What can I do to make my 2016 MBP stop sucking so much?

[maclaw21]

Hello fellow nerds.

I have a 2016 MBP, 2.9 gHz, 16 MB RAM, 512 GB HD (195 GB free). I use it for work, which involves virtual desktop (Citrix) and web browsing, etc. I do not use it for any of the professional/design arts, though every now and then I will do some very light video/photo editing.

It seems like every aspect of the OS (which I always keep current) sucks on this machine. Even browsing the web sucks, and I use an ad blocker. I have a few light apps running constantly like Amphetamine and Rectangles, and I also use LastPass (likely switching to BitWarden in a month).

Is there anything I can do to make my machine less sucky? I know that a new machine is on my horizon at some point--I'd just prefer not to have to buy a new machine if I don't absolutely have to. (When that happens, be prepared for an inevitable "should I get a 14- or 16-inch" post...ugh.)

Thanks.

 

[BrianBaughn]

There are a couple of Terminal commands that will reduce suckiness in macOS. Google "macos Terminal suckiness reduction".

Disclaimer: The above answer is sarcastic and complete nonsense.

 

[maclaw21]

There are a couple of Terminal commands that will reduce suckiness in macOS. Google "macos Terminal suckiness reduction".

Disclaimer: The above answer is sarcastic and complete nonsense.

Already tried it. Terminal froze and made me force quit.

 

[MBAir2010]

try using the MacBook pro au natural,
with out the Amphetamine and Rectangles, LastPass BitWarden etc, for a week
they most likely slow down macs.

my MacBook air from 2010 has a fraction of what you have
and still can edit 100 photos while running 4 major apps at once.

 

[ignatius345]

try using the MacBook pro au natural,
with out the Amphetamine and Rectangles, LastPass BitWarden etc, for a week
they most likely slow down macs.

my MacBook air from 2010 has a fraction of what you have
and still can edit 100 photos while running 4 major apps at once.

Another good troubleshooting step is to make a brand new User account and log into only that, see how the machine behaves.

 

[TechRunner]

When my 2015 MBA started doing that, I backed up everything I needed and stripped it clean. Then I restored the OS and only put the things I needed back on it, which got rid of lots of cruft that was bogging it down. Made it much more tolerable for another two years.

 

[JustinRP37]

I honestly just dumped my 2016 MBP. Apple gave me a good trade in amount for it and I said good riddance. Between the keyboard and other random issues I had with that heap of garbage I am so happy to be rid of it. The 2021 MBP 16 inch is literally day and night difference. It is truly an amazing computer. I have been using Macs for most of my life and have to say the 2016 model was by far the worst computer I have ever owned.

 

[Fishrrman]

Question:
"What can I do to make my 2016 MBP stop sucking so much?"

Answer:
Sell it for what you can get. (you're obviously not happy with it)
Then get one of the new m1pro MacBooks.

 

[maclaw21]

I honestly just dumped my 2016 MBP. Apple gave me a good trade in amount for it and I said good riddance. Between the keyboard and other random issues I had with that heap of garbage I am so happy to be rid of it. The 2021 MBP 16 inch is literally day and night difference. It is truly an amazing computer. I have been using Macs for most of my life and have to say the 2016 model was by far the worst computer I have ever owned.

My 2016 replaced my late 2008 unibody MacBook (regular/non-pro). I upgraded both the RAM and HD in the 2008 and waited for the redesign MPB. I made the switch when I did in large part because the 2008 was no longer compatible with the then-current versions of macOS.

I can't say that I ever felt about my 2008 machine the way I do about my 2016. Even at 5 years old, the machine should not be hiccuping over fairly routine use. I hardly push it and the fan comes on--despite it being on a stand in my basement where the temperature almost never exceeds 72 degrees.

I'm not making any sudden moves, but if things don't improve within the next few weeks, I am probably going to have to go shopping.

 

[JustinRP37]

My 2016 replaced my late 2008 unibody MacBook (regular/non-pro). I upgraded both the RAM and HD in the 2008 and waited for the redesign MPB. I made the switch when I did in large part because the 2008 was no longer compatible with the then-current versions of macOS.

