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The causes of MacBook freezing can vary. Regardless of the reason, the following article provides detailed instructions on various methods to quickly resolve this issue.
Fixing MacBook Freezing
1. Common Causes of MacBook Freezing
MacBooks are known for their high performance and stability. However, even a simple issue like running too many programs, applications, and browser tabs can cause your machine to freeze or hang.
Similar to other laptops, when a MacBook's CPU is overloaded with too many applications or running out of memory, users may encounter a situation where the spinning wheel appears and they cannot move the mouse or interact with anything on the screen.
Below are some of the primary reasons why MacBooks freeze or become unresponsive:
- Running an excessive number of applications simultaneously (this affects both memory and CPU).
- Running too many background processes (similar to the reason above).
- Application crashes (just one application encountering a crash can severely impact the performance of the MacBook).
- Opening an excessive number of tabs in the browser.
- Attaching too many files to an Email.
- Not updating macOS for a long time or in a system with lots of junk files.
- Full hard drive capacity.
- Hardware issues with the disk or RAM.
- Malicious software.
2. Fixing MacBook Freezing Issues
The first thing to do when your MacBook freezes is to stay calm and stop pressing keys on the keyboard. Then you can follow the methods below to resolve this issue.
2.1. Forcing Quit of Applications Causing MacBook Freezing
Application crashes are among the most common reasons for MacBook freezing. In this case, you need to identify which app has crashed and caused the issue. Sometimes, a background app may malfunction, making it difficult to pinpoint the cause. However, the main reason is usually a malfunctioning app running on the screen.
Execution Method: Press the Command + Option + Esc combination on your keyboard - this action will bring up the Force Quit menu. Select the app you want to quit and click the Force Quit button. If you're unsure which app is causing the freeze, click the Quit All button to exit all programs, including background ones.
2.2. Uninstall or Reinstall Unresponsive Applications
If you frequently encounter MacBook freezing issues with specific apps, force-quitting the app isn't the best solution. In this case, you'll need to uninstall or reinstall those apps.
Execution Method: To completely uninstall an application, you can use optimization software for MacBook called CleanMyMac X. This app features an Uninstaller that can safely perform tasks, and you can use it for free during the trial period.
Download CleanMyMac X here.
To uninstall an application using CleanMyMac X, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open CleanMyMac X via Setapp.
Step 2: Click on the Uninstaller tab.
Step 3: Locate the application causing frequent MacBook freezes.
Step 4: Select the application and click Uninstall.
Note: If you cannot delete the application because you need it for work or other activities, you can reinstall this application. To reinstall the application, repeat the first three steps in CleanMyMac X, then right-click the arrow next to the application name and select Reset.
Resetting the application to default settings and clearing its cache memory can help resolve freezing issues. Additionally, you can check for and update the application to its latest version directly within CleanMyMac X.
2.3. Exiting All Applications When Too Many Are Running Simultaneously
Another reason for MacBook freezing is having too many applications running simultaneously. Quit All will help you resolve the issue in this case.
Execution Method: Click on the Quit All icon on the Menu bar, then open Settings, select View background processes, and click Quit All.
If your MacBook freezes right after startup, you can handle it by using CleanMyMac X software to manage the applications that launch simultaneously with your machine. To remove these apps, you need to select Optimization > Login Items & Launch Agents > Remove.
2.4. Stop Background Running Applications
Every year, Apple introduces upgrades and improvements to the MacBook's processors. But even the latest CPUs can be affected if there are too many background-running apps simultaneously.
Execution Method: To automatically stop background-running apps, you can use App Tamer software to monitor CPU consumption on each app and halt programs that slow down your MacBook.
Download App Tamer here.
2.5. Cleaning Up MacBook Disk Space
Disk space overload can be a reason for your MacBook frequently freezing. You can check by clicking on the Apple icon > About this Mac > Storage. If there isn't much free GB left, it's time to clean up your disk.
The simplest way to remove unnecessary files and refresh your system is to use CleanMyMac X. This software's cleanup tool can tidy up your hard drive with just one click and a range of semi-automatic options to select and remove old files with large sizes.
Execution Method: To clean up your hard drive, within the CleanMyMac X app, click on the Smart Scan section > Scan, then delete the junk files that CleanMyMac X has found.
Additionally, you can spend some time carefully cleaning up old files with large sizes to free up more GB of disk space for your MacBook following the steps below:
Step 1: Select the Large and Old Files section and click the Scan button.
Step 2: Find the files you no longer use and want to remove.
Step 3: Press Remove to delete these files.
2.6. Cleaning Up MacBook Desktop Screen
A cluttered and messy Desktop screen not only slows down your MacBook but can also cause various other issues, especially freezing.
Execution Method: To clean up your Desktop screen, you can use the Spotless app. Spotless allows you to tidy up any files on your MacBook instantly by using drag-and-drop feature or by scheduling Spotless to clean up specific folders.
Download Spotless here.
2.7. Virus Protection for MacBook
If your MacBook isn't freezing due to software or hardware issues, it's highly likely that it has been infected by a virus causing the system to freeze.
Execution Method: In the CleanMyMac X app, you can select the Malware Removal section and click Scan to scan for viruses on your MacBook. If CleanMyMac X finds any malicious files, you can immediately delete them to protect your MacBook.
2.8. Reset System Management Controller (SMC)
The System Management Controller (SMC) is a circuit in Intel-based MacBooks responsible for controlling fans, power management, etc. Resetting the SMC can help resolve some MacBook issues, including system freezes.
Execution Method: To reset the SMC on an Intel Mac, turn off your machine and disconnect all peripheral devices except the power cable, then press and hold Power + Shift + Control + Option for about 10 seconds. Then you can turn your MacBook back on.
On M1 chip MacBooks, you can't reset the SMC, but you can perform a similar action by shutting down your MacBook for 30 seconds and then turning it back on.
2.9. Resetting NVRAM
Resetting non-volatile RAM or NVRAM (formerly known as PRAM) can also fix MacBook freezes on Intel-based MacBook models. The system of MacBook M1 will automatically reset NVRAM if there is an issue, so you can skip this method if you own an M1 chip MacBook.
Execution Method: Restart your MacBook, then press and hold the Command + Option + P + R key combination and wait for about 20 seconds. You can release the keys if you hear the startup chime for the second time or when the Apple logo appears and disappears for the second time (on MacBooks with Apple T2 security chip).
2.10. Fixing Frozen MacBook with Still Movable Mouse
This scenario is often quite rare and may be due to two possible reasons:
- Your MacBook is still locked, and you can try all the usual solutions like restarting, identifying problematic apps, cleaning up the hard drive, etc.
- Your MacBook has hardware issues.
For a more thorough check, you can run MacBook's diagnostic tool and review metrics related to the hard drive, battery, CPU, etc., to pinpoint the issue.
How to do it: Disconnect all external devices except for the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and power cable. Place your MacBook on a flat surface, then shut down the machine.
For MacBook M1:
Step 1: Turn on your MacBook while holding the power button
Step 2: Release the power button when you see the startup options screen
Step 3: Press the Command + D key combination.
For Intel-based MacBook:
Step 1: Power on your MacBook and immediately press and hold the D key.
Step 2: Release the D key when you see the progress bar or language selection menu.
Step 3: Once Apple Diagnostics scanning is complete, review the results at the bottom of the window. To exit, click Restart or Shutdown at the bottom.
Thus, Mytour has introduced to readers the quickest and simplest ways to fix MacBook freezes along with detailed instructions. Wishing you success.
