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8 Tips to Fix a Frozen MacBook

MacBook users sometimes face the problem when the device freezes and does not respond to commands. In this article, we will tell you about the causes of such malfunctions and also offer detailed instructions on how to fix a MacBook when it is frozen without going to a technician.

Causes of MacBook Freezes

Among the most common reasons why your MacBook hangs:

  • application and driver errors;
  • faulty input devices;
  • problems with the boot disk;
  • hardware malfunction;
  • outdated macOS;
  • overloaded RAM.

How to Fix a Frozen MacBook: 8 Tips

You can solve the problem without any assistance by following our instructions. It is important to stick to the recommendations and observe the sequence of actions in each item.

Step 1: Closing Applications

You can force the software to close in one of the following ways:

  1. Press Command+Option+Esc, select the program, and click “Force Terminate”.
  2. From the Apple menu, select the app and click on “Force End”.
  3. Click on the software icon in the Dock and select “Force Terminate”.

Step 2: Reboot

If the mouse works, open the Apple menu and select “Reboot”. If not, proceed as follows:

  • On a MacBook with a DVD drive, press Command+Control+Eject;
  • On Touch ID models, press Command+Control+Option and the Power button.

If you can’t restart your MacBook, press and hold the on/off button until it turns off.

Step 3: Clearing RAM

In this case, we recommend using the CleanMyMacX application:

  1. Download, install, and run the program.
  2. Select “Maintenance” on the left.
  3. Click “Free RAM” and click “Run”.

Step 4: Disconnecting Peripherals

Peripheral devices can cause your PC to freeze. Disconnect them and restart the computer. If there are no freezes after booting, connect the devices one by one to find the reason of the problem.

Step 5: Uninstall Hung Applications

To uninstall the software that’s causing your MacBook to hang, open the Applications folder and drag it to the trash. To uninstall completely, go to the Library folder and delete the remaining files.

Step 6: Updating the Software

It is recommended to update your operating system and software to fix the hung MacBook.

  1. Select “System Preferences” and “Basic” from the Apple menu.
  2. Click on “Software Update” and install it.
  3. Open the App Store and check for software updates.
  4. Install the updates and reboot the device.

Step 7: Reboot in Safe Mode

For MacBooks with Intel:

  1. Turn the device off for 10 seconds.
  2. Press Shift and release the button after the login window appears.

For Apple’s MacBook:

  1. Turn off the PC for 10 seconds.
  2. Press the power button and keep it down until you see the startup options on the screen.
  3. Select the boot disk.
  4. Press Shift, then choose “Continue in Safe Mode”, then release the button.

Step 8: Using the Disk Utility

If you want to use the MacBook troubleshooting tool, do the following:

  1. Go to “Applications” and then to “Utilities”.
  2. Open Disk Utility and select a bootable disk
  3. Click on “First Aid.”

Wait for automatic troubleshooting.

Source: Appleparts Blog