Self HelpBoise Computer Care

Slow computer

MacBook running slow: 3 checks

MacBook slow or showing the beach ball? Three checks (storage, Activity Monitor, updates), plus login items and Safe Mode testing.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
15-30 min
Steps
6
Updated

Sounds like this?

  • Spinning beach ball
  • Apps take long to open
  • Fans loud on an Intel MacBook

Step by step

  1. Check 1, storage: Apple menu › System Settings › General › Storage. Keep at least 10-15% free. Remove large unused files and apps.
  2. Check 2, Activity Monitor (Applications › Utilities): look at the CPU and Memory tabs. If Memory Pressure is yellow or red, close apps and browser tabs.
  3. Check 3, updates: System Settings › General › Software Update. Also update your apps from the App Store or their sites.
  4. Remove unneeded login items: System Settings › General › Login Items & Extensions.
  5. Restart the Mac. On Apple silicon Macs, a restart also handles what used to be an SMC or NVRAM reset.
  6. Try Safe Mode to test: Apple silicon, shut down, hold the power button until Loading startup options appears, select your disk, hold Shift and click Continue in Safe Mode. Intel, hold Shift at startup.

Related error codes & messages

Quick answers

When should I stop and get professional help with "MacBook running slow: 3 checks"?

Stop and get help if: The Mac is slow even in Safe Mode. Disk Utility First Aid reports errors it can't repair. You see a battery 'Service Recommended' message or the trackpad is lifting (possible swollen battery). Boise Computer Care can diagnose it for a $60 fee; call 208-996-3508.

How long does this fix take and how hard is it?

Plan on 15-30 min. Difficulty: Easy.

Is it safe to try this myself?

Mostly, if you follow these precautions: Use 'Quit' in Activity Monitor carefully; force-quitting an app with unsaved work loses that work.

Which error messages or codes does this guide cover?

Spinning beach ball, Your system has run out of application memory.

Still stuck?

Ask Fyx365 AI

Describe the problem in plain English and get guided, step-by-step help. Start on the free plan; Pro is $9.99/month. BCC is an official Fyx365 partner.

Still stuck? Ask Fyx365 AI (free plan)

Want a pro?

Book a repair at BCC

  • Diagnostic$60
  • Shop repairs$100/hr
  • On-site$100/hr + $100 visit

10504 W Fairview Ave, Boise ID · Fri–Wed 10 AM–8 PM · Closed Thursday

Book a repair at BCCCall 208-996-3508

Related guides

  1. Slow computer Disk at 100% in Task Manager Task Manager shows Disk at 100% Medium20-40 minDisk 100%
  2. Slow computer HDD vs SSD: why an SSD upgrade feels like a new laptop Computer takes 2+ minutes to boot Advanced1-3 hours (pro: same day)
  3. Slow computer How much RAM you actually need Computer slows with many tabs or apps Easy10 min
  4. Slow computer Laptop slow after a Windows update Everything got slow after an update Easy15-60 min