Mac Running Slow: How to Fix Your Slow MacBook

Posted By Volodymyr Chubei | 02 Jan 2026

MacBook users often encounter a situation when their device starts to slow down: the system responds with a delay or simple operations may require more time. There is always an obvious question: why is my MacBook so slow, and what is the reason for the slowdown?

If you happen to notice that your Mac is occasionally running slow, even without a heavy workload, in this article you will find the necessary information that will definitely help you understand the reason, and you will find proper suggestions on how to restore your laptop's performance using simple and proven methods.

Why is my MacBook so slow

Reasons why your MacBook may be running slow and not working as fast as before.

Among the most common reasons why my Mac is running slow are:

You might clean the computer of unused applications quite rarely, as well as run many heavy programs at the same time;
firmware issues and/or broken permissions;
software problems, incorrectly configured or resource-intensive applications are running that causes slow operation of your MacBook ;
outdated hardware, such as a hard drive with slow read/write speeds or insufficient RAM.

After updating to the latest version of macOS, it often takes time to re-index and update the data stored on the disk. This could also be the reason why my Mac is so slow .

11 tips on how to fix a slow MacBook and make it operate faster

Below, you will find tips on how to fix a slow MacBook . These simple prompts will help you solve the problem without professional help if you follow the instructions and recommendations precisely.

1. Speed up startup

You will need to remove unnecessary programs from startup and disable the reopening of windows and applications upon reboot.

For macOS Ventura / Sonoma and later:

Open System Settings, click General and select Login Items.
In the Open at Login block, select unnecessary applications and remove them using the “–” button.
In the Allow in Background section, disable programs that do not need to run constantly.
Click Restart and uncheck Reopen windows when logging back in.

For macOS Monterey and later:

Click on Apple and select System Preferences.
Click on Users & Groups and Login items.
Remove unnecessary applications from startup by clicking on “-” at the bottom.
Go to the Apple context menu again and select Restart.
Uncheck Reopen windows when logging back in.

2. Remove unnecessary icons and widgets

If you have too many items on your desktop and in the Dock, this definitely affects Finder and can cause my MacBook to run slowly . Optimizing these items will speed up system startup.

Desktop cleaning:

Group files into folders and move them to Documents, Downloads, or Pictures.
Remove shortcuts to apps you don't use daily. To do this, right-click the icon in the Dock, select Options, and click Remove from Dock.

Removing Unneeded Widgets (macOS Ventura / Sonoma / Monterey):

Open Notification Center (icon in the upper right corner of the screen).
Click Edit Widgets at the bottom of the panel.
Remove widgets you don't use by clicking on the “-” sign.
Add only the most necessary ones if necessary.

For macOS Catalina and later: There is no Dashboard, so there is no need to remove widgets.

3. Clean up your hard drive

When disk space is almost full, macOS can't properly use it as virtual memory, causing the Mac slowness issue and system instability. To prevent a situation when a MacBook moving slowly , it's recommended to keep at least 10% of the disk space free.

What to do to free up space on your hard drive:

empty the wastebasket;
uninstall unused applications;
remove unnecessary language packs;
clear your Downloads folder of unnecessary files;
remove large items and duplicates from the Pictures and Movies folders;
Transfer large files to an external hard drive.

Current actions for macOS Ventura / Sonoma:

open System Settings (General → Storage) and study the Recommendations section (automatic cleaning of large files, documents and temporary data);

In the Storage section, check the categories Large Files, Applications, iOS Files, Mail Attachments, Documents - these are the ones that most often take up a lot of space;
Delete iPhone/iPad backups in the iOS Files category if you don't need them;
Enable the Optimize Mac Storage option in Apple ID → iCloud to automatically store some of your data in the cloud.

To speed up the cleaning process, it's convenient to use the CleanMyMac X utility , which helps find and remove large files, system cache, and duplicates. If you prefer to work with a suite of apps, similar tools are also available in Setapp .

4. Check and correct disk access permissions

Incorrect file permissions can cause program errors and are the reasons why your Mac runs slowly . These glitches can cause a slow response of your system, and you may notice that your Mac suddenly slows or applications stop launching.

For macOS Ventura / Sonoma / Monterey and all modern versions:

open Applications, then Utilities and select Disk Utility;
select the system disk (Macintosh HD);
click First Aid and confirm launch;

Wait until the check is completed and errors are automatically corrected.

In newer versions of macOS, the “Repair Disk Permissions” feature is not available because the system automatically manages file permissions.

For older macOS (before OS X Yosemite):

open Disk Utility;
select disk;
Run Repair Disk Permissions - this feature was available in older systems.

5. Lighten your web browser

Web browsers can slow down your computer's performance in case of heavy load. Follow these steps and recommendations to speed up your browser:

do not open too many tabs at the same time, especially when viewing heavy pages with ads and flash elements;
check and remove extensions that you use very seldom
clear cache, cookies and history;
Use ad blockers and content blockers to reduce the load on your browser;
Restart the frozen browser to return it to a working condition;
If nothing helps, reinstall the program.

6. Find and disable heavy applications/processes

If your MacBook starts to noticeably slow down after launching several programs, checkActivity Monitor and identify the process that's hogging the system. This is an easy way to understand why your Mac is being slow, and quickly terminate the application to restore the normal operation of the device.

Find it through search and launch Activity Monitor.

Sort processes by CPU, Memory, or Energy to identify the most resource-intensive applications.
Review all processes and programs, including those running in the background and consuming a lot of resources.
Hover over the desired item in the list and stop the process by clicking on the "x" in the upper left corner.

7.Test and replace the battery

It is recommended that you check your MacBook battery to see how well it is working and to know its approximate capacity.

