How To Optimize macOS Sequoia: 11 Performance Tips

Upgrading to macOS Sequoia can bring exciting new features, but some Mac users may notice their system running slower than before.

Newer macOS versions often demand more CPU, GPU, and memory resources, which can impact performance, especially on older Mac models.

The good news is that optimizing macOS Sequoia can make a real difference and help you improve your efficiency.

In this guide, we’ll cover practical steps to keep your Mac running at its best, from managing system junk and clearing cache files to fine-tuning system preferences and maximizing battery performance.

11 tips to optimize macOS Sequoia

Here are detailed tips to help you optimize macOS Sequoia and get the best performance out of your Mac.

1. Close unused browser tabs

Every open browser tab uses RAM and CPU resources, which can slow down your Mac. By closing tabs you’re not actively using, you free up resources for other apps.

Open your browser and review all open tabs. Close any tabs you no longer need. For frequently visited sites, consider bookmarking rather than keeping them open.

Using a tab management extension that automatically suspends inactive tabs can further help improve RAM usage.

2. Turn off visual effects

The visual effects in macOS Sequoia are designed to enhance the user experience, but they can also consume significant CPU and memory resources, slowing down your Mac.

Turning off these effects can help speed things up.

1. Go to System Settings > Accessibility > Display.
2. Toggle on Reduce Motion to minimize animation effects.
3. Next, toggle on Reduce Transparency to eliminate visual transparency in windows and menus.

These adjustments not only improve performance but can also make your Mac feel more responsive.

3. Clear system junk and cache files

Junk files can build up over time, taking up valuable space and slowing down your Mac. Regularly cleaning these files is essential for optimal performance.

To clear junk files manually:

1. Open System Settings > General > Storage.
2. Review the recommendations and follow the on-screen instructions to delete unnecessary files.
3. Select items under Storage Management and remove unneeded files and apps.

For a deeper, more comprehensive cleanup, use an all-in-one tool like SpyHunter.

SpyHunter’s Optimization Scan locates and removes unwanted files that can be hard to identify manually, freeing up valuable storage and improving overall performance.

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4. Remove desktop clutter

A cluttered desktop can slow down your Mac, as Sequoia has to redraw each icon every time the desktop refreshes. Reducing the number of icons improves performance and keeps your workspace organized.

Here are two effective ways to clean it up:

1. Move or Delete Files: Review all files and folders on your desktop. Move important items to organized folders, such as Documents. Delete any files you no longer need to minimize clutter and free up space.
2. Use Stacks to Organize Files: Right-click anywhere on your desktop and select Use Stacks. This feature arranges items into stacks, grouping files by type to reduce visible icons. Stacks allow macOS to redraw fewer icons, improving performance without fully clearing your desktop.

5. Disable FileVault (When not needed)

FileVault encrypts your hard drive for added security, but it can slow down your device if it doesn’t have sufficient resources. Temporarily disabling FileVault may boost performance, especially on older Mac models.

1. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security.
2. Scroll down to FileVault and click Turn Off.
3. Follow the on-screen steps to confirm your choice.

Disabling FileVault can reduce system load, but it also reduces data encryption, so only turn it off if you feel comfortable doing so.

6. Optimize battery power on a MacBook

For MacBook users, optimizing battery settings can help improve performance and extend battery life.

1. Go to System Settings > Battery.
2. Enable Low Power Mode to reduce power consumption during heavy use.
3. Adjust Display Brightness to a lower setting, which saves both power and resources.
4. Also, toggle Optimize video streaming while on battery on.

Battery optimization not only saves power but can also prevent performance issues caused by low system resources.

7. Quit unused applications

Running too many apps at once can slow down Mac and use up both RAM and CPU resources. Quit any applications you’re not actively using.

1. Open Activity Monitor from Applications > Utilities.
2. In the CPU tab, review all running processes and quit the ones you are not using.

This keeps your Mac running efficiently by preventing inactive apps from consuming resources.

8. Disable unnecessary background processes

Background processes, including startup items and hidden services, can consume more resources on macOS Sequoia. Turning off these unnecessary processes can help improve system performance, especially if they start automatically every time you boot up your Mac.

1. Go to System Settings > General > Login Items.
2. Review the list of apps that launch at startup.
3. Select any apps you don’t need to run automatically and click the “-“ button to remove them from startup.

9. Keep your Mac cool

Keeping your Mac cool prevents it from slowing down due to overheating. Overheating can cause macOS Sequoia to throttle CPU performance, impacting overall speed.

• Place your Mac on a flat, hard surface to improve ventilation.
• Avoid blocking air vents, especially during intensive tasks.
• Consider using a cooling pad for added airflow if you regularly use resource-intensive apps.

10. Run regular maintenance

Regular maintenance helps you optimize macOS Sequoia, reducing lag and improving overall performance. Performing these tasks manually can take time, but each one can make a noticeable difference.

Essential maintenance tasks to include:

• Reindex Spotlight
• Run regular scans with SpyHunter
• Flush DNS cache
• Clear system logs
• Reset network settings
• Repair disk permissions

Completing these tasks weekly or bi-weekly helps ensure that your macOS remains responsive and efficient. Regular maintenance minimizes clutter and frees up resources, enhancing performance.

11. Restart your Mac regularly

Regular restarts help clear RAM and close background processes, contributing to better macOS performance.

1. Click the Apple menu and select Restart.
2. Confirm by clicking Restart again in the prompt.

Restarting weekly or after extensive system usage helps prevent memory leaks and resource overload, keeping your Mac running smoothly.

By following these steps, you’ll effectively optimize macOS Sequoia for smoother performance, reduced clutter, and improved responsiveness on your Mac.

These simple maintenance tasks and settings adjustments help you get the most out of your device.