Why Is Google Chrome So Slow? 12 Easy Ways to Speed It Up

Google Chrome gets slow most often because of too many open tabs, too many extensions, a large cache, or an out-of-date browser. Chrome runs every tab and extension as its own process, so each one uses memory. When your computer runs low on memory, everything slows down.

The good news is that you can fix most Chrome slowdowns in a few minutes, without installing anything new.

This guide explains the 12 most common reasons Chrome is slow and how to fix each one. The steps work on Windows, Mac, and Chromebook.

First, find out what is slowing Chrome down

Chrome has its own Task Manager that shows exactly what is using memory and power.

• On Windows: Press Shift + Esc while Chrome is open.
• On Mac or Windows: Click the three dots in the top right, then More tools > Task manager.

Click the Memory column to sort it. The tabs and extensions at the top are using the most. Select anything you do not need and click End process.

This one step often shows you the cause right away.

12 reasons Chrome is slow (and how to fix them)

1. Too many tabs are open

Every open tab uses memory, even if you are not looking at it. Tabs with videos, games, email, or web apps use the most.

Fix:

• Close tabs you do not need.
• Bookmark pages you want to read later instead of keeping them open. Press Ctrl + D (Windows) or Cmd + D (Mac).
• Use tab groups to organize tabs, then close groups you are done with.

2. Memory Saver is turned off

Chrome has a built-in feature that frees up memory from tabs you have not used in a while. The tabs stay open, and they reload when you click them.

Fix:

1. Click the three dots > Settings.
2. Click Performance.
3. Turn on Memory Saver.

On laptops, you can also turn on Energy Saver to make your battery last longer, but it may make Chrome feel a little slower. Turn it off when you need full speed.

3. You have too many extensions

Extensions add helpful features, but each one uses memory and can slow down every page you visit. Some old extensions are poorly made or no longer updated.

Fix:

1. Type chrome://extensions in the address bar and press Enter.
2. Turn off extensions you do not use every day.
3. Click Remove on extensions you do not need at all.
4. Turn extensions back on one at a time to find any that slow Chrome down.

Tip: Be careful with extensions you do not remember installing. Remove them, because they may be unwanted software.

4. Your cache and browsing data are too large

Chrome saves parts of websites, called the cache, so they load faster next time. Over months, the cache can get very large or damaged, which can slow Chrome or make pages load incorrectly.

Fix:

1. Click the three dots > Delete browsing data (or press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows, Cmd + Shift + Delete on Mac).
2. Set the time range to All time.
3. Check Cached images and files.
4. You can uncheck Cookies if you do not want to be signed out of websites.
5. Click Delete data.

Websites may load a little slower the first time you visit them again. Then they speed back up.

5. Chrome is out of date

Old versions of Chrome can be slower and less safe. Chrome usually updates itself, but only when you close and reopen it.

Fix:

1. Click the three dots > Help > About Google Chrome.
2. Chrome checks for updates and installs them.
3. Click Relaunch.

If you never close Chrome, restart it at least once a week so updates can install.

6. Hardware acceleration is causing problems

Hardware acceleration lets Chrome use your computer's graphics chip to make videos and animations smoother. Usually this helps. But on some computers, it causes lag, flickering, or freezing.

Fix:

1. Go to Settings > System.
2. Turn Use graphics acceleration when available off (or on, if it was off).
3. Click Relaunch.

Test both ways to see which one works better on your computer.

7. Your internet connection is slow

Sometimes Chrome is not the problem at all. If websites are slow to load but Chrome itself opens quickly, your internet may be slow.

Fix: Run a speed test in Chrome. Then test the same website in another browser or on your phone. If both are slow, the problem is your connection. Our guide on the most common reasons for slow internet walks you through the fixes.

8. A website is heavy or broken

Some websites are full of ads, videos, and scripts that make Chrome work very hard. One heavy tab can slow down all your other tabs.

Fix: Use Chrome's Task Manager (see above) to find the tab using the most memory or CPU. Close it or refresh it. An ad blocker from a trusted company can also help on ad-heavy sites, but choose one carefully, since extensions use memory too.