To view the battery status:

Go to the Apple menu and open System Preferences.
Double-click on "Battery".
In the bottom right corner, click on "Battery health".

The following information will be displayed:

normal (battery is functioning normally);
recommended for maintenance (the battery is working normally, but is getting worse at holding charge).

The second case shows the maintenance of the laptop. But if you notice that the battery drains very quickly, then it is better to replace the battery on MacBook with a new one.

Replacing the removable battery on earlier models is a simple process. You need to open the cover, take out the old battery, and install the new one. But replacing a non-removable battery in a MacBook can be a difficult task for people without experience.

It's best ask for assistance, but if you decide to do it yourself, follow these instructions:

Unplug your MacBook from the charger and turn it off.
Turn the laptop over and remove all the screws on the bottom of the case.
Carefully disconnect the battery cable from the motherboard using tweezers or a suction cup.
Remove the old battery and install the new battery in reverse order.
Connect the battery cable to the motherboard.
Secure all the screws.
Turn on your MacBook and see if the new battery works.

Replacing a non-removable battery may not be possible without special equipment and skills. Much depends on the device model. You can replace the battery yourself in the following models:

MacBook Pro 13" (including those with Retina display and function keys);
MacBook Pro 15" and 17";
MacBook Air 11" and 13";
MacBook Unibody.

It is highly recommended that you do not attempt to change the battery yourself in:

MacBook Pro 13" and 15" with Touch Bar;
Retina MacBook.

Replacement in these models requires knowledge of the device and experience, so in this case, you can’t do it without the help of professionals.

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8. Disable SMC and NVRAM to correct hardware errors. Сбросьте SMC и NVRAM для исправления аппаратных ошибок

The SMC is involved in thermal and power management processes. NVRAM stores certain settings in the location easily accessible for the operating system.

If your Macbook shuts down slowly, the fan runs intermittently, the battery charge indicators are not displayed correctly, etc., try resetting the NVRAM.

Resetting NVRAM (Intel Mac only):

Turn your MacBook off and then on again.
Press the Option+Command+P+R keys simultaneously.
Hold the combination for about 20 seconds, then release.
After rebooting, NVRAM settings will be reset.

Resetting the SMC (Intel Macs only):

Disconnect your MacBook from charging for 15-20 seconds.
On models with a non-removable battery, press and hold Shift + Control + Option + Power for 10 seconds.
Release the buttons and turn on the computer.

On Macs with Apple Silicon chips, resetting the SMC and NVRAM is not required. These models do not have a separate SMC, and the system automatically restores NVRAM settings each time you reboot.

9. Update macOS

Updating macOS can often help speed up the system and fix issues that can cause your Mac to feel slow. Before updating, check if your laptop mode is compatible with macOS and ensure there's sufficient disk space. It's also recommended to back up your data so you can quickly restore it if needed.

To install updates:

Click on the Apple symbol and open System Settings.
Go to General and click on Software Update.
If a new version of macOS is available, install it and restart your MacBook.

After updating, the system may temporarily slow down due to Spotlight background indexing and Photos library updates. These processes are automatic and can take some time, especially if you have many files or high-resolution images.

10. Disable additional features

To improve performance, it is recommended to disable or reconfigure various additional features, complex interfaces, decorations and visual effects.

What you can do to improve performance:

reduce transparency and animation;
turn off unnecessary notifications;
disable unnecessary visual effects of Launchpad and Mission Control;
If necessary, disable FileVault encryption (given the reduced security);
Disable Stage Manager if it is enabled and not in use;
reduce the number of virtual desktops;
Disable Handoff features if you don't use them.

11. Upgrade individual components

Insufficient RAM or a slow hard drive are often the reason why an Apple computer is running slow , significantly reducing the speed and overall performance of the device.

If you have an older MacBook with replaceable components, you can upgrade the hardware:

add RAM if the model allows for module replacement (usually this is a MacBook/MacBook Pro 2010–2012);
Replace a slow HDD with an SSD - this significantly speeds up system startup, program operation, rendering, photo/video processing, and multitasking;
Replace an old or worn-out SSD (only available on models with removable storage).

On modern models:

RAM and SSD are soldered to the board and cannot be upgraded;
MacBooks with M1/M2/M3 chips do not support replacing internal components (RAM, SSD);
Battery replacement on new models is only possible through a service center.

Product block (select and place the top product) in photo format + link

If you're looking to upgrade your MacBook or replace important components yourself, you can find them on Techtoro.io. The store offers genuine, not counterfeit parts for various MacBook models at affordable prices. All components are tested before release and meet the stated specifications.

Techtoro.io offers several convenient payment options and fast delivery. You can also use our mail-in diagnostics and repair service if you're unsure about upgrading without professional help. Once your MacBook is repaired and payment is processed, you'll receive your computer the next day.

FAQ

1. What are the reasons why my MacBook is so slow?

The cause may be outdated hardware, low disk space, resource-intensive background programs, overheating, Spotlight indexing, or iCloud syncing. Additional factors that can slow down a MacBook include unnecessary startup apps, visual effects, and, on Intel models, SMC and NVRAM failures.

2. How can I make a slow-running MacBook faster by myself?

Check out our tips for cleaning up your drive, checking processes in Activity Monitor, disabling unnecessary effects, and updating macOS. On Intel models, you can reset the SMC and NVRAM, and on older MacBooks, you can upgrade the RAM or replace the HDD with a faster SSD.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Volodymyr Chubei
Computer Repair Specialist at TechToro.io

Volodymyr was born in Ukraine and has found his passion for electronics from his childhood. At the age of 13, he was capable of soldering some basic elements of a logic board and today he is one of the co-founders of TechToro.io