Most Mac users wishing to update their OS versions have already done so and were able to enjoy the innovations of MacOS Sierra. Unfortunately, along with additional features, in some cases, they may face certain issues with the performance of the device, apps and Wi-Fi connection. Below we are going to describe the most common macOS Sierra problems and provide you with tips how to solve them.
Installation of macOS update is frozen
If you downloaded the macOS update and nothing happens after you click on the installation file or the button Continue is grayed out, do the following:
- Press Control, in the Dock, find the installation icon and click on it.
- Select Quit.
- Find the installation file in Applications.
- Try installing the macOS Sierra again.
Not enough macOS Sierra disk space
Usually, macOS update requires approximately 8 GB. Nevertheless, we still recommend you to keep 15-20 GB of free storage so that macOS Sierra should operate properly. You may always check how much storage is left, what is taking up the most of space and which files and programs should be deleted in the Apple menu going to About Mac > Storage. There are several ways how to clean up your device. You may do it manually or use one of the variety of cleaning apps for Macs.
Mac is running slow after macOS Sierra update
If after upgrading to macOS Sierra your Mac has suddenly become sluggish, it does not mean it’s high time you wrote it off. You still can perform several operations to boost its performance. For example:
- Wait a little. Just give the system some time to re-index Spotlight, Siri, and Duration of the process, of course, depends on the amount of information on your hard drive.
- Clean up the device and delete all the clutter from the desktop.
- Check the programs running in the background. For that, go to Applications, then Utilities and if you find that some certain application consumes a lot of CPU time, just close it in the standard way.
- Make sure unnecessary items aren’t launched automatically right after turning on the device. To do so, find System Preferences, proceed to Users & Groups and then to Login Items. Tick boxes with all the unwanted startup apps and select the “-” button in order to remove them from startup.
Read more about ways to boost your macOS after upgrading to Sierra
Wi-Fi won’t function properly
Unfortunately, problems with Wi-Fi is not a rare case for users that have been working with Apple devices for a long time. Nevertheless, this does not mean you should sit back and wait until the next patch to fix the bugs is released.
Here are some useful tips you may try:
- Restart the router. Note: it will not prevent you from resetting it to factory settings and should be done only if you are sure that you can correctly configure the device.
- Disable Bluetooth.
- If you use proxy services, they can significantly slow down your Internet connection. Thus, find System Preferences, go to Network, proceed to Advanced and choose Proxy. Then, disable all items in the Protocol for configuration section and click OK.
- In some cases, the removal of existing Wi-Fi settings can help, but we recommend to create a backup of the system beforehand. After that, disable Wi-Fi and open ~ / Library / Preferences / SystemConfiguration / using Spotlight.
- In the opened folder, delete all of the following files:
- apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist;
- apple.network.eapolclient.configuration.plist;
- apple.airport.preferences.plist;
- plist;
- plist.
Then, just restart your computer and turn on Wi-Fi.
Error when launching the app
If your Mac reports that the application is damaged and cannot be opened, do not immediately follow the system’s recommendation and remove the program. We recommend trying the following tips first:
- Clear the system cache. Using Spotlight, open the ~ / Library / Caches directory and press Enter on the keyboard. Then, delete the contents of the opened folder.
- When opening the application, hold down the Command + Option keyword combination.
- Check if Gatekeeper blocks the launch of the app and manage its Settings if required.
- Reset PRAM on your Mac. For that, unplug the device, and turn it on holding down Command + Option + P + R. If you hear the power-on signal twice, then the reset was successful.
Issues with the Mail app
MacOS Sierra has brought some errors with the Mail app as well; email banners are missing. Fortunately, you can fix it in the System Preferences section just in two clicks:
- Find System Preferences and proceed to Notifications.
- Go to the Mail app.
- Reset the style of alerts to None and then choose Banner again.
Regardless the abovementioned issue, macOS Sierra still has an impressive range of the new features aimed to make your work as smooth as butter. Let us know if our tips on improving Mac performance on macOS High Sierra were helpful. If you have any other questions, we will gladly answer them. Stay tuned!