How to Fix a Frozen MacBook: 8 Tips

MacBook users may face a situation when the Apple laptop freezes, slows down and stops responding to commands. In this article, we will look at the main reasons why a laptop freezes and we will suggest how to fix a frozen MacBook.

Why is my MacBook frozen

Among the most common reasons that negatively affect the operation of a MacBook and lead to freezing we will name those that are the main ones why MacBook frozen:

• application errors, their incorrect operation;
• driver incompatibility or driver errors;
• faulty input devices;
• problems with the boot disk;
• the presence of malware and infected files;
• an outdated version of macOS;
• overloaded RAM;
• hardware failure.

8 tips how to fix a frozen MacBook

We suggest you try to solve the problem of the frozen MacBook yourself using our recommendations. All steps do not require any special knowledge and can be performed by users with minimal experience. The main thing is to strictly follow the instructions, which you will find further in the article.

Tip 1. Application shutdown

If an application hangs, wait a few minutes. In case the situation has not changed, you will have to forcibly close it. There are three simple ways to do this:

1. Press Command+Option+Esc. In the window that opens, select the required software and click on "Force Terminate".
2. Right click on the program icon in the Dock and also select "Force Quit". If only the "Quit" option is provided, press and hold the "Option" button.
3. Open the Apple menu, select the app you want to close and tap on "Force End".

If this step didn't solve the problem with the frozen MacBook , try closing other running applications.

Also: How to Fix Slow Running MacBook: 11 Tips

Tip 2. Restarting your MacBook

If the mouse works, to fix a frozen MacBook, open the Apple menu and select "Restart". If you cannot control the cursor, try the following:

• On older MacBooks with a DVD drive, press the three Command, Control, and Eject buttons simultaneously;
• in newer models with Touch ID, press the same combination, but instead of Eject - Option and also the power button.

Your MacBook will prompt you to save your work, close any running programs, and reboot. If you can't do anything to restart the MacBook when frozen, you'll have to force a restart. Press and hold the On/Off button, wait for it to turn off, and release it after 3-4 seconds.

Tip 3. Cleaning the RAM

A MacBook frozen situation can occur when there is not enough free RAM. It is recommended to use the CleanMyMacX application to determine which applications require a lot of RAM, see the network status and CPU usage. This program will also notify you when your MacBook is running low on memory and offer to free it.

All this is available in the program menu. To open it, click on the iMac icon and go to the "Memory" tab.

To free up RAM using the CleanMyMacX program:

1. Download, install and open the app.
2. In the sidebar, select the Maintenance option.
3. Click on "Free RAM" and then on "Run".

Also: How to Clear System Data on MacBook

Tip 4. Disabling peripheral devices

It's not uncommon for connected peripherals to be the reason why your MacBook is frozen. To check this, turn off the device and disconnect the mouse, keyboard, printer, and other devices. Press the shutdown button to restart your computer.

Check if it works properly after turning it on. If everything works correctly, try connecting peripherals one by one to find the one that is causing the hang-up. If you find it, you can try updating the driver or reinstalling it. You can also try plug in another device and see how your MacBook responds to it.

Tip 5. Uninstalling hung applications

If you see an application which is the reason why your MacBook is frozen, it's best to uninstall it. It could malfunction during installation or was installed incorrectly. Download the program from the developer's website or the App Store and reinstall it.

To uninstall the software, open the Applications folder and drag the one you want to delete to the Trash. After that, you need to find and remove the remaining fragments that may still be the cause of the problem. For complete uninstallation, you need to go to the "Library" folder and delete unnecessary files.

However, this method is more suitable for advanced users. If you delete important files, you may disrupt the entire system. To avoid this, use the CleanMyMacX application. Launch the program, select "Uninstaller", "Remains" and "Delete", having previously marked all the files in the list.

Tip 6. Software update

It's not uncommon for your MacBook to be frozen due to software malfunction. This may apply to macOS and various applications. It is recommended to update the operating system and other programs to fix a frozen MacBook.

To install a new version of macOS:

1. Click on the Apple menu.
2. Select System Preferences and go to the Basic section.
3. Click "Software Update."
4. If there is an update, install it.
5. Enable automatic update (if this option is not activated), so that the system will be updated in the future without your involvement.

The next step is to update your apps. Open the App Store and check for available updates for programs that are installed on your computer. Install all possible updates and reboot your device for the changes to take effect.

Tip 7. Reboot in safe mode

To find the apps or extensions that are causing your system to freeze, you can boot into safe mode. This will download only the files you need for macOS and fix the problem. In addition, if your MacBook works properly in Safe Boot, then the problem is definitely related to some application or extension.

The boot process in Safe Mode may differ depending on the device model and processor type.

For Intel-based MacBooks:

1. Turn the device off for 10 seconds.
2. Press the Shift key to reboot.
3. After the login window appears, release the key.

For MacBooks with an Apple processor:

1. Turn off the computer for 10 seconds.
2. Hold down the power button until the startup parameters window appears on the display.
3. Select the required boot disk.
4. Press the Shift key and then "Continue in Safe Mode".
5. Release Shift.

Tip 8. Recovery with Disk Utility

Apple laptop frozen problems are often caused by problems with the boot disk. MacBooks have a built-in troubleshooting tool. To use it, follow the procedure below:

1. Go to "Applications" and then to the "Utilities" section.
2. Open Disk Utility.
3. Select the boot disk from the panel on the side.
4. Click on the First Aid button located on the toolbar.
5. Wait for automatic troubleshooting.

If the problem is not solved, you may need to replace a specific part, such as the battery. On the Apple Parts website you can find original spare parts for different MacBook models. Buying Apple parts from this company, you can be sure of their authenticity and performance. In addition, you will be pleasantly surprised with the prices and fast delivery.

If you're not sure you can replace the part yourself, you can order a MacBook repair from Apple Parts by mail. Choose your model and what part needs to be repaired or replaced. Mail in your device, wait for diagnostic results and the cost of the work. Pay the bill and get your MacBook back within 1-2 days.

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