Dealing with a slow-running laptop can be frustrating, especially when so much of our work, school, and community-building occurs in virtual spaces. While all technology wears down with age and use, there are ways to streamline and take care of your computer and its processing power to keep it running efficiently for as long as possible.
Tip #1: Restart Your MacBook
Sometimes, your computer just needs a reset to start running smoothly again. If you have gone a long period without shutting down your computer, try restarting it.
To avoid this issue in the future, it is a good idea to completely shut down your laptop when you are done using it at the end of each day. This gives your computer time to rest so it isn’t exerting power when it doesn’t need to.
Tip #2: Declutter Your Hard Drive
As you open and utilize different programs on your computer, some of those apps will remain open in the background and can end up congesting the processing power and speed. Periodically “cleaning” your computer can help keep it running smoothly.
One way to clean your computer is by going through the programs that are currently running. By going to the “Task Manager”, which you can find by searching in the search bar on your desktop. Then, open the task manager and stop the programs that are running, but aren’t currently in use. This will allow your computer to process more information faster since it doesn’t have to focus on tasks you don’t need.
Another way to do this is going through and deleting files you no longer need. People often will download files that they only need for one use, but that file continues to take up storage space unless you clear it.
Tip #3: Update Your Mac
Updating your computer can take a long time, and it’s easy to put it off without thinking about it. However, keeping your computer up to date with the latest operating system helps to keep it functional. Double-checking if there are any pending updates on your computer is a good way to troubleshoot a slow-running device.
Tip #4: Manage Your Startups
When you turn on your computer, there are most likely a lot of applications that come up automatically, but you may not need or want these programs. Luckily, there is a way to customize your startup preferences to prevent your Mac from exerting unnecessary energy. go to System Preferences > Users & Groups and click your username. Click Login Items and find the programs you don’t need to open automatically when you start your Mac. Then, highlight them and click the minus button.
Still Running Slow? Come to Us!
If after trying these troubleshooting tips, you are still having issues with your computer running slow, the problem most likely runs deeper, and it may be time to take it to a professional. iResQ offers a free diagnostic service and will work with you to find a repair solution that will have your device running like new again.