2023 24-inch iMac running slow

My iMac is running slow, and I see the spinning beachball quite often. Tahoe 26.1, 24-in, 2023. What should I do?

iMac 24″, macOS 26.1

Posted on Nov 30, 2025 3:39 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 30, 2025 3:49 PM

EtreCheckPro is an excellent tool for sorting out slowness and various other problems.

Download and run the free version of EtreCheckPro, from > https://etrecheck.com/en/index.html

Then post back here with your Report, as per > How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community

4 replies

Dec 1, 2025 2:12 AM in response to DONM1146

Agree with my colleague @ den.thed


Post the Full Report


Should any of the below apply to this computer >> Get rid of them via the Developers Instruction 


There are 4 Categories of Third Party Software / Services that are not needed 


In no special order 


1 - Third Party 2 Way Firewalls 


like Lulu and Little Snitch 


2 - Commercial VPNs 


They may not be what one believes they are doing for the computer and what they actually are doing behind the scenes and unbeknownst to the user ( you ) 


They may also reduce your Internet Speeds by upwards of 30% 


https://gist.github.com/joepie91/5a9909939e6ce7d09e29


VPN: What you need to know - Apple Community


3 - Third Party Security Software 


There are no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling UNIX  Foundation and Permission Limitation. 


The Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that cannot be opened by the User nor by Third Party Applications.


The Only thing this Antivirus software is protecting is the Bank Account of the Developers and for zero return to the User aside from the problems this software creates.


Security. Built right in


Mac app security enhancements


The Built in Security  is all that is required to protect the computer.


Protecting against malware in macOS


4 - Third Party Disk Cleaners / Optimizer 


Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS,  is an invitation for disaster. 


Certain Applications maybe available on the Apple Apps Store - this only means the Developer is prepared to pay Apple a percentage on each sale. 


What the Application may do to the computer is up to the User to check this out before purchase


To put the Third Party Disk Cleaner / Optimizer in context and the damages it may have or has already done.


This type of applications can or will Muck Up your User Account ( Home Folder ) of this machine.


It does not touch the Operating System itself unless you consider your User Account ( Home Folder ) as part of the Operating System.


The Operating System is hosed

Dec 4, 2025 9:23 PM in response to DONM1146

Good suggestions all.

Just about the time I made my post, I was sent to the ER and diagnosed with a mild form of leukemia. While it's not life-threatening, it has taken up a lot of my time. As soon as things get back on an even keel, I will run EtreCheckPro and follow through.

I just wanted you all to know that I appreciate your help, and I'm not ignoring you.

Thanks,

DONM1146

2023 24-inch iMac running slow

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.