Welcome to your new MacBook! To get the most out of your machine as a longtime macOS user or a beginner looking to take full advantage of your new toy, you’ll want to adjust your settings to optimize performance, privacy, and usability. In this guide, we’ll go through 10 MacBook settings that you can apply immediately, as well as a bonus tip to keep your MacBook running smoothly. Let’s dive in!

Read: How to Fix Parallels Desktop Not Opening on Mac After an Update

10 Essential MacBook Settings

1. Enable Tap to Click on the Trackpad:

Apple’s macOS makes users physically press down on the trackpad to make a click happen, and it feels clunky. “It is fun to press, but it is set to be very light and easy to operate so as to allow for natural movement of fingers when resting on the touchpad. With “Tap to Click” enabled, you can input lighter clicks.

How to Enable:

• Launch System Settings from the Dock.
• Swipe down and choose Trackpad.
• Enable Tap to Click under Point & Click.

No longer do you have to click the spring-loaded button, like you’re cocking a gun or something, just a light tap opens apps, windows or features and keeps you in the flow?

2. Show the Sound Icon in the Menu Bar:

There is no sound icon in the menu bar, so adjusting the volume is slightly more cumbersome. Throwing it in there gives you fast access to audio controls.

How to Enable:

• Now tap System Settings > Control Center.
• Locate Sound and make the Show in Menu Bar Always.
• Optionally, go to Sound under System Settings and turn on Play feedback when the volume is changed to hear a pleasing tone when you change the volume.

The sound icon is now in the menu bar, allowing easier volume and sound output device management.

3. Turn On the Mac Firewall:

Mac 911 recently answered a question from a reader that has stunning privacy and security implications: The new (or more recent) iMac that the reader purchased, according to System Information, had its firewall disabled by default. Turned on, it’s a baby-proofing measure.

How to Enable:

• Welcome Screen ​ On YaST Control Center, choose Network settings.
• Tap Firewall and switch it to On.

Your Mac has been enhanced to keep you safe from malicious attacks.

4. Customize the Dock:

The Default Size and Position of the Dock May Not Work for Everyone. If you could change its size, zoom and position, that would be good for usability.

How to Customize:

• Head to System Settings > Desktop & Dock.
• Change the size of the Dock using the Size slider.
• Use the Magnification slider to modulate between the enlagement of icons when hovering.
• Select the Dock Position (Bottom, Left, or Right) as per your liking.

Your workspace and sanity are the better for it A dock tailored to you and your environment is a beautiful thing.

5. Set Up Hot Corners:

You can use Hot Corners to do things like lock your screen or launch apps by placing your mouse in the corner of the screen.

How to Configure:

• Go to System Settings > Desktop & Dock, and then down to Hot Corners.
• Set up a corner to take an action (Lock Screen, Screen Saver, Launchpad, and Quick Note).

For instance, position your cursor in the top-right corner to begin the screen saver, or the top left to immediately lock your Mac.

6. Add Multiple Fingerprints for Touch ID:

During the setup, you may have enrolled one of your fingers for Touch ID. More (up to three) adds speed and flexibility to unlocking.

How to Add:

• Visit System Settings > Touch ID & Password.
• Press Add Fingerprint, type in your password, and register a few more fingers (say, your other index finger and thumb).

It allows a smooth unlocking operation for left and right-handed operators.

7. Display a Custom Lock Screen Message:

You can use a lock screen message to show a motivational quote, an uplifting message, or contact information in the event that your Mac is lost.

How to Set Up:

• Go to the Privacy section in Settings and choose Lock Screen.
• Tick Show message when locked and press Set.
• Type in the message you want to type into your lead (e.g. phone number, or something inspirational you want to remember).

You now have your custom message displayed on the lock screen, customize a little and type out those important calls you want to have privacy or lock apps, looks cool?

8. Enable Guest User or Create a Local Account:

For when you need privacy, make a guest account (or create an extra standard account) for other people on your Mac for short-term use.

How to Enable Guest User:

• Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
• Click the Info button located next to the Guest User.
• Check Allow guests to log in to this computer and type in your password.

How to Set Up a Local Account:

• From the same menu, select Add User and configure your Standard (not Administrator) account with your preferred info.

That way, your files are safe and isolated from others’ activity.

9. Configure iCloud Drive and Private Relay:

Your files are backed up, synced across devices, and secure in iCloud Drive, and Private Relay (with iCloud+ subscriptions) protects your browsing.

How to Set Up:

• Go to the Apple Menu > System Preferences > [Your Apple ID] > iCloud.
• You want to make sure iCloud Drive is enabled and that you have Desktop & Documents Folders checked for syncing.
• If you’re an iCloud+ user, you can enable Private Relay to conceal your IP address and further secure unencrypted Safari traffic.

Now, your files are available to you anywhere and your browsing is secure.

10. Display Battery Percentage in the Menu Bar:

It’s useful to know exactly how much battery power you have between charges, especially if you’re on the go.

How to Enable:

• Under System Settings, choose Control Center.
• Navigate to Battery and switch on Show Percentage.

The battery percentage is now displayed in the menu bar for a quick look at your power level.

Bonus Tip: Add an Alternative Browser:

Safari is reliable, but it’s not a bad idea to have a backup browser (Firefox, Chrome, Edge) for those times when Safari doesn’t cooperate.

Action:

• Try to download and install a different browser from their website.

It’s a small thing, but the little things help you feel connected, no matter what.

Conclusion:

These 10 essential tweaks (plus a bonus tip) will optimize the performance of your new MacBook, improve security, enhance privacy, and personalize your experience. Whether it’s turning on the firewall for added security or enabling Tap to Click to navigate more easily, these changes make your MacBook more user-friendly and efficient. How To Do Whether you are new to macOS or have been using it for years, these settings will help make your workflow better. Try them and tell us which you found most helpful! Keep following along for more tech tips and tricks that can make a wired device run as smoothly as possible.