Hello fellow Mac user! If you’ve noticed that your trusty machine has become a tortoise after the recent macOS Monterey update, then this post is just what you need. Here, I’ll provide effective fixes for your sluggish Mac so it can regain its old speed, if not perform even better. We’ll delve into why this issue occurs in the first place and understand all possible ramifications of the slowdown on your overall system performance.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room directly. To fix a Mac running slow after macOS Monterey update involves several steps; from checking your Mac’s memory usage to ensure it meets system requirements for macOS Monterey to updating all software applications on your device. It might also mean shutting down unnecessary apps gobbling up resources or reclaiming disk space by removing unused apps and files—quite like heralding the spring-cleaning spirit in there!
How To Fix Mac Running Slow After macOS Monterey Update
Experiencing a slowdown in your Mac after updating to macOS Monterey can be frustrating. This could be due to various reasons including system adjustments post-update, overloaded CPU usage, or insufficient storage space.
The good news is there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the performance issues on your Mac. Follow these steps for a smoother, more efficient computing experience:
- Restart Your System: Begin with the simplest step by restarting your Mac. Click on the Apple menu icon on the top left of your screen and choose “Restart.” Often, a fresh system restart can clear out any temporary glitches affecting speed.
- Check Activity Monitor: Open Activity Monitor (via Spotlight Search using Command + Spacebar) to identify and quit apps that are consuming excessive system resources (CPU or memory).
- Disable Startup Items: Access System Settings from the Apple menu, navigate to “General,” then select “Login Items” to manage and disable unnecessary applications that automatically launch at startup.
- Reset SMC & NVRAM/PRAM:
- For M1 & M2 Macs: A simple restart might suffice since these models do not facilitate traditional SMC or NVRAM resets.
- For Intel-based Macs: Resetting SMC (System Management Controller) and NVRAM/PRAM might help. Turn off your machine, then power it on while holding Shift+Control+Option on the left side of the keyboard along with the power button for about 10 seconds.
- Optimize Storage: Utilize macOS integrated storage optimization tools by going to System Settings > General > Storage > Optimize Storage. This feature helps manage large files, unused apps, and reduces clutter.
- Run Disk Utility: Use Disk Utility’s First Aid function to check for and fix disk errors. Access this tool through Spotlight Search (Command + Spacebar), enter “Disk Utility,” select a volume or disk, then click First Aid.
These steps collectively provide a comprehensive approach towards diagnosing and addressing performance issues triggered by updating MacOS Monterey. If you’ve exhausted these options without success, consider reinstalling macOS as a last resort — just ensure you have backed up essential data before proceeding.
Also Read: Your Next Upgrade? MacBook M1 vs. M2 vs. M3 – What’s the Diff?
Ways to Speed Up Your macOS Monterey If It’s Running Slow
Experiencing a sluggish performance on your macOS Monterey can be frustrating, but it’s often easily rectifiable with a few tweaks. Before considering hardware upgrades or visiting a technician, here are some software-based solutions to try that can significantly enhance the speed and responsiveness of your system:
- Restart Your Mac: This simple action can resolve numerous issues by closing stuck processes and freeing up system resources.
- Free-Up Disk Space: Ensure you have enough free space on your hard drive for apps and the operating system to function optimally. Manually delete unnecessary files or use specialized cleaning tools for a more thorough cleanup.
- Remove Junk Files: Old cache files and unnecessary logs can take up valuable space. Delete these files manually through the Finder or use a trusted cleaning application to take care of them automatically.
- Organize Your Desktop: A cluttered desktop can slow down your system. Utilize Stacks or organize files in folders to minimize desktop clutter.
- Stop Memory-Hungry Processes: Use Activity Monitor from Utilities to identify and quit processes that are consuming excessive memory.
- Update Software Regularly: Keeping macOS and all installed applications up-to-date ensures optimal performance and security.
- Manage Browser Extensions: Disable or uninstall any unnecessary browser extensions that may be slowing down your web browsing experience.
- Adjust Visual Effects: Reducing motion and transparency effects via Accessibility settings can help improve performance on older Macs.
By implementing these strategies, you should notice an improvement in the speed and efficiency of your macOS Monterey, leading to a smoother computing experience without having to resort to hardware changes.
Also Read: Ways to Make MacBook Pro Faster: Speed Up Your Mac Now!
FAQs
Why is my Mac running slow after the macOS Monterey update?
Your Mac could be running slow due to inadequate system requirements, outdated software, or applications taking up too much memory after the Monterey update.
How can I check if my Mac’s memory usage is causing the slowdown?
You can check your usage via Activity Monitor, in Utilities, which shows how much memory each app and process is using.
How can I speed up my Mac after the Monterey update?
Close unnecessary apps or processes to free up resources and make sure all your software are up-to-date for optimum performance.
Can clearing disk space help improve the performance of my Mac?
Yes, deleting unused apps and files, clearing cache files and removing duplicates can save disk space and improve your machine’s overall performance.
What tools can help me improve my slow-running Mac post-Monterey update?
Tools like Activity Monitor help you track resource usage while Apple Diagnostics checks for hardware issues which might be slowing down your machine.
Also Read: How to Get Old Versions of MacOS: Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Conclusion
We’ve tackled quite a bit in this in-depth look at fixes for a Mac running slow after the macOS Monterey update. From understanding the impact of the update on your machine’s overall performance to practical ways of countering these issues, we’ve covered it all. Software updates are indeed crucial, but sometimes they might cause some temporary headaches.
Remember to keep your system requirements in check, streamline your applications, and use the built-in tools like Activity Monitor and Apple Diagnostics to maintain optimum performance. With these tips and tricks in hand, there’s no question you’ll be back up to speed quickly.