Every Apple user would agree that slowdowns are something we wish would never happen to our computer. Unfortunately, system freezes still may occur now and then. To know why iMac is freezing and how to deal with it is essential for the seamless workflow. No one enjoys seeing that frustrating icon of “pinwheel” too often.
This guide will clarify why iMac is running very slow and freezing sometimes. In case you need more information about how to clean iMac, just click on the link and find out. Besides, we’ll provide you with simple tips to fix this.
The Reasons for Your iMac’s Slow Performance
Here are the most widespread reasons for your iMac working slow. Find which of these may apply to your iMac and implement a quick and effective solution to it.
Running out of hard drive space
With time, your iMac may become cluttered with too many media files and downloaded software. The lack of disc space leads to slowdowns and possible bugs in most of the cases.
What to do? Wipe out the old and junk data on your iMac to gain back hard drive space: delete large media files that you no longer need, clear cache, empty Trash and get rid of apps that you never use. Do it manually or use the specifically developed app (e.g., MacProCleaner) to help you with that.
Too many apps opened
Your computer will hardly function well if you make it multitask by running too many apps at the same time.
What to do? A lot of opened apps most often lead to the reduced speed of your iMac. Keep only those applications working, which you actively use at the moment, and close everything else. Don’t forget to disable the function of the automatic launch at iMac startup for those apps you don’t use all the time.
Outdated software
Keeping your operating system and apps in tune with the latest updates is a good idea. Aside from the major changes, the updates also offer the improvement in speed. However, cases of the updates causing slowdowns instead of boosts, such as with Sierra, are also known.
What to do? Keep your software updated. Look for the feedbacks online if you hesitate.
Old hardware
Outdated equipment often can’t keep up with the latest improvements in OS, newest applications or even such simple things as graphics resolution.
What to do? Replace HDD with an SSD and increase RAM. Yes, it’ll cost you a good buck, but that’s a sure-fire method to improve your iMac performance.
Downloaded malware or adware
Even considering that MacOS is more resistant to viruses than other operating systems (e.g., Windows), the chances to download malware from the net are still there.
What to do? Be wary and think twice before downloading new software on your iMac. Read the reviews online. Keep in mind that some “performance boosters” and “cleaner” apps such as MacKeeper or MacDefender may be estimated as malware themselves. Avoid these by all means or uninstall them immediately.
Additional useful tips to keep your iMac work lightning fast
Improve your bad computer habits
Bad habits may not always be easy to break, but do yourself a favor if you wish your iMac to fly like new over the years. Such simple things as reducing the number of startup apps, using a proper web browser, not keeping apps and files directly on the desktop, closing apps that you don’t use at the moment or minding hard drive space left will save your iMac from slowdowns.
Fix frequent crashes and freezes
If freezes are something that keeps happening to your iMac more often recently, you should find out what causes them to be able to fix it. Problems may be caused by certain apps or processes, malware, lack of hard drive space or even accessories plugged into your iMac. In the latter case, unplug them one by one and see if any is causing a slowdown. Close apps you aren’t using at the moment and delete potentially problematic files.
Speed up Internet connection on your iMac
As obvious as it is, the slow Internet may cause your iMac to work slow and eventually freeze. First of all, check the speed of your connection on one of the specialized sites, such as speedtest.net. Best ways to improve the speed of your Internet include: moving your iMac closer to the wireless modem/router or move these up to your working spot; plugging the Ethernet cable directly into your iMac; turning on security on your modem; resetting the Internet browser and cleaning its cache, etc.
iMacs are secure and highly efficient devices, but with time they may start performing slower. Now you’re fully armed to fix the most typical problems that may occur and thus, improve your iMac productivity.