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How to Fix a Slow Macbook Pro: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Fix a Slow Macbook Pro: A Comprehensive GuidePhoto by Dmitry Chernyshov

Originally Posted On: https://viralrang.com/how-to-fix-a-slow-macbook-pro/

 

Apple has sold more than 150 million Macs in the last 15 years. That means there’s a lot of Mac users out there, and many of them are working in graphic design or music. Some have brand new computers, while others are working on much older machines.

One thing every Mac user will likely encounter at one point or another is the infamous Mac slowdown. If you’re wondering how to fix a slow MacBook Pro, you’re in luck. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to speed your Mac up.

Start by Decluttering MacBook Pro

The most common reason a MacBook Pro is slow is simply that you’ve got a lot on it. Tidying up can help your computer run a little faster.

Start by offloading any unneeded files and programs. You can archive photographs and videos, along with other files you don’t need on a day-to-day basis. You may also decide to delete some files, as well as some apps.

If you have older apps, try upgrading them to the latest version. Remove older, outdated versions as well.

You can back up old files to an external hard disk.

Next, make sure you empty the trash can. These files aren’t truly deleted, so they’re still taking up space.

You’ll also want to take a look at your desktop itself. Apple’s OS makes it easy to just toss files onto the desktop, but this can also cause a slowdown. Having these files sitting on the desktop eats up RAM.

Don’t forget to clear caches and temporary Internet files as well. These files can eat up the working memory your computer has. Clearing them out often can free up more of your computing power.

If you work with big programs like Photoshop, then you may occasionally get an error about a “scratch disk” being full. If you get that error, try this to help clear it.

How to Fix a Slow MacBook Pro by Upgrading the OS

If you asked, “Why is my Macbook Pro much slower than normal?”, take a quick look at the last time you updated your version of macOS.

MacOS is a common reason for seeing a slowdown with your MacBook. In some cases, it may be a good idea to upgrade the version you’re working with. If you’re running an older version, like El Capitan or Yosemite, upgrading to Sierra or Mojave could give you a boost in performance.

If it’s possible, upgrade to Catalina or the upcoming Big Sur. If your computer is unable to upgrade past a certain point, it may be time to look at a new one.

Upgrading can be done for free and it’s easy enough to do. It can take some time, though, so be sure to do it when you have time to wait on the computer. You might want to try plugging the computer overnight and letting it update then.

Before you upgrade, always be sure to make a backup of your computer. That way, if anything goes wrong, you can quickly and easily get it back to the way it was.

Free Up Your RAM

If your Macbook Pro is still running slow, it’s time to take a look at what’s running on your computer. Check out any apps you have open.

You might be surprised to find a whole bunch of apps running in the background. Some of them are essential to keeping your MacBook running the right way.

In other cases, apps might be running in the background because that’s their default setting. They might start up with the computer, then hog part of your CPU by being open.

To see what’s draining your CPU, open up Applications, then select Utilities. From there, choose the Activity Monitor.

The Activity Monitor lets you check in on CPU usage and RAM usage as well. From here, you can check in on processes that are running on the CPU. If you don’t know what’s running a process, search it and shut it down if it’s nothing something you need.

When looking at RAM, you want to keep your memory pressure in the green. You can do this by closing some programs.

Older computers just may not have enough RAM to handle everything. If your computer is older than 2012, you may be able to make upgrades to it. Newer computers have integrated components, so you’ll have a harder time upgraded RAM or hard drives.

Check for Malware and Other Issues

If you’re still asking, “Why is my MacBook Pro slow?”, it’s time to check for viruses, malware, and more.

Some apps are malware, which can run in the background without your knowledge. These programs can bog down your computer. Other apps may hijack programs or hold your computer hostage.

They may also try sending you to websites or asking you to download programs to “clean up” your MacBook or speed it up. Instead, you should root out these applications.

To do so, you can run a malware remover. Newer versions of macOS come with a malware removal tool installed. You can upgrade your OS to get it, and it will run automatically.

You can also download other tools to remove malware, viruses, and more. Security apps can help you avoid malware in the future too. Always be sure to download from trusted sites or the Apple store.

Don’t Let Slow Technology Hold You Back

Slowness is one of the most common MacBook Pro problems. You should now have a good idea of how to fix a slow MacBook Pro.

If you’ve tried these tips and your computer is still slow, then it might be time to think about getting a new one.

Looking for more productivity tips? You’re in the right place. We have plenty of tips and tricks in the library, dealing with everything from technology to your own time management.

With the right advice and the right tools, you can keep your business and your MacBook in good working order.

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