my iMac is very slow to open applications and files . What can I do to get fast

Hi there!

In order to start diagnosing your Mac, we first need to know some information about it. 

To start, using this Apple Support article as a guide, Get system information about your Mac, let us know what year your Mac is, the model, and what version of macOS you are currently using.

Next, please upload a screenshot of your Mac’s storage information. In the Finder, choose Go > Utilities, then double-click the Disk Utility icon. (Disk Utility is located in the /Applications/Utilities folder.) Alternatively, click Launchpad in the Dock, type Disk Utility in the search field, then click the Disk Utility icon. Once Disk Utility is open, take a screenshot of the information it automatically opens to, which will be your startup disk. Next, select View > Show All Devices in Disk Utility and select the top-level, non-indented, disk entry. In most cases, this name will be one of the following:

• APPLE HDD…
• APPLE SSD…
• Fusion Drive

Then, take a screenshot of the newly selected entry. Upload all screenshots here. 

Next, it is recommended you Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac in order to identify any potential issues. Let us know the results of this test. 

Finally, list any anti-virus, anti-malware, cleaning, or VPN software you have installed. 

Jack

Thanks!

Your USB 3-equipped Mac with a hard disk can have improved system performance by connecting to an external solid-state drive (also known as an SSD).

An external SSD as your startup disk can give your Mac additional performance for system responsiveness, apps, startup, and more. An SSD will make your Mac 10 to 40 times faster for storage, and in turn, make your entire Mac faster and more capable.

To learn more, see Use an external SSD as your startup disk with your iMac or Mac mini - Apple Community. 

Another option is to replace this Mac with a new Apple Silicon Mac: Mac - Apple. You can also use Apple Trade-In to get credit towards a new Mac: Apple Trade In - Apple.

Jack

It will help us get a good idea of what is causing your problem if you provide a report of your system, that way we do not have to play 20 questions with you. The report we are requesting does NOT provide any personal information and is extremely safe to use. Please navigate to www.Etrecheck.com and download the free version of EtreCheck. Once you have you downloaded the app and installed it, please run the report and save it. This report will help us get a good idea what has been installed on your system and help us be able to diagnose what may be wrong.

When you have your report, you can attach it when you reply to this message and we can then review it and help you determine what is needed to get your system running well again. 

For instructions on how to download your EtreCheck report and attach it to your reply to this message please click How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community It is helpful to us if you download the report to your Desktop.