Click on the battery icon on the menu bar at the top of your display and select Battery Preferences from the drop-down menu. MacOS can learn your charging habits to reduce battery aging. If your MacBook is going to spend most of its time plugged in, you'll definitely want to change this setting. If so, click the Software Update button, which will launch the System Preferences to check for updates. You should be staring at the General tab of the About This Mac window. Has Apple released an update to MacOS since it built your MacBook? Find out by clicking the Apple button in the upper-left corner of your screen and then clicking About This Mac. Read more: The Quickest Way to Transfer Your Files, Apps and More From Your Old MacBook Check for updates This list is sure to grow, too, now that Apple's latest desktop OS, MacOS Ventura, has arrived. So, after you've jumped through the initial screens from the Mac Setup Assistant that had you log in with your Apple ID, connect to a network and so on, consider changing these settings, or at least check them out, on your MacBook. I've put together some of my personal favorites here that will make your device easier to use. A handful of tweaks, tips and fixes you should do on Day 1 or Day 101 that go beyond your default MacBook settings. No matter if you have a new MacBook like the M2 MacBook Air or an M2 MacBook Pro, own an earlier M1 MacBook Air or Pro, or you have an older Intel-based MacBook, there are things you can do to improve the experience. Either way, no laptop comes straight out of the box optimized for maximum performance - even one with an Apple logo. Or maybe you've got a pristine new MacBook and want to explore all it has to offer. With the new year just around the corner, it's a great time to clean up your MacBook and get it running at its best.

This story is part of 12 Days of Tips, helping you make the most of your tech, home and health during the holiday season.

Mac menu bar settings