How to Get More Performance Out of a Mac

Although Macs are excellent machines that can help you tap deeper into the Apple ecosystem, like any personal computer, they can suffer from performance problems. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to enhance a Mac’s performance.

Step #1 Remove Malware

You may have heard that Macs don’t get viruses, but that’s not true. Although Apple said so in some commercials back in 2006, the first example of macOS malware dates to 2004. Mac malware incidents only grew as more people bought Macs. Here are some recent trends:

• A 2018 report claimed that Mac malware attacks grew by 270.
• There were 16 million instances of Mac malware in 2019.
• The 2020 State of Malware report found that Mac malware threats per endpoint outpaced Windows.
• Researchers found a dangerous ransomware strain with spyware capabilities called ThiefQuest targeting macOS users in 2020.
• A mysterious malware named Silver Sparrow hit over 40,000 Macs, including computers using Apple’s proprietary M1 chip.
• Mac adware incidents grow every year, slowing down browsers and machines.

For the best free malware removal Mac users need, please look for advanced antivirus software that complements your Mac’s security software and doesn’t hog your system resources. In addition to upgrading your cybersecurity software, please also avoid the following Mac malware threat vectors:

• Pirated software
• Malicious email attachments
• Phishing
• Smishing
• Untrustworthy links
• Unreliable websites
• App Store viruses and Trojans

Step #2 Upgrade RAM

While it’s not possible to upgrade every Mac’s memory, it’s doable with some models. You should seriously consider a Mac memory upgrade if you only have 4GB of RAM —nowadays, you should have at least 8GB of RAM to run most apps competently.

Step #3 Upgrade to SSD

A solid-state drive is a newer type of storage drive that’s much faster than a conventional electro-magnetic hard drive. With an SSD, your operating system and your apps will load and run more quickly. Another advantage of having an SSD over a traditional hard drive is that it doesn’t have any moving parts and uses electronic circuits to read and write data, which enhances its longevity.

Of course, not all aging Macs can easily support an SSD upgrade. So, please research how to upgrade your Mac with an SSD first.

Step #4 Reduce Fancy Visuals

Although the visual effects in a Mac look nice, they can impact performance. Try to reduce the visual effects by finding the Display option in System Preferences > Accessibility. Unselect the Reduce motion option for a performance gain.

Step #5 Remove the Bloat

Get rid of the programs and processes your Mac doesn’t need that use precious resources. Go to Activity Monitor in Utilities and examine the processes. Consider removing unnecessary programs that take up a significant percentage of CPU time. By removing the bloat, you may speed up your Mac within minutes.

In addition to the steps listed above, restart your computer periodically. A reboot can clear errant processes in the memory and refresh your machine. Ultimately, you may need to buy a new Mac if none of the tips give enough of a performance lift. Remember to purchase right after a product refresh to get the most value for your money.