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Keep your Mac safer and in good condition by installing macOS updates, protecting your accounts, maintaining an independent backup, and reviewing storage and battery health with Apple’s built-in tools. These habits reduce avoidable security and data-loss risks without requiring routine cleaner apps or a paid antivirus subscription.
1. Install macOS updates promptly
Updates deliver features as well as security fixes. Apple calls keeping software up to date one of the most important steps in maintaining Mac security. Open System Settings > General > Software Update to check for updates; labels and options can vary by macOS release. You can also review automatic installation options for macOS updates, system files, and security responses.
Apple’s guide to keeping a Mac up to date explains the available update settings.
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2. Protect your accounts and choose apps carefully
Use a strong, unique password for each account, keep accounts password-protected, and turn off automatic login so someone with physical access cannot simply open your session. Be cautious about apps: download software from sources you trust, and do not bypass macOS security warnings to install something unfamiliar.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
macOS includes protections such as Gatekeeper, notarization, and XProtect. Apple says XProtect signatures update automatically, but built-in defenses are not a guarantee against every threat. You do not need to assume malware is impossible or that every Mac owner needs paid antivirus software.
See Apple’s account and information-safety guidance and Apple Platform Security’s overview of malware protections.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
3. Keep a backup separate from your Mac
Use Time Machine, which is built into macOS, to back up to external storage. A backup on a separate drive can help restore files if the Mac’s internal storage fails, and Time Machine can recover earlier or deleted versions of files. Apple says you should always back up your Mac.
- Connect an external storage device to the Mac.
- Open System Settings > General > Time Machine (the exact path or labels may differ by macOS version).
- Add or select the device as the backup destination and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Check Time Machine later to confirm backups are completing.
When an existing Time Machine disk is nearly full, Apple says a disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity is ideal. That is a recommendation for choosing a backup disk in this situation, not a minimum requirement for every setup. An external disk is one option; cloud syncing can keep files available across devices, but syncing alone is not necessarily an independent backup copy.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Apple’s instructions cover Mac backup options, how to back up a Mac, and using Time Machine. If setup or recovery fails, consult Apple’s Time Machine troubleshooting guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.4. Review storage and battery health
Check storage with macOS tools
Open System Settings > General > Storage to see how space is being used. Remove files and apps you no longer need, use available storage-optimization options, or move large files to external storage. Avoid manually deleting items from “System Data”: its contents vary, and macOS manages the category. Apple also notes that macOS can clear safe caches when it needs storage.
Rank #4
- Plug-and-play expandability
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
Follow Apple’s storage-space guidance for the built-in options.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Pay attention to battery health on Apple silicon laptops
Apple’s battery-health management guidance applies to Mac laptops with Apple silicon. The system considers battery temperature history and charging patterns. Apple says a battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity at its maximum cycle count under normal conditions; this is a design statement, not a universal threshold for replacement. Check the battery-health information in your Mac’s settings and seek service if macOS reports that the battery needs service.
Best Value
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
Read Apple’s explanation of battery health management for the models it covers.
Quick Recap
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