for a slow MacBook. Your macOS needs free space to operate efficiently.
  • Too Many Startup Items: Applications that launch automatically at startup can consume significant resources, making your MacBook slow from the moment you log in.
  • Outdated Software: Running an old version of macOS can lead to performance bottlenecks. Keeping your system updated is crucial to speed up your MacBook.
  • Malware: While less common than on PCs, Macs can get malware. A malicious program running in the background can severely impact performance.
  • Too Many Browser Tabs: Each open browser tab consumes memory. Having dozens open at once is a sure way to slow down your system.

The “Under an Hour” Plan to Speed Up Your MacBook

Ready to get your hands dirty? Follow this timed plan to see a noticeable improvement in your Mac’s performance.

0-15 Minutes: The Quick Clean-Up

  1. Close Unused Applications: Press Command-Option-Esc to open the “Force Quit Applications” window and close anything you aren’t actively using.
  2. Tame Your Browser: Close unnecessary tabs. Clearing your browser’s cache can also help speed up your MacBook.
  3. Restart Your MacBook: This simple step clears temporary files and memory, giving your Mac a fresh start.

15-30 Minutes: Freeing Up Space

If you’re wondering how to make your Mac faster, freeing up disk space is one of the most effective methods.

  1. Delete Unnecessary Files: Go through your “Downloads” and “Documents” folders and delete old files. Remember to empty the Trash afterward.
  2. Use Storage Management: Go to the Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage > Manage. This tool provides excellent options to offload files to iCloud and identify large files you can delete.

Service Plug: Not sure what’s safe to delete? Our MacBook support Brisbane team can help. We offer a comprehensive “MacBook Health Check” to safely clean up your system.

30-45 Minutes: Optimising Your System

  1. Manage Login Items: Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items. Remove any applications you don’t need to launch at startup. This is a simple trick to speed up your MacBook‘s boot time.
  2. Update macOS and Apps: Check for updates by going to the Apple menu > About This Mac > Software Update. Outdated software can often cause a MacBook to run slow.

45-60 Minutes: Advanced Checks

If your MacBook is still slow, it’s time for some deeper checks.

  1. Run a Malware Scan: Use a reputable tool like Malwarebytes for Mac to scan for and remove any potential threats.
  2. Check Activity Monitor: Open “Activity Monitor” (in your Utilities folder) to see what’s using up your CPU and memory.
  3. Reset the SMC and PRAM/NVRAM: This is an advanced step that can resolve deeper hardware-related performance issues. For instructions, it’s best to consult Apple’s official support documentation as the process varies by model.

When to Call Geeks Brisbane

While these tips can resolve many issues, sometimes a MacBook running slow requires professional help. Contact our MacBook repair Brisbane team if:

  • You suspect a hardware issue.
  • The slowness persists after trying all these steps.
  • You’re not comfortable performing advanced troubleshooting.

At Geeks Brisbane, we provide expert MacBook support Brisbane residents can rely on. From software troubleshooting to hardware repairs, we have the skills to get your Mac back in top shape.

Conclusion

A MacBook running slow doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. By following this guide, you can take clear, effective steps to speed up your MacBook. If you get stuck or need a professional hand, remember that Geeks Brisbane is here to help.

Ready to get started? If you need further assistance, contact Geeks Brisbane today for a free quote! You can reach us at 1300 600 004 or book a service through our Contact Us page.

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