A slow Mac can be annoying, especially when the simple tasks begin to drag. You are not alone if you’re wondering how to speed up MacBook Pro and Air.
Over time, an extremely fast machine can slow down due to junk, running applications, and outdated backgrounds. The positive thing is that you do not have to change your device. With the correct adjustments and tools, you may get your Mac fast once again.
Many consumers have been grumbling that the MacBook has become terribly slow, though it used to work well in the past. This normally occurs as a result of both software and hardware causes.
Once these pile up, performance drops. The next sections focus on practical ways to fix this and speed up a MacBook without stress.
Restarting also deletes the temporary memory and halts background processes that hang. It is extremely easy, but nobody pays attention to it.
Steps:
Restart: Apple menu > Restart.
Update: System Settings > General > Software Update (install any available macOS updates).
For apps: App Store > Updates tab.
With time, your Mac accumulates system garbage, app caches, installer garbage, browsers, and Trash history. These consume storage, and slack everything.
This is where Tenorshare Cleamio stands out. It is designed to help users who want to know how to clean and speed up MacBook without manual hassle.
Why Tenorshare Cleamio works so well:
This makes it ideal for anyone asking how to make a MacBook run faster.
Steps to clean Mac junk files using Cleamio:
TUnnecessary apps launching at startup consume RAM and CPU, slowing boot times and overall performance, especially on older MacBook Air and Pro models.
Steps:
macOS's transparency, animations, and effects look great but use GPU/CPU resources, slowing older Apple computers or even MacBook Air 2020 models under load. Reducing them frees resources. Also, switch from resource-heavy browsers like Chrome to Safari for better speed.
Steps to reduce effects:
Click on System Settings > Accessibility > Display.
Turn on the “Reduce motion" (simplifies animations) and "Reduce transparency" (removes blur effects).
For Dock: System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Minimize windows using: "Scale" (faster than Genie). Also, uncheck "Animate opening applications."
These tweaks help speed up old MacBook Pro and Air, making your Mac run like new without hardware changes.
For deeper improvements on older MacBook Air/Pro (Intel) or even M-series like MacBook Air M1 or Pro 2020/2022/2024, these hardware/software methods work well.
Old Intel MacBooks often have slow HDDs, swapping to an SSD dramatically boosts read/write speeds (up to 10x faster boot/apps), making older computers feel new.
Steps (for upgradable models, e.g., 2012 or earlier):
Backup data (Time Machine). (See Also: How to Delete Old Time Machine Backups & Snapshots)
Use iFixit guides for your model to open and replace drive.
Clone old drive to new SSD (Carbon Copy Cloner).
Install SSD, reassemble.
This is highly effective to speed up old MacBook Pro and Air.
More RAM allows better multitasking, crucial for how to make MacBook Air run faster on older models. Low RAM causes swapping to disk, slowing everything.
Steps:
Check compatibility: Verify your MacBook model supports RAM upgrades (most 2012-2015 models do; 2016+ models typically don't)
Purchase compatible RAM: Buy the correct type (DDR3/DDR4) and maximum capacity for your model
Power off completely and disconnect all cables
Remove bottom case using appropriate screwdriver
Release old RAM by pushing retaining clips outward
Insert new RAM at 45-degree angle, then press down until clips snap
Replace bottom case and power on
Verify upgrade in Apple menu > About This Mac
Dust buildup and dried paste cause overheating/throttling on Intel models, reducing speed. Fresh paste improves heat transfer, allowing sustained performance; cleaning fans prevents thermal limits. This method is best for older MacBook Pro/Air overheating.
Steps:
Disassemble to access logic board/fans.
Clean dust with compressed air.
Remove old paste (isopropyl alcohol), apply new (e.g., Arctic MX-6).
Reassemble carefully.
Removes accumulated bloat/conflicts for a fresh start. Eliminates junk, optimizes files, great for how to make my Mac quicker on any model.
Backup everything.
Restart in Recovery (Command + R).
Disk Utility > Erase startup disk (APFS/Mac OS Extended).
Reinstall macOS from Recovery.
To keep your Mac fast long-term:
These habits help maintain and speed up MacBook performance consistently.
Clearing cache can be done manually, whereas tools such as Cleamio by Tenorshare do it by clicking a button.
No. Modern Macs use SSD + APFS, which automatically manages file layout. Defragmenting is unnecessary and can reduce SSD lifespan.
Yes, if you multitask, use heavy apps, or hit memory pressure. Big improvement for Intel Macs with upgradeable RAM. Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) → RAM is not upgradeable; buy enough upfront.
There is no single command. It is much better to clean junk files and control the start-up apps.
In case you are serious about how to speed up MacBook Pro and Air, begin with easy repairs and maintenance. Most users find that cleaning junk files makes the biggest difference.
An easy, secure, user-friendly method of adding speed without having to be a technical genius is provided by Tenorshare Cleamio. Add smart settings and upgrades, and your Mac can be smooth and responsive once more.
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Cleamio
All-in-One Mac Cleaner & Optimizer
Cleamio: All-in-One Mac Cleaner & Optimizer
Clean junk files, free up space, and boost Mac performance
No.1 Mac Cleaner & Optimizer
Clean, speed up, and optimize your Mac
By Jenefey Aaron
2026-02-08 / Mac Optimization