Brand new macbook air running slow

A brand new MacBook Air running slow can be frustrating! Let's troubleshoot some common issues to get your MacBook Air running smoothly again.

Hardware and Software Checks

  1. Check for software updates: Ensure your MacBook Air is running the latest version of macOS. Go to System Preferences > Software Update.
  2. Check for firmware updates: Go to System Preferences > System Report > Hardware > Firmware.
  3. Check for disk errors: Run the built-in Disk Utility app to check for disk errors. Restart your MacBook Air, hold the 'D' key while booting, and select the Disk Utility app.
  4. Check for malware: Run a virus scan using an anti-malware software like Malwarebytes.
  5. Check for resource-intensive apps: Close any resource-intensive apps or background processes that might be consuming system resources.

Performance Optimization

  1. Disable animations: Animations can consume system resources. Go to System Preferences > Accessibility > Display > Reduce motion.
  2. Disable unnecessary startup programs: Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items and remove any unnecessary programs.
  3. Clear browser cache and cookies: Clear your browser cache and cookies to improve performance.
  4. Close unnecessary apps: Close any unnecessary apps or background processes.
  5. Update your browser: Ensure your browser is up-to-date, as outdated browsers can cause performance issues.

System Configuration

  1. Check your storage space: Ensure you have enough free storage space. Go to About This Mac > Storage.
  2. Check your RAM usage: Go to Activity Monitor (in Applications/Utilities) to check your RAM usage. If your RAM is consistently above 90%, consider upgrading your RAM.
  3. Check your CPU usage: Go to Activity Monitor to check your CPU usage. If your CPU is consistently above 90%, consider upgrading your CPU (if possible).
  4. Check your graphics settings: Go to System Preferences > Displays > Graphics > Graphics Settings and ensure your graphics settings are set to "Automatic" or "Best for Display".

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC): Restart your MacBook Air, press the power button, and immediately hold the 'Shift' + 'Control' + 'Option' keys. Release the keys when you hear the boot chime for the second time.
  2. Reset the NVRAM: Restart your MacBook Air, press the power button, and immediately hold the 'Command' + 'Option' + 'P' + 'R' keys. Release the keys when you hear the boot chime for the second time.
  3. Contact Apple Support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it's possible that there's a hardware problem or a software issue that requires assistance from Apple Support.

Remember to always back up your data regularly to prevent data loss in case you need to perform a system restore or reinstall macOS.