Has your MacBook become slow?
Your MacBook is getting slower and slower. Programs are stuttering. Booting takes forever. Frustrating, because you invested in Apple quality for a reason. You're even considering buying a new one or looking at refurbished MacBooks . But wait. Chances are you can fix the problem yourself within half an hour. No technical expertise. No expensive repairs.
Because what Apple doesn't tell you: most slowdowns are caused by four simple causes that anyone can fix. From clogged storage to forgotten updates that have been waiting for months. In fact, you can probably fix the problem with just your mouse clicks and a cup of coffee. Let's take a look at what's really slowing down your MacBook—and how to get it running smoothly again.
Useful links
- View refurbished MacBooks
- MacBook accessories for better performance
- Latest updates and tips for your MacBook
The Real Causes Behind a Slow MacBook
A MacBook that's getting slower and slower is frustrating, especially since you've specifically opted for Apple quality. Before you consider buying a new one, it's good to know that most slowdown problems can be solved at home. No technical expertise required. No expensive repairs.
To understand why your laptop is running slow, it helps to know the three main components:
- The processor : determines how many calculations per second are possible
- The RAM memory : the short-term memory of your system
- The storage capacity : the long-term memory for all your files
When any of these components becomes overloaded, a bottleneck occurs. The result: everything feels sluggish, from opening programs to typing a document.
1. Not enough free storage space
Recognizing the problem
The most common cause of a slow Mac is simply a lack of space. Your system needs at least 75 GB of free space to function smoothly. Here's a simple way to check:
- Click the Apple menu at the top left
- Select 'About This Mac'
- Select the 'Storage' tab
Here you can immediately see how much space is available and what the biggest space hogs are.
Practical solutions
Click on 'Manage' for a detailed overview. You'll often find surprises here:
- Applications : old programs that you haven't used for months
- Photos : duplicate photos or forgotten holiday albums from years ago
- Downloads : installation files that you could have deleted after use
- Mail : attachments that are stored locally
Just like cleaning out your house, start with the big things. An unused video editing program can easily free up 10 GB. Those hundreds of screenshots on your desktop? That's also several gigabytes.
2. Heavy applications in the background
Activity Monitor as a detective
Some programs keep running unnoticed, consuming processing power. The Activity Monitor identifies these culprits:
- Go to 'Go' in the menu bar
- Select 'Utilities'
- Open 'Activity Monitor'
- Click on the 'CPU' tab
You can now see which processes are using the most processing power. Sort by CPU usage by clicking on that column.
Which programs can you stop?
Not everything that uses a lot of CPU is bad. During video editing, it's normal for Final Cut Pro to be at the top. But do you see Spotify there when you're not listening to music? Or an old printer application you never use? Then action is needed:
- Double-click on the suspicious program
- Click on the cross at the top left
- Select 'Force Quit'
Note: Never stop system processes (recognizable by names like 'kernel_task' or 'WindowServer'). These are essential for the functioning of your Mac.
3. Overdue software updates
Why updates are really important
It's tempting to postpone updates. Yet, they're crucial for your system's speed. Each update includes:
- Performance improvements for newer apps
- Bug fixes that prevent crashes
- Security patches that keep malware out
- Optimizations for battery life and speed
Check and install updates
Open the App Store and click "Updates" in the top bar. Your Mac will automatically check for available updates. Schedule the installation for an off-peak time—a major macOS update can take up to an hour.
Tip: Turn on automatic updates for minor improvements. It's best to manually update major system updates when convenient.
4. Outdated hardware
When does it make sense to upgrade?
After five to seven years of heavy use, most MacBooks reach their limits. Signs that the hardware is the problem:
- Programs crash frequently
- The system becomes hot during normal use
- Even after all the above tips everything remains slow
- New software refuses to install
Smart alternatives
A brand-new MacBook can easily cost over €1500. A refurbished model often offers the same performance for half the price. These devices have been professionally inspected, cleaned, and come with a warranty. Plus, you're giving electronics a second life, which is better for the environment.
Before you buy, consider the specifications you really need. A basic model is perfectly adequate for browsing the internet and word processing. If you work with demanding programs like Photoshop, then extra RAM and a more powerful processor will be worthwhile.
Additional tips for daily maintenance
Restart regularly
It sounds simple, but many people leave their MacBooks in sleep mode for weeks at a time. A weekly restart clears out temporary files and gives the system a fresh start.
Browser hygiene
Chrome and Safari store a lot of data. Clear your cache and cookies regularly. Limit the number of open tabs—each tab uses memory.
Using external storage
Large media files like movies and photo archives are perfectly fine to store on an external drive. This frees up internal storage for programs and current projects.
This approach will get your slow MacBook running smoothly again. Start with the simple solutions—more is often all you need. If your laptop really needs replacing, you'll now know what options are available without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
A slow MacBook is usually no cause for alarm. In most cases, you can solve the problem by simply freeing up some space , closing unnecessary programs, or finally installing those postponed updates. Regular maintenance also prevents future slowdowns.
Is your Mac still lagging after all these steps? Then it might be time for an upgrade. A refurbished MacBook offers the same quality for a fraction of the original price. This way, you can work smoothly again without dipping into your savings.
