What to Do With Your Old MacBook? 10 Useful Ways to Reuse an Old Mac

An outdated Mac often feels unusable due to software or hardware limitations. But repurposing it is easier than you think. Discover practical and creative ways to give your old MacBook new life.

Clean Your Mac to Speed It Up With MacKeeper

MacKeeper can help clean up unwanted files, optimize your Mac’s storage, and provide a potential speed boost. Regular maintenance can ensure your Mac runs efficiently, even in its later years.

Below, I’ve shared a few ways you can use MacKeeper to clean up your Mac:

1. Use Antivirus to Scan for Malware

One of the most common culprits behind system slowdowns, unauthorized data access, and general erratic behavior is malware. Thankfully, with MacKeeper, combating these pesky invaders becomes manageable.

Here’s how to run a virus scan on Mac using MacKeeper and identify malware on your system:

1. Download and install MacKeeper.
2. Launch MacKeeper and go to the Antivirus tab in the left sidebar.

3. Start an instant virus scan by clicking the Start Scan button.

4. If any viruses are detected during the scan, click the Fix Items button to resolve the issues.
5. If your system is threat-free, you’ll see a No threats found message. You can tap the Restart button to run the scan again.

6. Also, enable real-time antivirus protection to safeguard your Mac from future threats by clicking the Enable button.

After configuring your security settings, MacKeeper will continue to operate in the background, scanning for threats and blocking any malicious activity.

2. Get Rid of Cache Files With Safe Cleanup

As you surf the web, use applications, and process data, your Mac gradually accumulates cache files. While these files are meant to improve your digital experience by speeding up load times, they can accumulate and clog up storage, leading to inefficiencies and unexpected lags.

To restore your system’s agility and reclaim valuable space, it’s essential to periodically clear these cache files. Here’s how to use MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup and clear cache on your Mac to keep it running smoothly:

1. Download and install MacKeeper on your Mac.
2. Once done, open MacKeeper and select Safe Cleanup in the left sidebar.

3. Click Start Scan.

4. Select files from the scan results to remove unnecessary cache items from your system. You can also click the Check All checkbox.

5. Click Clean Junk Files.

6. You will receive confirmation that the cleaning process has been completed successfully. Click Rescan to scan your Mac again.

3. Keep Apps Up to Date With Update Tracker

Mac applications are frequently updated to introduce new features, fix bugs, and enhance security. Using outdated software not only means missing out on these enhancements but can also expose your system to vulnerabilities.

While keeping track of every app update might seem overwhelming, MacKeeper can make it simple. Here’s how to use MacKeeper’s Update Tracker to update apps on macOS:

1. Download and install MacKeeper.
2. Launch MacKeeper and click the Update Tracker tab in the left sidebar.

3. Click Scan for Updates.

4. MacKeeper will scan your Mac for outdated apps and display a list. To select an app, check the little box next to it or click Check All to select all apps.

5. Click Update All.

6. Wait for the updates to complete. This can take a while, depending on the number and size of updates.

7. You’ll get an Update Completed notification. Click Rescan if you want to update more apps.

4. Uninstall Unnecessary Apps Using Smart Uninstaller

Over time, we tend to accumulate apps on our Macs, many of which we rarely use or have forgotten about entirely. These unused apps not only consume precious storage space but can also eat up system resources, leading to suboptimal performance.

Manually sifting through each app can be tedious, but MacKeeper offers a smarter way to declutter. With Smart Uninstaller, you can identify and remove those redundant applications. Follow these steps to uninstall unused apps on your Mac using MacKeeper:

1. Download and install MacKeeper on your Mac.
2. After installation, launch MacKeeper and click the Smart Uninstaller in the left-hand menu.

3. Click Start Scan.

4. Select the applications you want to delete from the list and click Remove Selected.

5. Tap the Remove button on the pop-up to confirm the deletion.

6. MacKeeper will uninstall the apps and remove associated files and folders. You will get a Removal Completed notification. If you want to scan your Mac again, click Rescan.

5. Free Up RAM With Memory Cleaner

As you multitask on your Mac, running multiple applications or browsing through numerous tabs, your system’s RAM (Random Access Memory) can quickly get filled up. When RAM is overloaded, your Mac starts to slow down, making even the simplest tasks feel like a drag.

MacKeeper’s Memory Cleaner offers a swift solution to free up RAM, enhancing your system’s responsiveness and overall performance. Here are the steps to use Memory Cleaner to free up RAM on your Mac:

1. Download and install MacKeeper on your Mac.
2. Open MacKeeper and click Memory Cleaner under the Performance tab.

3. Click Open.

4. Click Clean Memory.

5. It will clean your Mac and free up available memory. You can see how much memory it freed under Last Cleanup.

If you tried all the above steps and your MacBook is still running slow or showing other signs of wear, it is officially “too old” and you can move on to steps to reuse it in different ways.

