8 Ways to Fix Unresponsive Apps and System Freezes on Mac

Discover practical solutions to resolve unresponsive apps and system freezes on your Mac, ensuring optimal performance and stability.

Bertie Atkinson

Mac systems are known for their reliability, but even they can experience unresponsive apps or system freezes. These issues can disrupt your workflow and cause frustration.

1. Force Quit Unresponsive Apps

When an app becomes unresponsive, the first step is to force quit it. Press Command + Option + Esc to open the Force Quit Applications window. Select the problematic app and click Force Quit. This action terminates the app immediately, freeing up system resources.

If the app does not appear in the Force Quit window, you can use Activity Monitor. Open it from Applications > Utilities, locate the app, and click the X button to force quit.

2. Restart Your Mac

A simple restart can resolve many system freezes. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select Restart. If your Mac is completely unresponsive, hold down the Power button until it shuts down, then turn it back on.

Restarting clears temporary files and resets system processes, which can often resolve minor software glitches.

3. Update macOS and Apps

Outdated software can cause compatibility issues and system freezes. To update macOS, go to System Preferences > Software Update. For apps, check the App Store or the app’s official website for updates.

Regular updates ensure that your system and apps are equipped with the latest bug fixes and performance improvements.

4. Free Up Disk Space

Low disk space can slow down your Mac and cause apps to freeze. To check available space, click the Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage. Delete unnecessary files or move them to an external drive.

Consider using tools like CleanMyMac or OnyX to automate the cleanup process and optimize storage.

5. Reset NVRAM/PRAM

NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) and PRAM (Parameter RAM) store settings like display resolution and startup disk selection. Resetting them can resolve system freezes. Shut down your Mac, then turn it on while holding Option + Command + P + R for 20 seconds.

This process resets hardware-related settings, which can improve system stability.

6. Check for Malware

Malware can cause apps to freeze or crash. Use a trusted antivirus tool like Malwarebytes to scan your system. Remove any detected threats and ensure your Mac is protected with regular scans.

While macOS is generally secure, third-party software or downloads can introduce vulnerabilities.

7. Reinstall Problematic Apps

If a specific app consistently freezes, it may be corrupted. Uninstall the app by dragging it to the Trash, then reinstall it from the App Store or the developer’s website.

Reinstalling ensures that you have a clean version of the app, free from corrupted files or settings.

8. Reset SMC

The System Management Controller (SMC) manages hardware functions like power and thermal settings. Resetting it can resolve system freezes. Shut down your Mac, then follow the specific steps for your model (Intel or Apple Silicon) on Apple’s support website.

This process restores default hardware settings, which can improve performance and stability.

Share This Article