# Simple fix resolved my Mac's freezing issues Deleting Spotlight index files solved months-long system freezes. - **Source:** [Macworld](https://brifing.si/source/5c5245ce-d063-40e0-bd54-48b60cbc761f) - **Published:** 2026-07-19 - **Topic:** [Product Management](https://brifing.si/c/product) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ee65dd18-60a6-49ce-b6d6-37d740f8b141 ## Persistent mystery freezes An M3 Max MacBook user experienced recurring freeze issues for months after macOS Tahoe update. These brief but frequent freezes appeared linked to sudden CPU spikes during Spotlight's 'core spotlight' task. ## Software updates didn't help The user initially hoped macOS 26.1, 26.2 updates would fix it. Disabling some Spotlight settings provided temporary relief, but problems returned after a month. Apple's Pages app iCloud integration was also suspect. ## Desperation leads to radical solution The issue worsened with macOS 26.5. Spotlight settings wouldn't even open. Attempts to fully disable Spotlight indexes failed. A complete system wipe and reinstall was considered as last resort. ## Library folder discovery As final attempt, user explored Library/Metadata/CoreSpotlight folder containing over 10,000 files occupying 2GB+. Without identifying exact cause, the entire folder was trashed and immediately deleted. ## Permanent resolution Two weeks after deletion, zero freezes occurred. Even with all Spotlight features re-enabled, issues didn't return. User experienced first trouble-free macOS operation in months. ## Important system maintenance lesson This experience revealed how hidden system files can cause macOS issues. Users facing similar problems should consider checking related Library folder files. Simple cleanup can resolve major performance issues. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.macworld.com/article/3193334/system-freezes-plagued-my-mac-for-months-a-simple-fix-finally-solved-it.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._