What to Do With Your Old MacBook?

Having revitalized your MacBook for entertainment, you might wonder what other transformations are possible. Let’s dive deeper into more innovative and functional ways to give your old Mac a renewed purpose.

1. Use the Old Mac as a Secondary Monitor

Boost productivity with a dual-monitor setup by repurposing your old MacBook or iMac as a secondary display using Target Display Mode or apps like Duet Display.

Here’s how to use your old Mac as a second display:

1. Ensure you have a cable that supports DisplayPort.
2. Connect the cable from your old Mac to your new Mac.
3. On your new Mac, click the Apple icon and select System Settings.

4. Select Displays.

5. Click the Arrangement tab. (Only visible when you connect a display).
6. Your old Mac should be listed as a possible display. Adjust as necessary.

2. Set Up Your Mac as a Temporary Wi-Fi Hotspot

Your old MacBook can share its wired or wireless connection, making it a handy solution for areas with limited internet access. Here’s how to set up your Mac as a Wi-Fi hotspot:

1. Connect your old Mac to your router using an Ethernet cable.
2. Position the old Mac near the Wi-Fi dead zone.
3. On your Mac, go to System Settings.

4. Click General and select Sharing.

5. Toggle on Internet Sharing.

6. Configure the Wi-Fi hotspot settings as needed.

3. Use the Old Mac as a Web Server

Turn your old Mac into a web server with Apache, NGINX, or IIS. Configure it, link your domain, and it’s ready for hosting or FTP—a cost-effective option for web projects.

4. Turn Your Mac Into a Chromebook

Revive your old Mac with Chrome OS using CloudReady. This lightweight OS, known for its speed and simplicity, transforms your MacBook into a Chromebook. Enjoy efficient access to web apps, Google Drive, and other cloud-based services.

5. Use Your Old Mac as a Media Viewer

Turn your old Mac into a dedicated media device for movies, TV shows, or presentations. Set it up with apps like VLC, Kodi, or iTunes to manage your media library, keeping your main device free for work.

6. Run Plex on Your Old Mac

Transform your old Mac into a Plex server to organize and stream your movies, TV shows, music, and photos. Plex turns your Mac into a media hub, streaming content to smart TVs, phones, and more, complete with metadata for a seamless experience.

7. Turn Your Mac Into a Classic Video Game Emulator

Transform your old Mac into a retro gaming hub with emulators like OpenEmu or RetroArch. Play classics from NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis—just load your ROMs, connect a controller, and relive the golden age of gaming.

8. Use It to Run Older macOS Versions

Progress in technology can render older software unusable. Your old Mac can act as a time capsule for running apps no longer compatible with the latest macOS versions by keeping or reinstalling an older macOS.

• 💾 Legacy Software: Use your old Mac for tools that lack updates for newer macOS versions.
• 🛠️ Development and Testing: Developers can test compatibility on older systems.
• 🕰️ Nostalgia: Enjoy revisiting the look and feel of an earlier macOS version.

9. Install Linux on It

Turn your old Mac into a Linux machine to explore various open-source distributions, perfect for tech enthusiasts and learners. Here’s why you might consider this transformation:

• 🌱 Variety of Choices: From Ubuntu to Fedora to Debian, you can pick a distro that suits your taste and requirements.
• 🚀 Performance Boost: Linux can be less resource-intensive than macOS, giving your old Mac a noticeable performance lift.
• 🔒 Security: Linux is often lauded for its robust security features. Installing it on your old Mac can provide a secure browsing or development environment.

10. Make It a Network or Backup Device

Rather than buying expensive storage solutions, convert your old Mac into a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) device. It can act as a centralized location for storing files, backing up data, and sharing media across your home network. Pair it with software like Time Machine or Plex to enhance its capabilities.

Reuse Your Old MacBook to Keep It Out of the Landfill

Your old Mac still has value! Repurpose it as a media hub, explore Linux, or sell it to promote sustainable tech use.

Here are more tips to help you make the most of your MacBook:

• If you’re unsure whether your Mac is too old for a replacement, find out what year is your MacBook Pro or Air before buying a new one.
• You can also go through my macOS Compatibility Checker to find out what macOS your Mac can run.
• Also, learn about all MacBooks ever released to find out interesting facts about your machine.

Frequently Asked Questions