Check Activity Monitor for CPU, memory, disk, and network hogs
Quit unnecessary apps
Force quit unresponsive apps
Disable startup/login items in System Settings → General → Login Items
Remove unnecessary browser extensions
Update macOS
Update apps (browser, Microsoft Office, Adobe, etc.)
Restart the Mac
Free up disk space (aim for at least 10–20% free)
Empty Trash
Remove large unused files (Downloads, old installers, duplicate media)
Clear browser cache and site data
Reduce background syncing (Photos, iCloud Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox)
Check iCloud Drive sync status and pause if needed
Reset SMC/PRAM only if applicable to your Mac model
Run Disk Utility → First Aid on your startup disk
Check and repair disk permissions (only if prompted by macOS tools)
Test in Safe Mode to identify problematic software
Uninstall recently added apps or extensions
Check for malware using reputable security software
Manage RAM-heavy workloads (fewer tabs, lower-resolution media, close virtual machines)
If using a mechanical HDD, consider upgrading to SSD
If running out of RAM, consider upgrading RAM (if your model supports it)
Consider a clean macOS reinstall if performance is consistently degraded
Back up data before major changes (Time Machine or another backup)