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Mac Apps Running Slow – How to Fix It 2026 Guide

Why Choose Keith Thomas

20 years of experience as a Senior Apple Support Specialist at Apple Computer UK HQ.

• Former Apple Computer UK Mac Support Specialist and Apple Authorised Service Provider background.

Established and Independent since 2010 for on‑site Apple Support Service – no call centres, no outsourcing, no hardware repairs. Over 25,000+ Apple problems resolved. Unique on-site Apple Support Service. backed up with Independent Apple Telephone Support Assistance.

• Trusted by home users, small businesses, and professionals across London and the South East UK.• Clear, honest, software‑only support. No Hardware Repairs. Expert Apple Consultancy Service.

On‑site Apple Mac Support in London and the South East UK

What this page covers

This guide explains the real reasons Mac apps run slowly, the steps you can try yourself, and when it’s time to get professional on‑site help. It applies to:

• MacBook Air

• MacBook Pro

• iMac

• Mac mini

• Mac Studio

If apps take ages to open, freeze briefly, or feel sluggish, this page is for you.

The most common reasons Mac apps run slow

These are the issues that Keith Thomas identifies most often during on‑site visits:

• Apps using too much memory

• Too many apps open at once

• Low free disk space

• iCloud syncing delays

• Spotlight indexing

• Outdated apps

• Damaged system files

• macOS update issues

Quick checks you can do yourself

These steps solve around 60% of slow‑app issues.

Check 1 – Restart the Mac

A restart clears temporary processes and frees memory.

Check 2 – Close unused apps

Quit apps you’re not using, especially Chrome, Zoom, Teams and Photoshop.

Check 3 – Check free disk space

Go to Apple menu → About This Mac → Storage. Aim for at least 20GB free.

Check 4 – Update the app

Open the App Store → Updates, or update directly from the developer.

If apps run slow when opening files

This usually means:

• Damaged files

• iCloud syncing delays

• App corruption

Try:

• Opening a different file

• Updating the app

• Restarting the Mac

If apps run slow after a macOS update

This usually means:

• Spotlight indexing

• iCloud syncing

• App incompatibility

Try:

• Leaving the Mac plugged in for a few hours

• Restarting the Mac

• Updating the app

If apps run slow randomly

This usually means:

• Low disk space

• Damaged system files

• Failing drive

Try:

• Running Disk Utility First Aid

• Restarting the Mac

• Reinstalling macOS without erasing data

If apps run slow only on one user account

This usually means:

• Corrupted user account

• Damaged preferences

• Permissions issues

Try:

• Testing the app on another user account

• Restarting the Mac

• Reinstalling macOS without erasing data

When DIY stops working

You should get on‑site help if:

• Apps run slow constantly

• Apps freeze or hang frequently

• macOS reinstall does not fix the issue

• Disk Utility shows errors

• You need your data preserved

These issues usually require:

• App and system configuration repair

• macOS recovery

• Data‑safe macOS reinstall

• User account repair

• Permissions and system file diagnostics

On‑Site Apple Mac Support – London & South East UK

If your Mac apps are running slow, Keith Thomas provides an often same‑day on‑site support service across:

• Central London

• West, North, South and East London

• Surrey

• Berkshire

• Hampshire

• Wiltshire

Keith Thomas is a Mac Support Specialist in:

• Slow app and performance issues

• macOS configuration repair

• Data‑safe macOS recovery

• macOS reinstall and repair

• iCloud and Apple Account issues

• New Mac setup and migration

• User account and permissions diagnostics

Book on‑site help in London and the South East UK

If your Mac apps are running slow, Keith Thomas can visit your home or office and get you working again.

Keith Thomas – Apple Mac Support Specialist

Established 2010 – Open 09:30–20:30, 7 Days

Contact Keith Thomas by Telephone: 07800 940756 or by Text to: 07800 940756, or simply complete an online website contact form 24/7