Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers due to its fast speed and efficient performance on the internet. However, sometimes users may face a problem where Chrome consumes a lot of their computer’s CPU power, causing the internet to slow down and the computer to operate less efficiently.
This issue not only affects Chrome but also the overall performance of the computer. Therefore, it is important to fix this issue to ensure a smooth and seamless internet browsing experience.
Why is Chrome Using So Much CPU?
Google Chrome may use too much CPU due to factors such as having too many open tabs and extensions, running an outdated version of Chrome, dealing with resource-intensive extensions, and encountering issues related to hardware acceleration.
End Tabs or Processes in Chrome Task Manager
Like your computer has a control center called Task Manager, Chrome has its version called Chrome Task Manager. Chrome Task Manager is like a superhero for your computer. Chrome Task Manager comes to the rescue when things use too much of your computer’s power and slow your internet.
It lets you stop these things, making your internet and computer work better when using Google Chrome. It’s like having a control center that gives you the power to make your browser behave how you want it to.
How to Use Chrome Task Manager
- Click on the Google Chrome icon on your desktop to start the browser.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner to open the Options menu.
- Choose “More tools” from the menu and click “Task Manager.” Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Shift + Esc after opening Chrome.
- Inside Chrome’s Task Manager, click on the “CPU” tab to determine which processes use the most computer power.
- Look for the process that’s using a lot of cycles, which is likely causing the issue.
- Click on the problematic item to highlight it, then press the “End Process” button to stop it.
Disable or Remove Chrome Extensions
Google Chrome offers a variety of extensions that add functionality and features to enhance your browsing experience. However, too many or problematic extensions can lead to slow performance and high CPU usage. In this context, disabling or removing Chrome extensions becomes a valuable solution to optimize your browser’s performance.
How to Disable or Remove Extensions on Chrome
- Open Chrome and click on the three dots, which can be seen in the top right corner.
- Go to “Extensions.” From there, choose “Manage Extensions” from the drop-down button menu.
- Now, alternatively, click the Extensions button on the toolbar.
- Tap on the “Manage extension” from the menu.
- The extensions screen opens, and you can toggle off them if you don’t want them.
- If you don’t want them, uninstall them on the Remove button.
Disable Hardware Acceleration in Chrome
Google Chrome has a hardware acceleration feature to enhance browser performance by offloading certain tasks to the computer’s graphics processing unit (GPU). While this feature generally improves speed, it can sometimes lead to issues, such as high CPU usage or compatibility problems. In such cases, users may find it beneficial to disable hardware acceleration temporarily.
How to Disable Hardware Acceleration in Chrome
- Open Chrome and click the Options button.
- Choose Settings from the menu.
- Now, find the “System” section in Chrome settings.
- Toggle off the “Use hardware acceleration when available” switch in the System section.
- Click on the “Relaunch” button that appears after turning off hardware acceleration.
- After Chrome restarts, see if the CPU usage is back to normal levels.
Disable Background Apps When Chrome is Closed
Google Chrome has a feature that allows it to continue running certain apps in the background even after you close the browser. While this can be useful, it may also consume unnecessary resources and affect your computer’s performance. In this context, disabling background apps when Chrome is closed becomes a practical solution.
How to Stop Background Apps on Chrome
- Go to your desktop and open Chrome.
- Click on the three dots.
- From the drop-down menu, choose “Settings.”
- In Chrome settings, find the “System” section.
- Look for the option “Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed.”
- Turn off the switch next to the background apps option.
Stop Preloading Webpages in Chrome
Google Chrome has a feature that preloads webpages you frequently visit to make your browsing experience faster and more responsive. However, while this feature enhances speed, it can also strain your computer’s resources, particularly the CPU. Fortunately, you can stop this preloading feature, and it’s a straightforward process if you know where to adjust.
How to Stop the Preload Pages Setting in Chrome
- Open Chrome and go to Settings.
- In the settings option, choose “Privacy and Security.”
- Now choose “Third-party cookies.”
- Scroll down the options on the right side of Chrome.
- Find and click on the “Preload pages” option.
- Select the “No preloading” option from the available choices.
- After selecting the option, close the settings screen.
Clear Browsing Cache on Chrome
Browsing the internet can leave a trail of stored data in your web browser, known as the cache. While this cache helps speed up your browsing experience by storing frequently visited webpage elements, it can sometimes lead to issues like slow performance or displaying outdated content. In such cases, clearing the browsing cache becomes a useful solution.
How to Clear Chrome Cache
- Open Google Chrome on your computer.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to open the Clear browsing data screen.
- Select a time range for the data you want to clear.
- Check options like browsing history, cookies, and other site data, as well as cached images and files.
- Click the “Clear data” button to remove the selected information.
Reset Google Chrome
Resetting Google Chrome is like giving your web browser a fresh start. When you reset it, you’re taking it back to the way it was when you first installed it. This can be useful if you’re having problems like slow performance or things not working as they should. It’s like hitting the “restart” button to fix any issues and make your browsing experience smooth again.
How to Reset Google Chrome
- Start Chrome and go to Settings.
- Find and click the “Reset settings” button in the left panel.
- Click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” button.
- A notification screen will appear, explaining what the reset does. If you’re sure, click the “Reset settings” button to confirm.
Fixing Chrome’s High CPU Usage
To make Google Chrome work better and browse smoothly, there are different things you can try if it’s using a lot of your computer’s power. You can update Chrome regularly, manage extensions by turning off or removing the ones you don’t need, and use the built-in Task Manager to close tabs or extensions causing issues.
Clearing the browser’s stored data, like cookies and images, can also help. If the problem continues, you might consider resetting Chrome settings to default. By trying out these steps and finding what works best for your computer, you can improve your browsing experience.
Why is Google Chrome using so much CPU?
Google Chrome may use excessive CPU due to factors such as having too many open tabs and extensions, running an outdated version, dealing with resource-intensive extensions, and encountering issues related to hardware acceleration.
How do I disable or remove Chrome extensions?
Click on the three dots, go to “Extensions” or “Manage Extensions,” and toggle off or remove the ones you don’t need.
How can I disable hardware acceleration in Chrome?
Open Chrome, go to Settings, find the “System” section, toggle off “Use hardware acceleration when available,” and relaunch Chrome.
How can I end tabs or processes in Chrome Task Manager?
Open Chrome, click on the three dots, go to “More tools,” and choose “Task Manager.” In Task Manager, click on the “CPU” tab, identify the problematic process, and click “End Process.”