The new macOS update has tons of new features and improvements and brings iOS and macOS closer together. But, as always happens with a new version of macOS, it is more resource-hungry than the previous version, so your Mac may run at a snail’s pace after you install Monterey/Big Sur.
Worry not, for there’s a way to improve your Mac’s Speed and get it running like it was meant to again.
Ways to Speed up macOS on Any mac
Search for problems
First, you need to put on your detective hat and investigate. Find out if there are any apps or processes that may be causing your Mac to run slowly. The easiest method to find all running processes and programs using the Activity Monitor.
- Go to Applications/Utilities, and launch the Activity Monitor.
- Click the CPU button at the top. This will put the processes in order according to the CPU cycles they’re using.
- Take a look at the processes at the top of the list to find out if any are using more than around 20%. Some programs like Photoshop or Final Cut Pro may need that much power if they’re working with big files or rendering effects, but most smaller apps and background processes shouldn’t need that much power.
- If you do see anything that’s using a high level of CPU, try quitting them to see what happens. This you have to do to fix the problem, so it’s worth trying.
- Choose the process and press the Quit Process in the toolbar.
Cut down the apps launching at startup
When you have many apps launching at startup, it can slow your Mac down as it starts. Also, having the apps open frequently eats up RAM and CPU cycles. Here’s how to check:
- Click on the Apple menu and find System Preferences
- Choose Users & Groups
- Choose the account you’re currently logged into.
- Click on the padlock icon and type your mac password in
- Choose Login Items tab.
- If you find any login items you don’t need to launch when your Mac starts, select them and press the “-” button.
Other Tips for Speeding up Your Mac
While having lots of browser tabs open is convenient, it drains your Mac’s RAM and CPU cycles as they have to be refreshed continuously. If you want to save the tabs for later use, just press Command-D to bookmark them.
Make sure you regularly update your Mac, as these updates include security improvements and bug fixes, which can help your Mac to run without problems. Also, keep your apps updated regularly, as these updates can improve app performance, which in turn has a positive effect on your Mac.
If you have App Store apps downloaded, all you need to do is make sure you have Automatic Updates turned on by launching the App Store/App Store Menu/Preferences and checking the box next to automatic updates. If you have apps that didn’t come from the App Store, it’s a bit more of a chore because you will have to update each app individually – unless you have CleanMyMac X, that is!
Updating Apps with CleanMyMac X
Instead of going through your apps one by one, CleanMyMac X will update your non-App Store apps with just a few clicks.
- Download CleanMyMac X and install it.
- Launch from your Applications folder
- On the sidebar, you’ll see the Updater.
- Click on it, and choose View all Updates.
- Check the box next to each app listed and press Update.
CleanMyMac X can also help you manage your login items and launch agents, both of which can drain your Mac’s power. Click the Optimization tab on the sidebar of CleanMyMac X, and click on Login Items. You’ll see a list of apps that start when you login. Go through the list on sofrware window and check the box next to any apps you don’t use, and press Remove to get rid of them.
Use the same method to go through your Launch Agents, then go to Hung Applications. If there are any, check the box and click Quit.
CleanMyMac X also has tools to help you clean out junk that may be taking up a lot of space on your system, and it has a Maintenance section packed with tools that take care of your macOS to keep it running smoothly.
Other Workaround:
- Try in Safe mode on Mac. Determine the issues with installed software on Mac.
- Reinstall macOS in Recovery mode.
- Upgrade Storage Drive, HDD to SSD.
Big Sur/Monterey is an essential update for macOS, but it may slow your Mac down. If you find that your Mac is on a go-slow after installing Monterey/Big Sur Update, then following the steps above should get it back up to Speed.
