Ways to Speed Up Google Chrome
On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Technology Buyers Guide
Here are effective tips to optimize Chrome’s performance if it’s been slowing you down:
1. Close Unnecessary Tabs
- Why: Open tabs consume memory and slow Chrome.
- Solution: Bookmark pages instead of leaving tabs open.
- Tool: Try the Tab Suspender extension to suspend unused tabs.
2. Update Chrome
- Why: Outdated browsers are less efficient and secure.
- How:
- Click the three-dot menu (top-right).
- Navigate to Help > About Google Chrome.
- Let Chrome check for updates and click Relaunch.
3. Use an Ad Blocker
- Why: Resource-heavy ads can slow down browsing.
- Tool: Install uBlock Origin to block ads and trackers.
4. Remove Unnecessary Extensions
- Why: Extensions consume resources even when idle.
- How:
- Go to the three-dot menu.
- Select More Tools > Extensions.
- Turn off or remove unused extensions.
5. Close Unwanted Tasks
- Why: Background tasks from tabs and apps may hog resources.
- How:
- Go to More Tools > Task Manager.
- Identify high-resource tasks and end them.
- Sort by memory usage to pinpoint culprits.
6. Clear Browsing Data
- Why: Cached files and cookies can accumulate, slowing Chrome.
- How:
- Go to More Tools > Clear Browsing Data.
- Select cached images, files, cookies, and history.
7. Enable Page Prefetch
- Why: Predicts and preloads pages you’re likely to visit.
- How:
- Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and Other Site Data.
- Turn on Preload Pages for Faster Browsing and Searching.
8. Turn on Hardware Acceleration
- Why: Uses your computer’s GPU to enhance performance.
- How:
- Go to Settings > System.
- Enable Use Hardware Acceleration When Available.
9. Check for Malware
- Why: Malware can slow down browsing.
- For Windows:
- Go to Settings > Advanced > Reset and Clean Up > Clean Up Computer.
- Follow the prompts to remove unwanted software.
- For Mac:
- Open Finder > Applications.
- Remove suspicious programs, then empty the trash.
10. Upgrade Your Hardware
- Why: Chrome demands a lot of memory (RAM).
- Tip: If slow performance persists, consider upgrading to a computer with more RAM.
Bonus Tips
- Refrigerate Your Streaming Costs: Use ad-supported streaming services like Pluto TV or Tubi to cut down on subscriptions.
- Stay Organized: Bookmark important tabs and limit multitasking to keep your browser (and brain) running smoothly.
Enjoy faster browsing!
