Your Mac can record slow performance and affect your productivity. Different reasons can affect performance, but you can fix most of the problems with ease. The main challenges that affect the speed of your computer are limited storage space, outdated software, or aging hardware.
Sometimes you may experience virus attacks that affect speed. You can perform maintenance procedures once every month to keep your Mac to optimize speed. It involves checking hardware, software, storage, and dusting. The more serious problems may require the help of a computer technician.
Clear cache
The cache is useful to your computer, but sometimes it affects its performance. Its main purpose is to help you retrieve data faster. Cache temporarily stores recently accessed data to save time for retrieving it from storage.
When the cache grows too large, your machine begins to record at a lower speed. An overloaded cache can take up a lot of space on your Mac.
Recently accessed browser pages are also stored in the cache. The best way to clean Safari cache files and free up space is to regularly empty your cache. This makes sure that you access recent pages in your browser effectively. It is safe to delete cached data to allow your computer to run smoothly.
- Open Finder
- Click Go to Finder to display the Finder window
- Type /Library/Caches
- Click Go to open the Caches folder
- Delete all the files, web searches, and apps that you need to clear
Remove some files from your Mac storage
Your files are stored in your computer’s SSD or HDD. The hard disk might have large storage space, but it will eventually get full. The macOS is stored on the hard disk, including all other applications.
If your storage space goes below 10%, your Mac begins to record a slow speed. Sometimes it might hang, forcing you to shut it down forcefully. Remove all documents that you rarely use and save them on another disk.
Make sure you have at least 10% of your disk space free to allow maximum performance.
Keep your software updated
Outdated software will present multiple challenges to your computer. It can have compatibility problems and cause your Mac to keep shutting down. Your computer performance will be affected.
The software may fail and lead to data loss. Your sensitive documents are prone to cyberattacks. Eliminate these challenges by keeping your applications up to date.
- Open Apple store
- Open Updates icon
- Check for the software updates available and update them
You should also update the operating system and security applications. If you are using an old version OS, upgrade it to the current version. You might want to remove the old applications and replace them with new or current ones.
Blow off dust
The air is full of dust, especially during summer or dry seasons. Your computer fan keeps rotating and sucks dust inside your machine. As time progresses, the dust gets clogged around the fan and other parts. The fan eventually gets blocked and can no longer cool your machine effectively.
The machine begins heating up and becomes slow. To optimize performance, clean your computer once a month. The easiest way to clean without opening your Mac is to use compressed air. Your main focus should be the fan to make sure it keeps your machine cool all the time.
Scan for viruses
Macs are more resilient to viruses and malware compared to other computers. Regardless, the computer is prone to various forms of malware attacks. Its operating system has strong built-in security features, but they are not enough. Install a strong antivirus and make sure it is always updated.
The antivirus works in the background, but it is necessary to scan for viruses often. Carry out deep scans to make sure every file is checked and viruses removed.
Clean your desktop and recycle bin
You might have too many documents stored on your desktop. They reduce the speed of your Mac, causing applications and other files to take more time to open. Your recycle bin eventually gets filled up and affects speed too.
Do not keep your desktop and recycle bin full of documents. Empty your bin and clean your desktop to get rid of unwanted files.
To sum it up
The performance of your Mac gets affected by poor maintenance. To keep your computer healthy, remove the cache, clear the hard disk, update programs, and keep your machine dust free. Regular maintenance on your Mac will help you get the most out of it.