Hey there sojlaw,
Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities. To get started, we would not recommend removing any processes that you are not familiar with, as it may cause some unintended issues with your MacBook.
If having issues with the performance on your MacBook, and seeing an alert that your system has run out of memory, check out the steps in the following resource that can help: If your Mac runs slowly - Apple Support
You can also test the issue in safe mode that can help to determine if the issue is caused by some software that loads as your MacBook starts. For help with testing the issue in safe mode, and what to do ion the issue does or doesn't occur in safe mode, check out the next link here: How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support
How to use safe mode
Determine whether you're using a Mac with Apple silicon, then follow the appropriate steps:
Apple silicon
1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Turn on your Mac and continue to press and hold the power button until you see the startup options window.
3. Select your startup disk, then press and hold the Shift key while clicking “Continue in Safe Mode.”
4. Log in to your Mac. You might be asked to log in again.
If the issue continues in safe mode
If the issue continues while in safe mode, or your Mac restarts several times and then shuts down while starting up in safe mode, you should reinstall macOS and make sure that your Apple software and third-party apps are up to date.
If the issue doesn't continue in safe mode
If the issue doesn't continue while in safe mode, leave safe mode by restarting your Mac normally. Then test for the issue again. The issue might be resolved.
If the issue returns after leaving safe mode, startup items are probably at fault. Apps can install such items in numerous places, and they aren't always easy to find or recognize. For that reason, you should first make sure that you've installed any available updates for your Apple software and third-party apps.
If updating your software doesn't help, try any of these solutions:
- Test your login items.
- To learn whether software in your user account is causing the issue, set up a new user account, then log in to it and try to reproduce the issue in that account.
- Unplug all accessories from your Mac, including printers, drives, USB hubs, and other nonessential devices. You could have an issue with one or more of those devices or their cables.
- Reinstall macOS.
If you still need help, please contact Apple Support.
Keep us updated on the results after going through the steps above.
Take care!
