Troubleshoot Mac tips: Macs have earned a reputation as monster gadgets functioning for years without serious flaws or errors. Still, regular use of Macs and cluttering of unnecessary data, irregular updates of the macOS, and other user flaws can cause your Mac to deteriorate. Once you notice error messages, slowed performance, or unexpected system reboots, it’s time to run some troubleshooting operations.
Can you deal with such issues on your own, or is expert assistance required? We believe that most non-critical errors can be rectified with simple DIY tips, which we share here. From Apple first aid diagnostics to fine-tuning your system preferences, you can cope with Mac troubles even without superior tech knowledge. Here is how to do that.
How to Troubleshoot Mac Computer
The following ways are the recommended ways to troubleshoot Mac computers without consulting an expert.
SMC Reset
Your Mac’s SMC, an acronym for System Management Controller, is a vital aspect of your gadget’s functioning, determining some of its core functions. The SMC is responsible for battery use, the memory of your Mac, keyboard use, etc. Thus, by rebooting this controller, you can get rid of the errors in settings and return to the optimal default features.
PRAM Reset
PRAM is the parameter memory that can also cause some troubles in system functioning. It can be fine-tuned with an automated reset. All you need to do is press a “Command” button and “Option” together with the P and R buttons when the system starts. Your Mac will reload once more with the complete PRAM reboot.
System Update
At times, Macs may exhibit serious flaws in performance if their macOS gets outdated. Apps and software are updated and debugged in the new OS versions while running your device on an old system is a risk of encountering viruses, bugs, and malfunction problems. So, a comprehensive system update may be a quick and effective solution to Mac performance issues. All system files will be refreshed, actively supported by the Apple provider, and working well until the next update.
Apple First Aid
The First Aid feature is an excellent tool for checking and repairing your disk utilities. Once the utilities get corrupt or run into performance problems, your Mac’s performance may be seriously affected.
So, by using the First Aid function, you can select the drive of interest and instruct your Mac to correct any problems it detects. The only exception is the diagnostics of the startup drive. It cannot be corrected during the system’s active work, so the problems will be identified but not managed.
To run the First Aid diagnostics, you should go to the Finder section, choose “Applications” there, and click on the “Utilities” tab. Once the sidebar emerges, you can choose the disk that causes you trouble and click on the “First Aid” command. After the check, your Mac will show a list of identified issues in the drop-down menu, reporting the fixes it made and couldn’t handle.
Peripherals
Problems with peripherals may also cause some operational issues. If you connect a non-compatible device or use peripherals with potentially hazardous software or viruses, the system may fail unexpectedly. So, a wise decision is to unplug all new peripherals from the Mac and restart it in a safe mode, checking how it works after that.
Activity Monitor
Some Mac users notice a gradual slowdown of their Macs’ performance, which may also be caused by the cluttering of RAM and system overloads by redundant, non-necessary processes.
To check whether your system runs only the programs you need right now, go to Activity Monitor and rank all processes by the RAM they consume. In this section, you can also check the CPU status and see whether it’s operating well.
A glance at these parameters will give you an idea of what programs and activities may be shut down to improve your Mac’s operation.
Here’s a quick intro to Mac problems and shortcuts to dealing with them. Even laypersons can remedy their Macs efficiently, returning to normal operations in minutes. So, don’t rush to a local repair office at once. Make sure to try these DIY tips first and see how your Mac responds.