After security update, iMac has slowed down. I have an iMac desktop purchased in 2019. Yes, I know it's old but suits my needs. I just updated to Sequoia 15.9 for security and it has slowed down to a crawl. I have run a Mac Cleaner. Other than suggesting a new desktop, any ideas for speeding things up would be appreciated. Should I just reload my old desktop from Time Machine? Is this the end of an era?
THANK YOU
Momomoesh wrote:
I have run a Mac Cleaner.
That's bad. Without exception, such things are scams that wreck perfectly good Macs, and the likely reason for its slow performance.
Definitely post the EtreCheck report, but be prepared to completely erase the Mac and set it up again as new.
Rule 1 of Macs is don't install junk.
I have run a Mac Cleaner.
Ill-advised installation and use of aftermarket "cleaning" and "optimization" products have been shown to slow Mac drive assess by as much as 40%. One cleaning app happily removed critical Mac system files. Lovely.
I currently have Office 365 on two M4-series Macs running Tahoe 26.6.1 and it runs without issue. I've used Word for Mac since about 1989-90 and it has always been a bit slow to load, but runs without issue once loaded on every Mac we've had since, and there have been as many as two dozen between work and home.
We need to address any hardware issues before condemning Tahoe.The base storage on a 2019 iMac 4K 21.5 inch was a slow and under-spec laptop-class hard drive that gave new meaning to the adjective "glacial." The base storage in the 2019 5K 27-inch was a faster Fusion drive but, over time, Fusions have proven less than reliable.
The fact that two of three iMac storage options in 2019 iMacs had speed and stability issues needs further investigation. The EtreCheck report that den.thed requests will help us with that. EtreCheck is designed to never divulge any of your personal or security information.
BTW, It was EtreCheck that exposed the slowing effects of cleaning apps I mentioned above.
NOTE: Please post the entire report unedited. There are subtle hints there that may seem trivial to a new EtreCheck user, but can speak volumes to those of us who have evaluated thousands of them.
Sounds like you have an issue with free disk space or some type of third-party software.
I say that, because our 2018 Mac mini had no problems updating to or running Sequoia 15.7.9.
First try Safe Mode followed by a normal restart, as per > Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support
If that doesn't help to speed things back up, use EtreCheckPro to look for other issues.
Download and run the free version of EtreCheckPro, from > https://etrecheck.com/en/index.html
Then post back here with your Report, as per > How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community
Uninstalled the Mac Cleaner.
And while not speedy it is quicker!
THANK YOU - long time Mac user still has a lot to learn
Short Answer
Speak with the Administrator of JAMF management
Launchd: /Library/LaunchAgents/com.jamf.management.login.plist
This computer is a Management Computer using Mobile Digital Management Service
Which may explain the usages of 1 - SentinelOne 2 - WireGuardTunnel
Add to the mix an outdated version of Etrecheck application 2026-08-11 EtreCheck (5.7.2)
Current version is 6.8.16
👍
EtreCheck may reveal additional information you can act upon. den.thed provided the instructions for posting its report here.
Here are main points of Etre Check Report...after uninstalling Clean My Mac it does move faster. Also, I do have Time Machine and it is backing up right now
EtreCheck version: 5.7.2 (5247)
Report generated: 2026-08-11 15:37:52
Download EtreCheck from https://etrecheck.com
Runtime: 3:03
Performance: Excellent
Sandbox: Enabled
Full drive access: Disabled
Problem: Computer is too slow
Description:
Downloaded Sequoia 15.7.9 and computer is running slowly. Uninstalled
Clean My Mac
Major Issues: None
Minor Issues:
These issues do not need immediate attention but they may indicate future problems or opportunities for improvement.
No Time Machine backup - Time Machine backup not found.
Configuration profiles found - This computer may have configuration profiles installed. These are sometimes used by adware and malware.
Unsigned files - There are unsigned software files installed. Apple has said that unsigned software will not run by default in a future version of the operating system.
System modifications - There are a large number of system modifications running in the background.
Limited drive access - More information may be available with Full Drive Access.
Kernel extensions present - This computer has kernel extensions that may not work in the future.
You're welcome.
Again, if Safe Mode doesn't help..? Run EtreCheckPro and post the report.
FWIW I do require or have any Microsoft products installed on any of my Mac's.
Please post the entire report as per > How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community
We need more than just the main points, which is the reason for the instructions den.thed provided. Please follow them. They are short and simple.
Be advised merely uninstalling "cleaning" apps cannot undo the damage they cause, which is the reason I wrote "be prepared to completely erase the Mac and set it up again as new."
Thank you - have done all I can at this time. Mac is doing fine for my purposes as a senior citizen and Mac owner since 1984. I don't have technical knowhow but it does what I need. Appreciate the help.
Yes, it's particularly slow with Microsoft 360. Will try to restart with safe mode.
THANK YOU
Here is the full report, I think! Sorry - have never had to do this sort of deep dive into this stuff. Thank you for your help
Full drive access: Disabled
Following instructions is a prerequisite for fixing your Mac...
Mac is doing fine for my purposes as a senior citizen and Mac owner since 1984. I don't have technical knowhow but it does what I need. Appreciate the help.
iMac running slow after macOS Sequoia 15.9 update
