Clean disk space: Use macOS built-in storage management tools to move files to iCloud, delete useless large files and applications, and enable automatic evacuation of wastebasket; 2. Reduce login items and background applications: Remove unnecessary startup programs in system settings and manually exit running but unnecessary menu bar applications; 3. Clear caches and temporary files: Go to "~/Library/Caches" through Finder and delete cache contents of each application to free up space; 4. Update system and applications: Install the latest macOS version and third-party application updates for performance optimization and repair; 5. Reset SMC and NVRAM if necessary: For Apple Silicon or Intel chips perform power management reset operations separately to improve response speed and power problems; in addition, regular use of activity monitors to check resource usage, reduce browser tag count, and restart the Mac can further improve performance, and these conventional maintenance measures can effectively restore and maintain the Mac's running speed.

A slow Mac can be frustrating, but the good news is that most performance issues can be fixed with a few smart cleanup steps. Here's how to clean up your Mac to make it faster—without needing third-party tools right away.

1. Free Up Disk Space

A nearly full hard drive (especially under 10–15 GB free) can seriously slow down your Mac. macOS needs breathing room for virtual memory and temporary files.

What to do:

• Click the Apple logo > About This Mac > Storage > Manage .
• Use the built-in recommendations:
  • Store in iCloud : Move files to iCloud and remove them from the local drive.
  • Optimize Storage : Automatically remove watched movies, old email attachments, and large files you haven't used.
  • Empty Trash Automatically : Enable this so deleted files don't linger.
• Manually delete large files: Look in Downloads , Movies , and Documents folders for things you don't need.
• Uninstall unused apps by dragging them from the Applications folder to Trash (then empty it).

2. Reduce Login Items and Background Apps

Too many apps launching at startup can make your Mac take forever to boot and feel sluggish.

How to fix it:

• Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS) > General > Login Items .
• Review the list and remove apps you don't need running at startup (eg, Dropbox, Slack, printer tools).
• Click the gear icon and choose Remove or Hide .

Also, check the menu bar for apps running in the background. Quit ones you aren't actively using (right-click > Quit).

3. Clear Caches and Temporary Files

Over time, apps and the system build up cache files that can clutter your drive.

Safe way to clean caches:

• Open Finder , press Command Shift G , and type:

   ~/Library/Caches

• This folder contains caches for all your apps. You can safely delete the contents of most subfolders (but not the folders themselves).
• Avoid deleting anything in /System/Caches unless you know what you're doing.

Note: Some apps may take slightly longer to open the next time as they rebuild caches—this is normal.

4. Keep macOS and Apps Updated

Apple frequently releases performance improvements and bug fixes.

Make sure you're up to date:

• Go to System Settings > General > Software Update .
• Install the latest macOS version if available.
• Update apps via the App Store or directly from the developer (eg, Adobe, Microsoft).

Outdated software can cause slowdowns or compatibility issues.

5. Reset SMC and NVRAM (if needed)

If your Mac still feels slow—especially with fans running high or power issues—resetting system management controllers can help.

For Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3):

• Shut down the Mac.
• Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
• Release, then turn it back on.

For Intel Macs:

• SMC Reset : Shut down, then press Shift Control Option Power (all at once), hold 10 seconds, release, then power on.
• NVRAM Reset : Restart and immediately hold Command Option PR for about 20 seconds.

These resets can improve responsiveness and power management.

Bonus Tips:

• Use Activity Monitor : Open it (via Spotlight) to see what's using CPU, Memory, or Energy. Quit resource-hogging apps.
• Avoid too many browser tabs : Safari and Chrome can eat up memory. Use tab groups or a tab suspender extension.
• Restart your Mac regularly : Clears temporary files and resets memory usage.

Cleaning up your Mac doesn't have to be complicated. Focus on freeing up space, trimming startup apps, and keeping things updated. Most performance gains come from simple, regular maintenance.

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