How to Solve a Slow MacBook that You Need to Know

*Artikel diperbarui pada 12 August 2023

MacBook slowdown is a problem that is often experienced by longtime users. Since this obstacle can hamper activities, it is necessary to understand how to overcome a slow MacBook as a provision for dealing with similar problems now and in the future.

The slow performance on a MacBook can be felt when starting the device, opening applications, or typing, which means the slow level is quite severe. Don’t panic yet, try to do the following 5 ways to deal with a slow MacBook:

1. Remove Unused Apps on Startup

Some applications can open quickly because they automatically boot up when your MacBook starts up. This can cause your MacBook to slow down. Therefore, try to remove unused apps on startup with these steps:

• Press the Apple logo on the top left.
• Click “System Preferences”, then select “Users & Groups”.
• Tap “Current User”, then click the “Login Items” tab.
• Select the application you want to delete.
• Tap the minus sign (-) located below the application to delete it.
• Done. Repeat the steps to delete other apps.

2. Reset SMC and PRAM/NVRAM

There is a system called SMC (System Management Controller) on the MacBook that handles important features at the base level of the device. Where these features include sensor control such as motion, thermal, and so on.

In addition, the MacBook also has PRAM or NVRAM which functions as a storage place for configuration and important information when the MacBook is turned off. If SMC or NVRAM has a problem, it will affect the performance of the MacBook.

The solution to overcome this is to reset the SMC and PRAM / NVRAM. The reset steps are relatively very easy, users can simply follow the instructions below:

• Reset SMC: Turn off your MacBook, then press and hold the “Power” button for 5-6 seconds. The SMC will reset automatically.
• Reset PRAM/NVRAM: Turn off your MacBook, then press “Command” + “Option” + “P” + “R” simultaneously until your MacBook restarts. When the MacBook turns back on, the PRAM/NVRAM has been automatically reset.

3. Delete Junk Files

Using a MacBook for a long time can make a lot of junk files accumulate on the device. The origin of such junk files is from application caches, residual program data that is not completely erased, log-files, and the like.

If these files are left longer, they will overload the storage memory which results in slowing down the performance of the device. So, how to solve MacBook slowdown caused by junk files? Check it out and follow these steps:

• Open the “Storage” menu, then select “Manage Manually”.
• Click “Optimize Drive”, after that tap “Empty the Trash”.
• If so, open Finder to set up automatic trash deletion every 30 days.
• Choose Finder, go to “Settings” menu then tap “Advanced”.
• Click “Remove Items from Trash after 30 Days.”
• Done.

4. Switch HDD to SSD

For those whose MacBooks are still using HDD as the device’s storage drive, you should consider switching to SSD. Why? Because HDDs generally only last 2-3 years for optimal performance, after which they will start to experience performance degradation.

SSDs, on the other hand, are faster and more durable. Many modern laptops have also switched to using SSDs, including the latest MacBook. For this reason, replace your HDD with an SSD so that the slowdown can be resolved.

5. Replace Thermal Paste and Clean the Heat Sink

Thermal paste is a liquid paste that channels heat from the CPU/GPU to the MacBook’s heat sink (cooling fan). The paste will dry out after a few years of use so it needs to be replaced. The replacement time is recommended every 1-2 years.

In addition to replacing the thermal paste, clean the cooling fan from accumulated dirt. This method of overcoming a slow MacBook should be done regularly and periodically as a form of prevention and handling of slow problems in the future.

6. Downgrade macOS to Lite Version

Finally, users can downgrade macOS for their MacBook to a lighter version, namely macOS Lite. This method is suitable for older MacBooks that are less compatible with the latest macOS, which actually makes the MacBook slow.

There are various variations of macOS Lite that are popularly used including High Sierra, Catalina, and Mojave. To downgrade this can be manually and independently or you can also bring the device to a service center.

Those are 6 ways to overcome a slow MacBook with a powerful that needs to be known. If the user wants to know more about the problems he is experiencing, he can contact Apple / MacBook Customer Service for a consultation session.