Why Does My Mac Feel Slow After Upgrading to macOS Big Sur?

Are you experiencing sluggish performance after updating your Mac to macOS Big Sur? You're not alone! Many users have reported slower speeds and lagging systems since making the upgrade. In this article, we'll explore some possible reasons why your Mac may be running slow and provide tips on how to speed it up again.

Check Activity Monitor for Processes

One of the most common culprits behind slow performance is resource-intensive processes. To identify these processes, open Activity Monitor by searching Spotlight (Command+Spacebar) and typing 'Activity Monitor' followed by pressing the return key. This tool allows you to monitor CPU usage for apps, processes, and other system functions.

Let Your Mac Sit Overnight

Another common reason for slow performance is the indexing and optimization process that occurs after a major macOS update. When your Mac updates to Big Sur, it performs various maintenance routines behind the scenes, including reindexing the drive for Spotlight and Siri, as well as apps like Photos. To allow these processes to complete, simply keep your Mac awake and plugged in (if it's a laptop) for an extended period of time - perhaps overnight or for a few nights.

Why is My Mac Slow with Big Sur?

Before we dive into the solutions, let's take a look at some possible reasons why macOS Big Sur may be feeling slow on your Mac:

* Resource-intensive processes

* Indexing and optimization processes

* Outdated software or apps

* Insufficient storage space

Tips to Speed Up Your Mac

By following these simple tips, you can help improve the performance of your Mac after updating to Big Sur:

1. Check Activity Monitor for resource-intensive processes and close any unnecessary applications.

2. Allow your Mac to sit overnight to complete indexing and optimization processes.

3. Update your software and apps to ensure you have the latest versions.

4. Free up storage space by deleting unwanted files or upgrading your storage capacity.

By following these tips, you can help improve the performance of your Mac and get it running smoothly again. Remember, sometimes all it takes is a little patience and understanding of the indexing and optimization process that occurs after a major update.

Macos big sur version