New MacBook Lagging? Here’s How to Fix It

There’s nothing worse than a new MacBook lagging. You might expect an older Mac to get stuck at some point, but nothing is more frustrating than encountering this problem on a newer computer. Don’t go back to the Apple Store just yet; let’s see if you can restore your Mac’s speed with these troubleshooting steps.

Why Is My New MacBook Lagging?

There are several reasons why a new MacBook might lag or run slowly.

1. Lack of Free Space on the Hard Drive

When your MacBook’s storage is nearly full, it may struggle to perform certain tasks smoothly. Keeping enough free space available can help your Mac run more efficiently.

2. Too Many Resource-Hungry Apps

Running several demanding applications simultaneously can consume system resources and affect performance. Closing apps you aren’t using may help reduce lag.

3. Lack of RAM

Applications that require substantial memory can slow down your MacBook when available RAM is limited. This is particularly noticeable when you run multiple apps or browser tabs at once.

4. Malware

Although macOS includes built-in security features, unwanted software can still affect performance. If your Mac behaves unusually, investigate suspicious apps and browser extensions.

5. Outdated Software

An outdated version of macOS or an application may contain bugs that affect performance. Installing available updates can help resolve some issues.

Steps to Check Why Your MacBook Is Lagging

Step 1 – Check Your Storage Space

Click the Apple menu and open System Settings or About This Mac, depending on your macOS version. Check how much storage is available.

If your drive is almost full, delete files you no longer need or move large files to external storage or a trusted cloud service.

Step 2 – Limit the Number of Apps Running in the Background

Look at the apps running on your MacBook and close the ones you don’t need. On many Macs, a small dot beneath an app in the Dock indicates that it is open.

Right-click an unnecessary app in the Dock and select Quit. Avoid force-quitting apps unless they are unresponsive.

Step 3 – Manage Login Items at Startup

Some applications automatically launch when you turn on your MacBook, which can slow down startup and use system resources.

Open System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions. Remove unnecessary apps from the Open at Login list and review background activity settings. Restart your MacBook to see whether performance improves.

Step 4 – Clean Your Hard Drive

Delete old downloads, duplicate files, large videos, and documents you no longer need. Empty the Trash and organize files on your desktop to keep your storage manageable.

If you’re evaluating whether your current device meets your needs, our guide to the best laptops can help you compare different models and specifications.

For users comparing a MacBook with a Windows gaming laptop, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 is another option to consider for gaming-focused performance.

Step 5 – Optimize Your Storage

Open System Settings > General > Storage on newer versions of macOS. Review the available storage recommendations and remove unnecessary files.

On older versions, you may find storage management options under About This Mac > Storage > Manage.

Review the recommendations before deleting anything to make sure you don’t remove files you still need.

Step 6 – Delete Unused Apps

Applications you no longer use take up valuable storage space. Open Finder, select Applications, and identify apps you no longer need.

Move unwanted apps to the Trash. Some applications may have their own uninstallers, so follow the developer’s instructions when necessary.

Step 7 – Update Your Software

Open System Settings > General > Software Update and check for available macOS updates. Install updates that are compatible with your MacBook.

You should also update applications through their official update mechanisms. Back up important files before major system upgrades.

Remove Unnecessary Browser Extensions

Browser extensions can sometimes consume resources, interfere with websites, or cause unexpected browser behavior. Review your installed extensions and remove ones you don’t recognize or no longer use.

Google Chrome

Open Chrome and navigate to Extensions > Manage Extensions. Disable or remove extensions you don’t need. Restart Chrome and check whether browsing performance improves.

Safari

Open Safari, select Safari > Settings, and choose Extensions. Disable or uninstall unnecessary extensions, then test Safari again.

If you’re also interested in understanding how dedicated gaming hardware is configured, read our guide to custom gaming PCs and what you need to know.

What to Do If Your MacBook Is Still Lagging

If your MacBook continues to lag after these steps, open Activity Monitor to check whether an app is using unusually high CPU or memory resources.

If the problem persists on a new device, contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider for further diagnosis.