Why Is My Mac So Slow When I Have Plenty of Storage?

While working on my Mac today, it suddenly slowed down, and the spinning wheel appeared. Despite having plenty of storage, the issue persisted. After trying various Google-suggested fixes, some worked, some didn't. Thinking you might face the same problem, I wrote this article outlining reasons why a Mac may be slow despite sufficient storage and offering effective solutions to speed it up. Hope it helps!

Why Is My Mac So Slow When I Have Plenty of Storage?

There are several reasons why your Mac might be slow even if you have plenty of storage. Some common ones include:

• Insufficient RAM on your Mac.
• Too many applications or browser tabs open.
• Excessive startup programs on your Mac.
• Numerous background processes running.
• Outdated macOS.
• Malware or viruses affecting your Mac.
• Too old Mac.

How to Speed Up Your Slow Mac

Here are some ways to speed up your Mac when it runs slowly, even if it has enough storage space.

Method 1. Free Up RAM in One Click

Insufficient RAM is the primary reason for a Mac that, despite having plenty of storage, runs slowly. To address this, free up your memory (RAM).

An efficient way to do this is by using BuhoCleaner, one of the best memory and storage cleaners for Mac. Not only does it free up your RAM in one click, but it also quickly cleans up your Mac. Additionally, it monitors your system resources, such as CPU and memory, in real-time on the menu bar, ensuring that you are always in control of your Mac's performance.

Here's how to free up your RAM using BuhoCleaner:

1. Download, install, and launch BuhoCleaner.
2. Click on Toolkit in the sidebar and select Free Up RAM.

   

3. Click Start to free up your RAM.

   

4. To monitor your RAM usage in the menu bar, click the BuhoCleaner menu > Preferences > Status Menu, and then check Memory Load.

   

Method 2. Quit Unused Apps

Running too many applications simultaneously can consume a significant amount of your system resources. It's a good idea to close apps you're not currently using.

If an app is unresponsive, learn how to force quit it on your Mac.

Method 3. Close Unused Browser Tabs

Having too many browser tabs open can also deplete your Mac's memory space. Pay attention to the memory usage displayed by Chrome for each open tab. The more tabs you have, the greater the pressure on your memory (RAM). To free up your RAM, it's crucial to promptly close unused tabs.

Method 4. Disable Unwanted Startup Programs

Startup programs are applications and processes that automatically start up when you turn on or restart your Mac. If you have too many sets to launch with your Mac, it can result in a slow boot-up process.

To disable unwanted startup programs on your Mac:

1. Click the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
2. Navigate to General > Login Items.
3. Select the apps you don't want to launch when you log into your Mac, and click the "-" button.
4. Scroll down to the "Allow in the Background" section and toggle off unwanted background items.

Method 5. Update Your Apps and macOS

Software issues can lead to slow Mac performance. It's recommended that you keep your macOS and applications up to date.

• To update your apps:

  Open the App Store and click Updates.

• To update your macOS:

  Click the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.

  

Related Article: Mac Won't Update to Sonoma? Try These 8 Fixes

Method 6. Check for Malware and Viruses

While macOS is known for being more secure than other operating systems, it does not mean it is immune to malware and viruses.

If your Mac is slow due to unknown issues, consider using an antivirus utility to check for malware and viruses. If potential risks are found, delete them to protect your data.

Method 7. Check Your External Accessories

Sometimes, accessories connected to your Mac can contribute to its slow performance. For instance, if you're using a USB 2.0 connection for an external drive, your Mac may experience lag when using Disk Utility. In such cases, disconnecting the external drive can help restore your Mac to smoother operation.

Conclusion

By following the methods above, your Mac should run smoothly. If these steps fail to improve the speed, there might be hardware issues, such as outdated hardware. In such cases, consider upgrading your RAM or purchasing a new Mac.

If your Mac slows down after a macOS update, learn how to downgrade your macOS to an earlier version.