7 Tested Ways to Speed Up Your Old Mac!

Old Mac models like MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, etc, usually tend to underperform at times causing various issues. In a scenario, where you need to finish a project but fail to meet the deadline because the Mac freezes all the time, is really frustrating. Or, may be you are no longer able to play video games, which is your favorite pastime.

Thankfully, you can salvage the situation and boost the performance even if you have an outdated iMac model. The ways mentioned below should help with reviving the speed of your old Mac. Be it a 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 or any other older MacBook model, these methods will surely boost your MacBook’s speed and provide better performance.

7 Working Ways to Speed Up Old MacBook!

To make it easier, we’ve gone an extra mile to ensure that you try one by one of these working methods to in order to make your Mac run faster. So let’s do it!

#1. Create Enough Free HDD Space

Make sure that there is at least 15% free storage available on the MacBook’s hard drive. If you are left with only a few gigabytes because there are too many on the computer, do not expect optimal performance.

Freeing up space is not that difficult. Start by getting one of the available uninstaller tools that can remove temporary system data like caches and application plugins. Special software is recommended because taking care of temporary junk manually is too much trouble.

After you delete temporary data, move on to old applications, downloads, and email attachments. Deleting large media files is also an option, particularly when you can watch movies or listen to music on streaming platforms.

Finally, there is an option to transfer some data to external storage devices, such as memory sticks. Cloud services are also worth a shout since services like Dropbox and iCloud are free with an option to upgrade your plan for a monthly fee if you want more storage.

#2. Disable Visual Effects

A backlit keyboard and opening animations for the Dock are just a few examples of visual effects that consume computer resources and offer nothing of significant value in return.

You would be better off disabling such gimmicks and freeing up system resources that could be put to better use, especially with the goal of improving the overall computer performance in mind.

#3. Clean Filth Inside the Laptop

Dust that accumulates inside the Mac is a hindrance and can reach a point when it does more harm than just leading to loud internal fan noises. As soon as you notice that the laptop is overheating, and closing background applications does little to solve the issue, do not hesitate and take some action.

You can clean the filth inside yourself or take the MacBook to a service store and leave it in the hands of professionals. After all, some people lack experience, and they are reluctant to take the computer apart themselves.

In addition to clearing dust regularly, you can also consider investing in a cooling pad. An accessory like that would provide the Mac with an extra source of cold air and reduce the temperature when it gets too high.

#4. Install the Most Recent OS Updates

System updates should take priority, even if they take a while to download and install. You do not want to miss the latest OS version because it usually offers overall performance improvements as well as some neat features. Not to mention security patches that fix potential cyberthreat holes.

On the other hand, there are instances when upgrading to the newest operating system like macOS Big Sur, causes more problems than before. If that happens, you will need to go back to the previous OS version.

#5. Declutter Desktop

It may be convenient to have files on the desktop where you can access them right away. However, when you understand how many resources each icon on the Macbook desktop consumes, it becomes clear that relocating files from the desktop is a better option. If you are having problems locating files, create a naming system, and use the Spotlight tool.

More to it, you can use Stacks to group files by their type. For example, if you have a lot of files on your desktop that you need to sort through but do not have time for that right now, just click View on the top menu and choose the option Use Stacks.

#6. Limit the Number of Background Apps

Background applications are another source of sucking a computer’s memory, GPU, and energy.

You can sort the processes in Activity Monitor and determine which are causing the most problems.

There will be some exceptions. For example, you want to have antivirus software running in the background all the time. The same can be said about the communication tools that you use for work. Missing an important message from coworkers will lead to problems.

As for redundant apps, the ones you can quit should not be running. Trimming the startup item list so that random applications do not load every time you reboot the Mac will also help.

#7. Confirm the MacBook Is Malware-Free

Malware infestation is one of the worst things that could happen. Not only will your laptop have performance problems, but you also risk exposing personal information that may be used against you.

Get reliable antivirus software that detects and eliminates potential threats before they start posing any real danger to the macOS. Also, if you want to create another security layer, why not enable the firewall or surf the net using virtual private networks? The latter is also great for privacy, not just the overall security.

Summing Up…

It is true that all technology gets old over time and experiences more and more technical issues. Although, keeping your Mac uncluttered and with enough free disk space can go a long way. This way, you will be able to maintain a pretty fast speed and ensure that your computer is performing to the maximum efficiency.

More to it, always keep your Mac safe by avoiding suspicious software and browser extensions and do not be frugal when it comes to your computer’s and your personal data’s safety. If you remember how much you have invested to purchase a Mac in the first place, purchasing a couple of apps to protect and clean your computer seems more than worth it.

So were you successful in speeding up your old MacBook by following our detailed guide? If not, let us know the issues you’re facing in the comments below and we will help you out with the best possible solution. Stay tuned to our Mac tutorials for more such informative guides.