RAM + Swap almost full (running out of physical and virtual memory)

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Level 1

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RAM + Swap almost full (running out of physical and virtual memory)

I will start by saying that I know very little about technology. But I teach online using an old MacBook Air, and up until recently, it has worked great! But in the last few months, it has slowed down dramatically and particularly giving me problems during my Zoom meetings (lagging videos and my students saying that my shared screen is blurry at times). I now get a frequent pop-up saying "RAM + Swap almost full" ("running out of physical and virtual memory").

I have been using "CleanMyMac" to try to identify and fix any problems, but it seems to be showing that everything is fine. I have started digging around the internet trying to find solutions, and I saw some saying that it was important to run a check using EtreCheckPro. I have done that, but I still do not know what any of it means. Is there anyone that can help me? How can I share the report results? And which parts are needed?

I will be extremely grateful to anyone who can help!

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11.7

Posted on Oct 22, 2023 8:32 PM

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Answer 1

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Vancouver22

Level 8

37,718 points

Oct 22, 2023 8:47 PM in response to BdCaal

You can Download EtreCheck and post the report here in the Additional Text box (beside the link icon) and someone can analyze it for you. (Not me).They might start by advising to “uninstall Clean My Mac”.

See: View memory usage in Activity Monitor on Mac - Apple Support

Check if your Mac needs more RAM in Activity Monitor - Apple Support

Close Apps you’re not using and look in Activity Monitor as advised in the above link.

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Answer 2

TheLittles

Level 10

203,755 points

Oct 22, 2023 8:42 PM in response to BdCaal

BdCaal Said:

"RAM + Swap almost full (running out of physical and virtual memory)"

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Troubleshooting Low RAM:

See what apps are open, and control what opens at login.

A. View Activity Monitor:

Go here: View memory usage in Activity Monitor on Mac - Apple Support: See what is using lots of memory and processor usage. Close whatever it is.

B. Check Force Quit:

See if something is listed as "(Not Responding)". Go to: Apple Menu > Force Quit...> Select anything ending with "(Not Responding)". Also, while in Force Quit... be sure to select Finder, and Click "Relaunch"

C Remove Login items:

See if any of these apps are a Login Item. If so, remove them as such and then restart the Mac, seeing if it/they no longer load(s) at login. Go Here: Change Users & Groups Login Items Preferences on Mac - Apple Support.

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Answer 3

Vancouver22

Level 8

37,718 points

Oct 22, 2023 9:02 PM in response to BdCaal

For your physical storage see: Free up storage space on your Mac

[Post the full Etrecheck report]

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RAM + Swap almost full (running out of physical and virtual memory)

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