Why Is Chrome So Slow on My Computer?

Chrome running slowly can ruin your browsing experience. Whether pages take forever to load, scrolling is choppy, or your computer feels sluggish when Chrome is open, there are usually clear reasons and solutions.

The Most Common Reasons Chrome Is Slow

Too Many Open Tabs

This is the number one cause of slow Chrome. Each tab uses memory and processing power, and they all add up. If you have 30 tabs open, Chrome has to manage 30 separate sets of content, scripts, and cached data.

The fix: Close tabs you’re not using. If you need to save them for later, bookmark them instead. Use the Bookmarks Bar or a bookmarking service to store pages you want to return to.

Too Many Extensions

Extensions run continuously in Chrome, and they all consume resources. Many people install dozens of extensions over time without realizing the cumulative impact.

The fix: Go to chrome://extensions and remove any extensions you don’t use regularly. If you need an extension only sometimes, remove it and reinstall when needed. Be honest with yourself—how many extensions do you actually use daily?

Outdated Chrome

Older versions of Chrome may have performance issues that have since been fixed. Updates often include speed improvements and bug fixes.

The fix: Go to Settings, then Help, then About Google Chrome. If an update is available, install it and restart Chrome.

Cluttered Cache and Cookies

Over time, Chrome stores more and more cached data. While this helps some sites load faster, too much cached data can actually slow Chrome down.

The fix: Clear your browsing data regularly. Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac), select “All time,” check all options, and click “Clear data.”

Malware or Unwanted Programs

Malware can significantly slow down your browser and computer. Sometimes malware is bundled with other software you install.

The fix: Run a full scan with your antivirus software. Windows Defender is built into Windows 10 and 11 and works well. On Mac, you can use built-in protections or third-party antivirus software.

Insufficient RAM

If your computer doesn’t have enough RAM for your browsing habits, Chrome will run slowly no matter what you do. Chrome is particularly RAM-hungry.

The fix: Consider upgrading your RAM, or adjust your browsing habits to use fewer tabs and extensions at once.

Built-in Chrome Settings That Help

Memory Saver

This feature automatically pauses tabs you haven’t used recently, freeing up memory for the tabs you’re actively using.

Go to Settings
Click on “Performance”
Turn on “Memory Saver”

This is one of the most effective settings for improving Chrome’s speed, especially if you tend to keep many tabs open.

Disable Preloading

Chrome’s default behavior is to preload pages it thinks you might visit. This uses resources even for pages you never open.

Go to Settings, then Performance (or Privacy and Security, then Preload Pages)
Set page preloading to “No preloading”

Your browsing might feel slightly less instant, but Chrome will run more smoothly.

Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration uses your graphics card to help Chrome run faster. However, on some computers it causes problems.

Go to Settings, then System
Try turning “Use hardware acceleration when available” on and off
Test Chrome both ways and see which feels faster

This varies by computer, so experiment.

Background Apps

When this setting is on, Chrome keeps running in the background after you close the window.

Go to Settings, then System
Turn off “Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed”

Chrome will actually close when you quit it, freeing up your computer’s resources.

Heavy Websites

Some websites are simply slow, regardless of your browser. This is especially true for sites with:

Lots of advertisements
Auto-playing videos
Complex animations
Large images or galleries
Live data or feeds

There’s not much you can do about slow websites themselves, but you can:

Wait patiently
Use ad blockers (which can help, though they use some resources themselves)
Avoid keeping slow sites open in other tabs

Slow Internet Connection

Sometimes Chrome is slow because your internet connection is slow, not Chrome itself.

Test your internet speed using a speed test website. If your connection is slower than expected, contact your internet service provider or try:

Moving closer to your router
Reducing devices using your network
Using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi

Computer Issues That Affect Chrome

Not Enough Storage Space

If your hard drive is almost full, Chrome runs slower because it doesn’t have enough space to use for temporary operations.

The fix: Free up space by deleting files you don’t need, emptying the trash, and moving large files to external storage or the cloud.

Too Many Programs Running

Other programs using your computer’s resources affect Chrome’s performance. Close programs you’re not using.

Outdated Operating System

Make sure your operating system is up to date. Updates often include performance improvements that affect browser speed.

Extensions That Help

Several extensions can help Chrome run faster:

Ad blockers block advertisements, which can significantly speed up sites with lots of ads. uBlock Origin is a popular, lightweight option.

Tab Suspender Pro automatically pauses tabs you aren’t using, saving memory and speeding up Chrome. This is especially helpful if you like keeping many tabs open.

Privacy extensions that block trackers can sometimes speed up browsing by reducing the amount of data Chrome needs to load.

When It’s Time for Something New

If you’ve tried everything and Chrome is still slow, consider:

Using a different browser. Firefox, Edge, and Safari all have different performance characteristics. You might find one works better on your computer.

Upgrading your computer. If your computer is several years old, it may simply struggle with modern Chrome. An upgrade—particularly more RAM or a solid-state drive—can make a huge difference.

Tips from the team behind Tab Suspender Pro and the Zovo extension suite at zovo.one