I can't say that I ever felt about my 2008 machine the way I do about my 2016. Even at 5 years old, the machine should not be hiccuping over fairly routine use. I hardly push it and the fan comes on--despite it being on a stand in my basement where the temperature almost never exceeds 72 degrees.

I'm not making any sudden moves, but if things don't improve within the next few weeks, I am probably going to have to go shopping.

Ahh you are just like me! My 2016 replaced my late 2008 unibody that I upgraded multiple times. I loved that machine. Also love the older MacBook Air we had for awhile as well. My first 2016 MBP came defective from the factory. It would just randomly restart, so they replaced that. The second one had keyboard issues each year I owned it. Like clockwork they replaced it. Then this past December it started really having keyboard issues again and other hiccups so I just I'm done. Got the M1 Pro MBP 16 inch and said if I didn't like it, I'd return it and go Windows, but this machine is literally the best. I can't describe it. The keys are amazing to type on. The screen is insane, and the battery life is over 19-21 hours even when having Zoom meetings, presentations, and number crunching. And the fan is legit silent!

 

[internetrando]

It may be worth wiping the machine in recovery and starting fresh. I do this from time to time (generally when a new OS releases); everything important is in iCloud for me, so this process is easy.

 

[nastysailboat]

Hello fellow nerds.

I have a 2016 MBP, 2.9 gHz, 16 MB RAM, 512 GB HD (195 GB free). I use it for work, which involves virtual desktop (Citrix) and web browsing, etc. I do not use it for any of the professional/design arts, though every now and then I will do some very light video/photo editing.

It seems like every aspect of the OS (which I always keep current) sucks on this machine. Even browsing the web sucks, and I use an ad blocker. I have a few light apps running constantly like Amphetamine and Rectangles, and I also use LastPass (likely switching to BitWarden in a month).

Is there anything I can do to make my machine less sucky? I know that a new machine is on my horizon at some point--I'd just prefer not to have to buy a new machine if I don't absolutely have to. (When that happens, be prepared for an inevitable "should I get a 14- or 16-inch" post...ugh.)

Thanks.

Honestly I’d upgrade. I know you said you don’t prefer it. But the M1 is just too good. And waiting just means less trade in value. I think my 2016 12” MacBook got $200 buck so I’d imagine you’d be able to get a little more for a pro.

 

[profcutter]

You unfortunately ended up with the worst of the new machines, 2016-2019 were really a problem where performance was sacrificed on the altar of thinness. I had a 2013, and while they were repairing it, I used a 2017, I was shocked that the 2017 didn’t seem any faster at all than the 2013. If I were you, I’d cut my losses. I’m daily driving a 2015, and it’s really starting to get on my nerves, but because of cashflow, a replacement will have to wait.

 

[Nicole1980]

Hello fellow nerds.

I have a 2016 MBP, 2.9 gHz, 16 MB RAM, 512 GB HD (195 GB free). I use it for work, which involves virtual desktop (Citrix) and web browsing, etc. I do not use it for any of the professional/design arts, though every now and then I will do some very light video/photo editing.

It seems like every aspect of the OS (which I always keep current) sucks on this machine. Even browsing the web sucks, and I use an ad blocker. I have a few light apps running constantly like Amphetamine and Rectangles, and I also use LastPass (likely switching to BitWarden in a month).

Is there anything I can do to make my machine less sucky? I know that a new machine is on my horizon at some point--I'd just prefer not to have to buy a new machine if I don't absolutely have to. (When that happens, be prepared for an inevitable "should I get a 14- or 16-inch" post...ugh.)

Thanks.

To be fair, the 2016 MBP is pretty much by all accounts the worst laptop Apple ever made. Thermal issues, worst keyboard ever and the dearth of ports. While none of that may be specifically why you find your mbp’sucky’ ... it certainly sucks in all sorts of ways you haven’t even mentioned.

The 2016 mbp, almost universally, is considered the king of suck. Granted, the next 3 years of mbp’s werent much better ?

