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iMac 21,5 Late 2012 The operating system is very slow

Imac 21.5 years old, Late 2012 mac OS Mojave 10.14.6. The operating system has become very slow. Reset NVRAM and SMC. It helps for 1-2 days, then the same thing. What can be done?

Posted on Aug 4, 2023 3:12 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 4, 2023 4:17 AM

If your iMac (Late 2012) is running slowly, there are several steps you can take to improve its performance:


1. **Check Storage Space:** Ensure that your iMac has sufficient free storage space. A nearly full hard drive can slow down the system. Delete unnecessary files or move them to an external storage device.


2. **Upgrade RAM:** If your iMac has low RAM (memory), upgrading it can significantly improve performance, especially when running multiple applications or resource-intensive tasks.


3. **Update macOS:** Make sure your iMac is running the latest version of macOS. Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.


4. **Close Unnecessary Applications:** Running too many applications simultaneously can consume system resources. Close apps that you're not actively using.


5. **Check Startup Items:** Disable unnecessary startup items. Go to "System Preferences" > "Users & Groups" > "Login Items" and remove items that you don't need to launch at startup.


6. **Clean Up Desktop:** A cluttered desktop can slow down your Mac. Organize and move files into folders.


7. **Clear Cache and Temporary Files:** Use tools like CleanMyMac to clean cache, logs, and temporary files that can accumulate over time.


8. **Reset SMC and PRAM:** Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) and Parameter RAM (PRAM) can sometimes resolve performance issues. Instructions can be found on Apple's support website.


9. **Manage Fonts:** Too many fonts can slow down your system. Use Font Book to disable or remove fonts you don't need.


10. **Run Disk Utility:** Use Disk Utility to verify and repair disk permissions. It can help resolve issues related to file permissions.


11. **Upgrade to SSD:** If your iMac is still using a traditional hard drive, consider upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD). SSDs are much faster than HDDs and can significantly improve overall performance.


12. **Monitor Activity Monitor:** Use the built-in Activity Monitor to identify resource-hungry processes and applications. It can help you pinpoint what's causing the slowdown.


13. **Check for Malware:** Run a thorough scan for malware and viruses. Malicious software can significantly affect performance.


If you've tried these steps and your iMac is still slow, it might be a sign of hardware aging. Consider contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store or authorized service provider for further assistance or to discuss potential hardware upgrades.

Thank

_Thakur_Viren_

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 4, 2023 4:17 AM in response to Sergey2124

If your iMac (Late 2012) is running slowly, there are several steps you can take to improve its performance:


1. **Check Storage Space:** Ensure that your iMac has sufficient free storage space. A nearly full hard drive can slow down the system. Delete unnecessary files or move them to an external storage device.


2. **Upgrade RAM:** If your iMac has low RAM (memory), upgrading it can significantly improve performance, especially when running multiple applications or resource-intensive tasks.


3. **Update macOS:** Make sure your iMac is running the latest version of macOS. Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.


4. **Close Unnecessary Applications:** Running too many applications simultaneously can consume system resources. Close apps that you're not actively using.


5. **Check Startup Items:** Disable unnecessary startup items. Go to "System Preferences" > "Users & Groups" > "Login Items" and remove items that you don't need to launch at startup.


6. **Clean Up Desktop:** A cluttered desktop can slow down your Mac. Organize and move files into folders.


7. **Clear Cache and Temporary Files:** Use tools like CleanMyMac to clean cache, logs, and temporary files that can accumulate over time.


8. **Reset SMC and PRAM:** Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) and Parameter RAM (PRAM) can sometimes resolve performance issues. Instructions can be found on Apple's support website.


9. **Manage Fonts:** Too many fonts can slow down your system. Use Font Book to disable or remove fonts you don't need.


10. **Run Disk Utility:** Use Disk Utility to verify and repair disk permissions. It can help resolve issues related to file permissions.


11. **Upgrade to SSD:** If your iMac is still using a traditional hard drive, consider upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD). SSDs are much faster than HDDs and can significantly improve overall performance.


12. **Monitor Activity Monitor:** Use the built-in Activity Monitor to identify resource-hungry processes and applications. It can help you pinpoint what's causing the slowdown.


13. **Check for Malware:** Run a thorough scan for malware and viruses. Malicious software can significantly affect performance.


If you've tried these steps and your iMac is still slow, it might be a sign of hardware aging. Consider contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store or authorized service provider for further assistance or to discuss potential hardware upgrades.

Thank

_Thakur_Viren_

Aug 4, 2023 6:09 AM in response to _VirenThakur_

Thanks for the answers! Today I will try to upgrade mac OS Mojave to Katalina. It does not allow you to put a newer one. There is enough space on the disk, the antivirus did not detect any viruses, the Disk utility did not detect any malfunctions with the disk. The disk costs HDD. RAM (memory) costs 8GB- probably enough? What else can I check to fix the problem? Thank you in advance!

iMac 21,5 Late 2012 The operating system is very slow

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