My MacBook Air is running very slow

I would disagree with the earlier response that suggested installing anti virus software. (Unless, of course, your Mac is running too fast and you need to slow things down). Anti Virus software simply isn't recommended for Macs, as they typically cause more problems than they prevent.

You might consider digging deeper into what's slowing things down. A tool that's proven popular in solving many issues like this is Etrecheck. It's a free download (the Pro version isn't needed) that doesn't reveal any private information. You should consider downloading it and posting the results here. Here's a link on how to accomplish this: How To Post Etrecheck Reports

"My MacBook Air is running very slow: my macbook air with m3 is being abnormally slow, and beachballing a lot. why is it doing all this"

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Troubleshooting Lagging Mac:

Check Remaining Storage:

Check if hard drive is almost full. Go here, and see if the storage line is almost taken up: Settings > General > Storage

A. Try Safe Mode:

In Safe Mode, login items do not run, and corrupt system files(i.e. caches) are intentionally reset as a way to fix issues

1. Boot: in to Safe Mode: [Hold Down: shift key upon boot].
2. Log in: as same user
3. Wait: 30 seconds
4. Restart; your Mac
5. Log in: as same user

B. See if your Hard drive is Failing:

What to Try:

• Verify your Drive: Repair your Disk in Disk Utility - Apple Support

• Go Here: If your Mac Starts Up to an Apple Logo or Progress Bar - Apple Support

• Perform the following in Recovery Mode:

1. Boot: into Recovery Mode. Go Here:  How to Use Safe Mode on your Mac- Apple Support
2. Select: Disk Utility
3. Select: the Drive
4. Click: First Aid button

C. Remove Login Items:

While in Safe Mode, remove all of your Login Items, and then restart the Mac.  Go Here: Change Users & Groups Login Items Preferences on Mac - Apple Support

Have you tried restarting it?: Ways to start up your Mac - Apple Support

Try checking for apps running in the background: Manage login items and background tasks on Mac - Apple Support

And also look into your storage. If it is full to the rim you may experience these kinds of issues.

Also your RAM may not be enough if you have 8GB and are doing intensive tasks

My suggestion is for you to run an EtreCheck report, and optionally post it here if you need assistance with interpreting its results. In case you weren't aware, EtreCheck is an excellent diagnostics tool which greatly aids in troubleshooting difficult issues with Macs.

Ref: Using EtreCheck to Troubleshoot Potential Mac Issues

Google Chrome is a notorious resource hog. Try uninstalling it. No one needs Chrome.

Hi.

Before doing anything major, try reinstalling macOS. There may be an unwanted software installed in your device. Or try installing an anti virus software.

Or just completely delete your drive by booting in to recovery mode and erasing your Mac completely) Shut down your Mac by pressing the power button for 10 seconds, and press it for another 10 to 15 seconds until it indicates. Go to disk utility in the top menu bar and delete the disk, or just directly press delete Mac. Make sure to back up your Mac)

At this point I would recommend you to get in touch with Apple Support:

Official Apple Support

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