Is Minecraft Slow on Mac?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Yes, Minecraft can sometimes run slowly on Macs compared to Windows PCs. However, with the right specs and settings tweaks, Macs are very capable of running Minecraft smoothly.

What Causes Minecraft Lag on Mac?

There are a few key reasons Minecraft may lag on Macs:

  • Insufficient RAM – Minecraft requires a minimum of 4GB RAM to run smoothly. Upgrading to 8GB or 16GB RAM can significantly improve performance.

  • Too many background apps/processes – Be sure to quit all non-essential apps before launching Minecraft to free up RAM and CPU usage. Things like web browsers are RAM hungry.

  • Graphics set too high – Minecraft‘s video settings may be cranked up too high for your Mac‘s GPU to handle well. Lower resolutions and graphics levels.

  • Game files fragmented – Over time game file fragmentation can cause lags. Reinstalling Minecraft fresh improves this.

Tips to Optimize Minecraft for Mac

Here are 7 tips to make Minecraft run faster on Macs:

  1. Close all other apps before playing – This maximizes available RAM for Minecraft. Force quit browser tabs, iTunes, etc.

  2. Update Java/graphics drivers – Ensuring these components are updated can resolve some performance issues.

  3. Adjust in-game video settings downward – Lower resolutions, render distances, particles and use Fast graphics.

  4. Prefer the Windows 10 edition – The newer C++-based Win10 edition tends to run faster than Java.

  5. Add more RAM – 8GB is minimum, 16GB RAM much better for modded Minecraft.

  6. Disable energy saver/turbo boost – This reduces throttling and keeps CPU/GPU speeds high.

  7. Reinstall Minecraft – A fresh install rather than updating can resolve corrupted files.

With the tips above applied, most modern Macs can certainly deliver very playable Minecraft speeds. While gaming focused Windows PCs have advantages, Macs are still very solid Minecraft machines with the right optimizations.

Regardless of platform, working to boost RAM capacity and limiting background processes are smart ways to speed up Minecraft both on Mac and in general.

Let me know in the comments below if you have any other great tips for running Minecraft super fast on Macs!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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