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I love Google Chrome for its intuitive UI and versatility. However, it’s a notorious memory hog, and you might notice that it becomes sluggish after extended use. Thankfully, there are several simple ways to enhance Chrome’s performance.
Update Your Chrome Browser
One of the first things I check when Chrome’s performance is lagging is whether my browser is updated. Google regularly releases updates that introduce new features, fix bugs, and enhance security. Chrome should update automatically by default, but it’s worth checking, as an outdated version of Chrome can lead to slow performance and cause compatibility and security issues.
How to Update Chrome
Close All Unused Tabs and Extensions
I am terrible at closing unused browser tabs while I work. Each open tab consumes memory and resources, leading to sluggish performance. The same goes for browser extensions. While they do enhance functionality, too many can strain Chrome’s efficiency.
Tips for Managing Tabs and Extensions
You might also considerusing lightweight alternativesfor a faster browsing experience.
Activate the Memory Saver Function
As an automated assistant for tab management, Chrome offers a Memory Saver function that improves its performance by reducing the memory usage of inactive tabs. When enabled, this feature automatically frees up memory from tabs you’re not currently using, allowing your active tabs to run more smoothly.
How to Activate Memory Saver
I have mine set toBalanced, which deactivates my tabs after an optimal period.
Chrome uses a preloading feature that anticipates browsing behavior and preloads pages you might visit next. Byoptimizing your preload settings, you can speed up Chrome for a better browsing experience.
It’s worth experimenting with preload to see what works best for you. Turning it off can sometimes improve performance, especially if your browsing habits don’t align with the preloading predictions.
Attend to Unwanted Processes
Chrome is notorious for using a significant amount of memory and CPU. This is often due to unwanted processes running in the background, leading to sluggish performance. Regularly checking and managing these processes can noticeably increase your browser’s speed.
Managing Processes in Chrome
If you identify any unwanted or unnecessary processes, select them and clickEnd Processto close them.
Start Again From Scratch
If you’ve tried all the previous methods and your Chrome browser is still dragging its heels, it might be time for a more drastic measure—resetting Chrome. This will restore your browser to its original settings while removing any custom configurations that may be causing issues. Remember that resetting Chrome will remove pinned tabs, startup pages, and other personalized settings. However, bookmarks and saved passwords will remain intact.
How to Reset Chrome
Chrome is quite deservedly the most popular browser by some margin, with well over 60% of the global market share. As with most of Google’s lifestyle and productivity tools, I am a big fan of Chrome, although it’s not without its faults and can be very CPU-heavy.
Ensuring I run through this list of simple fixes whenever Chrome starts to lag significantly enhances my browsing experience, improving productivity and making my sessions more enjoyable. Each fix can be performed from within Chrome and takes seconds, potentially saving hours of frustration in the long run.
