Mac Running Slow After macOS Tahoe 26 Beta Update? 10 Best Fixes!

In more ways than one, macOS Tahoe 26 is a huge upgrade, especially for folks who prefer an all-new design packed with a ton of exciting features. While testing macOS 26 beta is a pleasing affair, the pre-released software is plagued with too many frustrating issues. One of them is the unexpected sluggishness. So, if your Mac is running too slowly after the iOS 26 beta, this detailed guide has got you covered with the 10 best third-party and tested solutions. solutions

Whether you are dealing with laggy animations, slow app launches, or frequent stuttering, these tips will help nab the lingering issue and resolve it with precision. Read on…

1. Restart Your Mac

Note that a simple restart can clear temporary caches and glitches caused by the beta update. Therefore, let’s kickstart this guide with this handy solution.

To get started, click the Apple logo and choose Restart.

• This clears out any background processes or memory leaks slowing down your Mac.
• It’s an easy first step that often resolves post-update sluggishness.

2. Run Disk Utility First Aid

Running First Aid can repair disk permission issues or directory errors that often appear after major updates.

• First off, launch the Disk Utility from Spotlight or Applications > Utilities.
• Next up, select your internal drive and click First Aid.
• Allow the process to complete—it may detect and fix file system issues affecting performance.

3. Disable Background Apps and Login Items

Too many startup items can increase boot time and slow down system performance.

• On your Mac, head over to System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions.

• After that, remove unnecessary apps under “Open at Login” and “Allow in Background”.
• This ensures only essential apps run when you boot up.

4. Clear System and App Caches

Corrupted or bloated cache files can slow down your Mac significantly.

• Use Finder to navigate to ~/Library/Caches and delete unnecessary folders.
• Or use a third-party app like CleanMyMac (if compatible with the beta).
• Clearing cache can help your Mac run smoother and reduce loading times.

5. Update All Apps

Outdated apps might not be fully compatible with macOS Tahoe 26, causing performance lags.

• On your macOS device, open the App Store > Updates tab > After that, update all apps at once or do it one by one.
• For non-App Store apps, visit the developer’s website.
• Updated apps are often optimized for the latest macOS beta, reducing compatibility issues.

6. Check Activity Monitor for Resource Hogs

Heavy processes can consume CPU, memory, and energy, slowing everything else down.

• To do so, open Activity Monitor from Spotlight or Applications > Utilities.
• Sort by CPU and Memory to identify resource-heavy tasks.
• Quit or uninstall the problematic apps as needed.

7. Free Up Storage Space

macOS needs enough free space to run smoothly, especially during a beta phase where logging and error reporting increase.

• To start off, hit the Apple icon at the top left > System Settings > General > Storage to view usage.

• Now, remove large files, old backups, or offload data to iCloud or an external drive.
• Make sure to aim to keep at least 10–20% of your drive free.

8. Reduce Visual Effects

Fancy animations can strain system resources, particularly on older Macs.

• Navigate to System Settings > Accessibility > Display.
• Now, enable Reduce Motion and Reduce Transparency.
• This lightens the visual load and can make the UI feel faster.

9. Reindex Spotlight

A slow or unresponsive Spotlight can affect overall system responsiveness.

• To begin, open System Settings on your Mac > Spotlight and disable Spotlight for all categories.
• Then re-enable and let macOS rebuild the index.
• This can resolve search delays and system-wide slowdowns.

10. Consider Downgrading to a Stable Version

If the beta version remains unstable despite optimizations, going back to a stable macOS version may be your best bet.

• To get going, backup your Mac using Time Machine (System Settings > General > Time Machine) or external storage.
• Now, create a bootable installer of the previous macOS version.
• Next, perform a clean installation to ensure a smooth downgrade.

Wrapping up..!

And that’s about it! While macOS Tahoe 26 Beta introduces new features, it’s normal to encounter slowdowns as it’s not a finalized version. By applying the fixes above—ranging from running Disk Utility and clearing cache to reducing visual effects and updating apps—you can significantly boost your Mac’s performance.

And if things don’t improve, consider downgrading until the final release is available. Stay patient, keep your system optimized, and make the most of beta testing with minimal frustration.