It can be annoying when your Mac performance suddenly drops. Unfortunately, the odds of your Mac having issues increases with age and regular use. Your system may start to behave erratically or experience a slowdown. But problems can be minimized or solved by having a few handy tools in your kit. The detection tools and software will analyze your system thoroughly and offer suggestions to independently repair the issue. Here’s a guide covering some of the top free detection tools you can use to solve regular macOS problems.
-
Apple diagnostics
This is a built-in tool that checks the hardware component of your device for any issue. The comprehensive diagnosis list helps you detect hardware defects or identify whether the problem is hardware or software. It is available in a customized format for every Mac model. To initiate the system diagnostic Mac, you need to shut down your Mac and disconnect all external devices except the keyboard, monitor or Ethernet cable.
Here is what you need to do to run the Diagnostics tool.
For Apple silicon:
- Turn on your computer and keep holding the power button as your Mac starts up
- Release the button when you see the start-up options window, which contains a gear icon labeled Options.
- Press command D on your keyboard
For Intel processor:
- Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold the D key as your Mac starts up.
- Release when you see the progress bar, or you are asked to choose a language.
Mac diagnostics will show a progress bar while it’s checking your Mac. When testing is complete, the results show one or more reference codes. You can see the root cause of your system behaving differently and even get suggestions on how the problem can be solved. If those recommendations don’t work, you can head to the service center.
-
Disk utility
It is an in-built tool for inspecting mounting or unmounting volumes, file systems, formatting drives, etc. If your MacBook refuses to boot, open Disk Utility through Recovery Mode. You can find the Disk Utility app in every Mac computer in the Utilities section of the Applications window. This tool is free and lets you detect errors in your Mac disk’s formatting and directory structure. If you fail to fix your drive with the Disk Utility repair options, you can try booting into single-user mode and utilizing “fsck”.
Disk Utility can manage internal and external storage devices, but it does not guarantee to fix all disk errors. If it’s unable to find the error, you probably need to take your Mac to an Apple store.
-
OnyX
The OnyX app allows you to verify the structure of the Mac system files, run cleaning tasks, and configure parameters. Mac users are fond of this tool since it offers a clean interface to functions that may require complex commands. You need to use the right version for your Mac to run properly.
OnyX allows users to access hidden applications like Wireless Diagnostics, Network Utilities and Directory Utility. It also offers a graphical way to change settings via the Terminal.
-
Malwarebytes
This tool helps you in identifying malware and other cyber threats. The tool works in sync with other security software to protect your computer. While using the tool, you will probably not know it is working since it seamlessly runs without disrupting your work.
-
MemTest86
This memory testing tool helps you address unreliable Mac RAM, which can cause irrelevant behavior and crashes. It sets from a USB flash drive and facilitates algorithms and test patterns to check your RAM. Read more about Whatever happened with twitch streamer MissQGemini.
If you wish to check the bottlenecks in memory access, use this tool. The RAM’s voltage can be increased using this tool, decreasing the CPU voltage level.
-
KnockKnock
This tool helps you to check all installed apps along with antivirus scan reports. KnockKnock offers types of continual software that it scans. Most Mac users rely on this tool to view their installed apps.
You need to select Scan and closely go through the Launch Items section, where all the agents and daemon will be listed. Each row will provide you with crucial information like application path, signature status, etc.
Wrapping up
The above-mentioned Mac detection tools can make a big difference to the performance of your device by running their magic. They are free to use and can be upgraded by paying a premium. If the problem persists and cannot be solved by these Mac diagnostic tools, it would probably be good to update your Mac or take your device to an Apple store for best results.
Originally posted 2021-12-02 19:42:44.