Your web browser is just as important as your computer’s operating system, if not more. Almost everything you do—sending emails, using social media, editing files, and watching videos—happens inside a browser. If Google Chrome starts running slowly, it can ruin your whole online experience, both for work and fun. Don’t let a slow browser hold you back—here are some ways to speed it up (via).
Why Chrome Becomes Slow?
Google Chrome can become slow for several reasons. One of the main causes is having too many open tabs, as each tab uses RAM and CPU power, which can slow down both the browser and your computer. Chrome is also known for using a lot of memory, so if your system has limited RAM, it may struggle to keep up. Another reason is having too many extensions running in the background, consuming system resources and making Chrome sluggish.
Over time, cache and cookies build-up, which can cause web pages to load slowly or make Chrome feel unresponsive. Using an outdated version of Chrome can also contribute to slow performance, as older versions may have bugs or security issues. Additionally, hardware acceleration, which is meant to improve performance, sometimes causes lag instead. Malware or unwanted programs running in the background can also slow Chrome down, affecting your browsing speed.
A slow internet connection might make it seem like Chrome is the issue when, in reality, it’s just struggling to load pages. To speed things up, try closing unused tabs, disabling unnecessary extensions, clearing cache and cookies, updating Chrome, and turning off hardware acceleration if needed. Scanning for malware and checking your internet connection can also help improve performance.
1 – Make Sure Your Internet Speed is Enough
Before blaming Chrome for slow performance, check if your internet connection is the issue. Run a speed test using Speedtest or PCMag’s tool and compare the results with your ISP bill to see if you’re getting the speeds you pay for.
If a specific website won’t load, visit Downdetector to check for real-time outages. This will show if others are facing the same problem or if it’s just affecting you. The issue could be a temporary network glitch, a bad public Wi-Fi connection, or simply a need for a faster internet plan.
2. Update Google Chrome
Every new Chrome update includes new features, security fixes, and performance improvements. Updating to the latest version may help speed up your browser and also protect you from online threats.
Chrome usually updates automatically in the background when you close and reopen the browser. If you haven’t closed Chrome in a while, you might see a pending update in the top-right corner. Keeping Chrome up to date ensures better performance and security.
How to Update
To update Chrome quickly, click the Update button next to the three-dot menu and select Relaunch from the pop-up menu to restart your browser. If you’re not ready to restart, click Not Now, and the update will apply the next time you open Chrome.
To check your Chrome version and manually update it, click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, then go to Help > About Google Chrome. This page will show if Chrome is up to date or needs an update. If an update is available, Chrome will start installing it automatically and prompt you to relaunch. If your browser is outdated, you may also see an “Update Google Chrome” button—click it and then select Relaunch to complete the update.
3. Scan Your System for Malware
Avoid the hassle of searching through Chrome’s settings and scan your system for malware instead. Use your preferred anti-malware tool to check for any suspicious programs running in the background. If you suspect malware on your phone, run a virus scan there as well. Watch for anything that adds extra ads to web pages or tracks your online activity, as this type of malware consumes system resources and can slow down your browser.
4. Upgrade Google Chrome Security
Google once offered the Chrome Cleanup Tool to remove unwanted software (UwS) like toolbars and auto-installed extensions that slow down your browser. However, this tool was discontinued in 2023.
Thankfully, Chrome still provides automatic protection through its Safe Browsing features. For extra security, go to Settings > Privacy and Security> Security, then switch to Enhanced Protection. This option offers faster, proactive defense against dangerous websites, downloads, and extensions, and it also alerts you to password breaches.
5. Take Control of Extensions
If you want Chrome to run faster, you’ll need to cut down on extensions. While other tips help, this is the best way to speed up Chrome. Extensions use system resources, and too many can slow things down. Removing or disabling the ones you don’t need will make Chrome smoother and more responsive.
To check which extensions use the most CPU and RAM, open Chrome’s Task Manager. Press Shift + Esc or go to More Tools> Task Manager from the three-dot menu. Click the Memory footprint or CPU column to sort from highest to lowest. Look for anything labeled “Extension” and see what’s using the most power. If an extension takes up too many resources, ask yourself if you need it.
To remove an extension, click the Extensions menu (puzzle-piece icon) in the upper-right corner. Find the one you want to delete, click the three-dot menu next to it, and select Remove from Chrome > Remove. The fewer extensions you have, the faster and safer Chrome will be. Some extensions can be hacked or sold to ad companies, so keeping only what you truly need is a good idea.
6. Manage Performance Settings
Some people keep only a few tabs open, while others hoard dozens without closing them. If you’re in the second group, your tab overload is likely slowing Chrome down. Too many open tabs use up memory, making everything run slower.
Not sure which tabs to close? Hover over a tab, and a pop-up preview will show how much memory it’s using. Closing high-memory tabs frees up resources, helping Chrome run faster.
7. Reset Google Chrome to Default
If Chrome is still slow, it might be time for a full reset. This removes extensions, custom search engines, and saved settings, restoring Chrome to its original state.
To reset Chrome:
Go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings.
Yes, it’s annoying to lose your custom setup, but a reset can make Chrome run like new. Afterward, try to keep it clean to avoid slowdowns in the future.
Conclusion
A slow Chrome browser can be frustrating, but there are several ways to improve its speed. Start by checking your internet connection and keeping Chrome updated. Removing malware and unnecessary extensions can free up resources while managing performance settings helps prevent slowdowns caused by too many open tabs. If all else fails, resetting Chrome to default can give it a fresh start.
By following these steps, you can make Chrome run faster, use fewer resources, and stay secure. Regular maintenance, like clearing out unused extensions and keeping the browser updated, will help keep it performing at its best over time.
