Mac is slowing down

For your 24-inch iMac running macOS 26.6, start by restarting the Mac.

If it is still slow, note whether the slowdown affects the entire Mac or only a particular application. 

If it affects the Mac generally, open Activity Monitor from Applications >> Utilities >> Activity Monitor while the slowdown is occurring. 

Check CPU for processes using substantial processor capacity and Memory for the Memory Pressure graph. 

Check Disk if the slowdown is noticeable when opening or saving files, and Network 

if the problem involves internet activity, syncing, or file transfers. Apple’s Activity Monitor User Guide explains these measurements. (Apple Support)

Next, go to Apple menu  >> System Settings >> General >> Storage and check the available space. 

Apple identifies insufficient startup-disk space as one possible reason for a slow Mac.

Then check System Settings >> General >> Login Items & Extensions for applications that open automatically or are allowed to run in the background. 

If you recognize an item you do not need, you can consider changing its setting. 

Apple notes that some applications can continue running in the background after they are closed. (Apple Support)

Check System Settings >> General >> Software Update for any available macOS update.

If you have external drives, hubs, printers, or other peripherals connected, temporarily disconnect non-essential devices and see whether the behaviour changes. Reconnect them individually if necessary.

To avoid a prolonged series of questions and checks, you can also use EtreCheck, downloaded directly from its developer. 

EtreCheck is a third-party diagnostic tool that produces a report containing information about the Mac's hardware, operating system, storage, software, networking, and performance. 

After running it, use Share Report >> Copy and paste the full report into your reply using the Additional Text option.

If the slowdown continues, Safe Mode can help determine whether software that loads during normal startup is contributing to the problem. 

The procedure differs between Apple silicon and Intel-based iMacs. (Apple: How to use safe mode on your Mac)

If there are indications of a possible hardware problem, Apple Diagnostics can test the Mac for certain hardware issues. (Apple: Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac)

The best way to evaluate a Mac that is lagging is by posting the free EtreCheck report using the Additional Text option when posting. The report contains no personal information.

How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community

It’s from 2021, so I thought it might be getting aged, but guess not, just getting bogged down by the programs running.

I believe most of us "high-mileage" Mac users would say aging is not a big issue in a Mac with solid-state storage like yours. Older models with mechanical hard drives would definitely begin to show their age.

There are a few things I do with our SSD -equipped Macs:

—We never install useless aftermarket utilities that promise to protect, clean, or find our computers a mate. No anti-virus stuff, no "cleaning" apps, and no VPNs. An EtreCheck report would show if you have any of those which are known performance killers that offer no benefit.

— We don't use Google Chrome. It’s a horrible resource hog, and Google is just a little too interested in my personal life to make me comfortable.

— Restarts are the easiest way to give your Mac a bit of a pick-me-up. In Macs with 8GB RAM, I like to restart them about once a week. If 16GB or more, I go maybe a month. A restart is like clean socks after a long hike on a hot day.

If EtreCheck shows your SSD is slower than expected, that is often fixed with a simpleDIY at-home fix. Your SSD Write and Read Speeds should be between 2700 and 3200 MB/sec for your iMac model.

Thanks, the update and closing some starting programs seems to have fixed it. It’s from 2021, so I thought it might be getting aged, but guess not, just getting bogged down by the programs running.

You are welcome and happy computing

🦉-53