Google Chrome will work faster with these tricks
Google Chrome is one of the most popular browsers in the world due to its customization capabilities and advanced features like Google Drive, among others. However, it is true that it is a browser that consumes a large amount of resources, which can make Google Chrome so slow at times. Therefore, in this article, we will look at different methods and tools to improve the performance of Chrome on your device.
Always Keep Your Browser Updated
Yes, even if you don’t know it, Google Chrome receives numerous monthly or quarterly updates to provide the best user experience. These updates aim to improve speed, security, and fix errors. Usually, these updates are not very large, but collectively, they make Google Chrome progressively better.
Update Chrome
To know if you need to update your Chrome browser, go to Settings and click on About Chrome. If an update is available, it will install automatically.
Disable Extensions You Don’t Use
Google extensions are applications installed in browsers that perform specific functions for users, improving the workflow with our browser.
These extensions aim to enhance the browser’s functionality; however, they can also have the opposite effect if too many are installed or if some are inefficient and consume too many resources. To avoid this problem, it is recommended to review your extensions, removing or disabling those you don’t use frequently. To do this, go to Settings, Extensions, and then click on Manage Extensions.
Some extensions may continue running in the background even after you close the browser. This can consume your computer’s resources and affect overall system performance. To disable background apps, go to Settings > Advanced > System and uncheck the option “Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed.”
Use the Task Manager
Another tool that Google offers to optimize the browser is the ability to see the resources consumed by different open tabs in your browser, allowing you to access information on Memory, CPU, and Network usage.
To manage the task manager, press Shift + Esc or go to Settings > More tools > Task Manager. If you find tabs or extensions consuming too many resources, you can close or remove them directly from the mentioned option.
Protection and Security
If you suspect that Chrome’s performance is low due to the introduction of a file or visiting a website that downloaded a malicious file, Google has an enhanced security and privacy system. This system helps protect against potential threats, malicious websites, and dangerous downloads that could jeopardize your computer’s security.
To run this tool, follow these five steps, which should be performed periodically to improve the health of your default browser:
- Open Google Chrome.
- Click “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
- Scroll down and click “Privacy and Security” to reveal advanced options.
- Next, click on Security.
- Within this window, there are different options; choose enhanced protection.
Disable Hardware Acceleration
This option, which many people are unaware of, allows you to disable the use of your device’s GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) to improve the performance and processing of some browser functions. Hardware acceleration is a feature that uses the GPU to execute graphically intensive tasks, such as video playback and animations, helping to offload work from the CPU and enhance the browsing experience.
The problem with this acceleration is that it can cause compatibility issues and excessive resource use, potentially having the opposite effect. For this reason, it is advisable to disable it. To disable hardware acceleration in Google Chrome, follow these steps:
- Open Google Chrome.
- Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
- Click on “System” and find the option that says “Use hardware acceleration when available.” Turn off the option by clicking the switch next to it.
- Google Chrome will ask you to restart the browser to apply the changes. Click “Restart.”
Disable Unnecessary Notifications
Sometimes, we make the mistake of being constantly connected to our browser to stay informed about everything happening around us virtually. However, receiving notifications from emails, alerts, or suggestions can drain your browser’s resources, resulting in less smooth navigation and a loss of concentration.
To disable notifications on your PC or laptop, follow these steps. Note that these steps are different from those for mobile devices.
- Open Google Chrome and go to the settings tab located at the top right. The keyboard shortcut is Shift + comma (,).
- Click on “Privacy and Security” on the left panel.
- Then select “Site Settings.”
- Find and select “Notifications.” Once found, disable these.
Close Unused Tabs
This is a classic tip, but many people are still unaware of the importance of not using too many tabs in their browser. Each tab requires memory usage, and the more content on the screen, the more it demands. This increases the number of processes in Google Chrome, causing it to request more resources from the RAM and, as you might have experienced, ultimately slowing down the browsing experience.
Therefore, you have two options: either work with the necessary tabs or close the ones you don’t need. Yes, you could invest in more RAM, but we’re talking about working with the resources you have without spending money unless strictly necessary (which might not be your case).
Clear the Cache
The cache, or intermediary memory, is a system that stores data for future requests. However, the problem arises when the memory begins to store data uncontrollably, requiring periodic cleaning to improve your default browser’s performance.
Browsing Data
Clearing the cache is a straightforward process that can solve page loading issues, free up disk space, and improve browser performance. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Google Chrome on your PC or laptop.
- Click on settings.
- From the drop-down menu, select “Privacy and Security.” Then click on “Clear browsing data” to open the browsing data window.
- Now you can determine the time range for clearing the cache, from “last hour” to “all time.”
- Finally, click the “Clear data” button to start the cache clearing process.
You can also access advanced settings that provide information on browsing data, including browsing history, download history, cookies, and other site data, cached files and images, among others.
Don’t Use the Power Saver Mode
Google is committed to providing a fast and secure application. Chrome adheres to these standards, but you should know that it has a feature to allocate more resources to the tabs you are using. This is called power saver mode, which is perfect for users with low-resource computers who cannot allocate much RAM to a single process. This has its pros and cons, with the good being that you can use your machine at a good speed. The downside is that the pages you are visiting will freeze at some point, and the machine will struggle to resume those sites you left in suspension. For this reason, if you want Google Chrome to run quickly, it is best to avoid this feature.
Joshua White is a passionate and experienced website article writer with a keen eye for detail and a knack for crafting engaging content. With a background in journalism and digital marketing, Joshua brings a unique perspective to his writing, ensuring that each piece resonates with readers. His dedication to delivering high-quality, informative, and captivating articles has earned him a reputation for excellence in the industry. When he’s not writing, Joshua enjoys exploring new topics and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in content creation.
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