 

[Nicole1980]

I honestly just dumped my 2016 MBP. Apple gave me a good trade in amount for it and I said good riddance. Between the keyboard and other random issues I had with that heap of garbage I am so happy to be rid of it. The 2021 MBP 16 inch is literally day and night difference. It is truly an amazing computer. I have been using Macs for most of my life and have to say the 2016 model was by far the worst computer I have ever owned.

This.

 

[DHagan4755]

It may be worth wiping the machine in recovery and starting fresh. I do this from time to time (generally when a new OS releases); everything important is in iCloud for me, so this process is easy.

If the new user account doesn't prove any difference, I would definitely wipe it & start from scratch. Installing the apps from scratch & copying your files over from a backup. You might also try using AdGuard DNS over installing an ad blocker.

 

[AndrewWx]

If you can afford it (even just barely) take the advice from the others and get a 2021 MBP. The happiness you will experience with the new machine is really indescribable.

 

[usagora]

Simple: just change your definition of "sucking" 🤷🏼‍♂️

 

[MBAir2010]

It may be worth wiping the machine in recovery and starting fresh. I do this from time to time (generally when a new OS releases); everything important is in iCloud for me, so this process is easy.

i never did this with Mojave, but from snow leopard to highest sierra.
therefore Mojave has some moxie others os an dosx did not have.

Another good troubleshooting step is to make a brand new User account and log into only that, see how the machine behaves.

great advice and a precise way to see if those apps are infecting the speed without removal

 

[turbineseaplane]

I feel your pain.

I briefly had a 2016 when it was new and remember not been impressed with it right away and returning it.

A true Apple dud of the last decade

 

[Sterkenburg]

The above suggestions to try getting rid of cruft are good. But if it were me, I'd just take this as an excuse to sell and walk away from a model that in hindsight will probably be remembered as the worst generation of MBP.

I know it's a financial hit but trust me, the difference with an Apple Silicon machine is night and day. You will be much happier both in the short and in the long run.

 

[Sanpete]

To be fair, the 2016 MBP is pretty much by all accounts the worst laptop Apple ever made. Thermal issues, worst keyboard ever and the dearth of ports. While none of that may be specifically why you find your mbp’sucky’ ... it certainly sucks in all sorts of ways you haven’t even mentioned.

The 2016 mbp, almost universally, is considered the king of suck. Granted, the next 3 years of mbp’s werent much better ?

One might think so if one only read the complaints here. In reality, like every other MacBook Pro, the 2016 has been a popular device among most people, who mostly don't focus only on the things they don't like, and don't develop a rash when they have to use an adapter. The keyboard (and battery) was substandard, to be sure, but the machine had numerous advantages over its predecessors too. I really enjoyed mine.

 

[profcutter]

That’s great and all, but the fact is their performance was actually worse than the previous year’s model in everyday use. My wife had a 2016, it had 3 dead keyboards and eventually just stopped recognizing the usb charger, which apple said wasn’t covered so would be a new logic board. There’s a reason I skipped the whole butterfly keyboard generation, and I used to upgrade pretty regularly.

 

[Sanpete]

That’s great and all, but the fact is their performance was actually worse than the previous year’s model in everyday use.

Not what numerous tests and reviews of everyday use showed.

 

[tfigs]

I honestly just dumped my 2016 MBP. Apple gave me a good trade in amount for it and I said good riddance. Between the keyboard and other random issues I had with that heap of garbage I am so happy to be rid of it. The 2021 MBP 16 inch is literally day and night difference. It is truly an amazing computer. I have been using Macs for most of my life and have to say the 2016 model was by far the worst computer I have ever owned.

Same here! My 2016 MBP was the riddled with issues and was brought in 5 times for repair - keyboard twice, display, speakers twice. Glad to be rid of it. Got the 14" MBP as soon as it was released and man, what a pleasure. I actually do miss the magic touch bar, but other than that, the decrease from 15" to 14" was no big deal at all. Do yourself a favor and trade it in and get a new MBP.