9. Preloading or background apps use extra resources

Chrome can preload pages it thinks you will visit, and some apps keep running in the background after you close Chrome.

Fix:

• Go to Settings > Performance and check the Preload pages setting. Turn it to standard or off if your computer has little memory.
• Go to Settings > System and turn off Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed.

10. Your Chrome profile is damaged

Sometimes the settings and data in your Chrome profile get mixed up, which can make Chrome slow or glitchy.

Fix: Test with a new profile.

1. Click your profile picture in the top right.
2. Click Add to create a new profile.
3. Use Chrome in the new profile for a while.

If Chrome is fast in the new profile, you can sync your bookmarks and passwords to it and use that one instead.

11. Unwanted software or settings changed Chrome

Some programs change your search engine, homepage, or settings without asking. They can also add pop-ups and slow Chrome down.

Fix:

1. Go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.
2. Click Reset settings.

This turns off extensions and clears temporary data, but it keeps your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords.

On Windows, also run a full scan with Windows Security. On a Mac, keep macOS updated and check Applications for programs you did not install.

12. Your computer is slow or low on memory

Chrome can only be as fast as your computer. If your computer is old, low on memory (RAM), or has a nearly full hard drive, Chrome will feel slow too.

Fix: Close other programs while you use Chrome, restart your computer, and free up storage. Our guide on fixing a sluggish computer covers startup apps, storage, updates, and more.

Quick checklist to speed up Chrome

Try these steps in order:

1. Restart Chrome.
2. Open Chrome's Task Manager and end anything using too much memory.
3. Close tabs you do not need.
4. Turn on Memory Saver.
5. Remove extensions you do not use.
6. Clear cached images and files.
7. Update Chrome.
8. Try turning hardware acceleration off or on.
9. Test your internet speed.
10. Reset Chrome settings if nothing else works.

Why is Chrome slow on my phone?

Chrome on Android and iPhone can also slow down. Try these steps:

• Close tabs. Tap the tab counter at the top or bottom of the screen and close old tabs. Many people have hundreds open without knowing it.
• Clear browsing data. Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Delete browsing data.
• Update Chrome from the Google Play Store or App Store.
• Free up storage. A full phone makes every app slower. Our guide on clearing space on a full phone can help.
• Restart your phone.

How much memory does Chrome need?

There is no exact number, because it depends on how many tabs and extensions you use. But here is a simple guide:

To see how much memory your computer has:

• Windows: Go to Settings > System > About and look at Installed RAM.
• Mac: Click the Apple menu > About This Mac.

If you often keep lots of tabs open on a computer with 4 GB or 8 GB of memory, Memory Saver and fewer extensions will make the biggest difference.

Chrome vs. other browsers

If Chrome is still slow after all of these fixes, try another browser like Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Safari on the same computer.

• If the other browser is also slow, the problem is likely your computer or internet connection.
• If the other browser is fast, the problem is Chrome's settings, extensions, or profile. A reset or a new profile usually fixes it.

Signs Chrome itself is the problem

Not sure if it is Chrome or your whole computer? These signs point to Chrome:

• Other programs, like Word or your photo app, open quickly.
• Chrome is slow even with only one or two tabs open.
• Chrome was fast until you installed a new extension.
• Another browser loads the same websites much faster.

If you see these signs, focus on extensions, cache, settings, and your Chrome profile.

How to keep Chrome fast

• Restart Chrome at least once a week.
• Keep Memory Saver on.
• Only install extensions you really need, and review them every few months.
• Close tabs at the end of the day, or bookmark them.
• Clear your cache every few months.
• Keep your computer updated and restart it regularly.

When to get help

If Chrome is still very slow after trying every step in this guide:

• Try it on another computer to see if the problem follows your account.
• Check the Google Chrome Help Center for known issues.
• Take your computer to a repair shop if everything on it is slow, not just Chrome.

The bottom line

Chrome is usually slow because of too many tabs, too many extensions, a large cache, or an old version. Open Chrome's Task Manager to find the cause, then close tabs, turn on Memory Saver, remove extensions you do not need, clear your cache, and update Chrome. If Chrome is still slow, reset its settings or try a new profile. Most people get a much faster browser in just a few minutes.