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Performance

System optimization tools and maintenance tasks.

Performance Performance dashboard showing memory usage, processes, and maintenance options

Overview

The Performance section provides tools to optimize your Mac's speed and responsiveness through memory management and system maintenance.

Memory Management

Free Up Memory

Releases inactive RAM to improve performance.

How it works:

  • Uses macOS purge command
  • Clears inactive memory pages
  • Forces disk cache flush
  • Safe and reversible

When to use:

  • Mac feels sluggish
  • Memory pressure is high (yellow/red in Activity Monitor)
  • Before running memory-intensive apps
  • After closing large applications

Note: macOS manages memory automatically. Only use this when experiencing actual slowdowns.

Memory Monitor

Real-time display of memory usage:

Metric Description
Used Memory actively in use
Cached Files cached for quick access
Compressed Memory compressed to save space
Free Available memory
Pressure Overall memory health indicator

Maintenance Tasks

DNS Cache Flush

Clears the DNS resolver cache.

Benefits:

  • Fixes website connection issues
  • Resolves DNS-related errors
  • Applies DNS changes immediately

Command: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache && sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Rebuild Spotlight Index

Recreates the Spotlight search index.

When to use:

  • Search returns incorrect results
  • Files not appearing in search
  • After major file reorganization

Note: Takes time to complete. Mac will index in background.

Command: sudo mdutil -E /

Rebuild Launch Services

Fixes application associations and "Open With" menu.

When to use:

  • Wrong app opens for file types
  • Duplicate apps in "Open With" menu
  • App icons appear generic

Command: /System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Frameworks/LaunchServices.framework/Support/lsregister -kill -r -domain local -domain system -domain user

Clear Font Cache

Removes cached font data.

When to use:

  • Fonts displaying incorrectly
  • Font-related app crashes
  • After installing/removing fonts

Command: sudo atsutil databases -remove

Optimization Scripts

What They Do

Script Purpose
Clean Temp Files Remove /tmp and /var/folders contents
Rotate Logs Archive and compress old log files
Update Databases Rebuild locate and whatis databases

Important Note

As of macOS Sequoia (15.0), Apple has removed the traditional periodic maintenance scripts. The system now handles these tasks automatically. The optimization features in MyMacCleaner are adapted for modern macOS versions.

Usage Tips

  1. Don't overdo it - macOS is optimized out of the box
  2. Memory freeing - Only when actually experiencing issues
  3. Spotlight rebuild - Rarely needed, let it complete once started
  4. Run one at a time - Some tasks are resource-intensive

Permissions Required

Most maintenance tasks require administrator privileges. You'll be prompted for your password when running these operations.

Run All Feature

The "Run All" button executes all maintenance tasks with a single password prompt, making it convenient to perform regular maintenance without multiple authentication dialogs.