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Using Activity Monitor to Detect Performance Issues

Issue Description 

Mac feels slow but the cause isn’t obvious. 

Common Causes 

  • Background processes 
  • Memory pressure 
  • Disk activity bottlenecks 

Step-by-Step Solution 

Step 1: Check CPU Usage 

  • Open Activity Monitor → CPU 
  • Sort by CPU usage 

 

Step 2: Check Memory Pressure 

  • Switch to Memory tab 
  • Red pressure = RAM shortage 

 

Step 3: Check Disk Activity 

  • Open Disk tab 
  • Look for sustained high reads/writes 

 

Step 4: Quit Problematic Processes 

  • Select process → Quit 

Explore Further 

  • Identify runaway background agents 

Prevention & Best Practices 

Monitor performance monthly.