Google Chrome can slow down over time due to too many extensions, excessive cached data, too many open tabs and background processes. This guide covers the most effective ways to speed up Google Chrome in 2026 — without reinstalling it.
1. Remove Unused Extensions
Extensions are the biggest cause of Chrome slowdown. Each extension runs in the background consuming RAM and CPU. Go to chrome://extensions and remove anything you do not actively use. Even disabled extensions consume some resources.
2. Enable Memory Saver
- Go to chrome://settings/performance
- Enable Memory Saver — this puts inactive tabs to sleep, freeing up RAM for active tabs
- Enable Energy Saver on laptops to reduce CPU usage when on battery
3. Clear Cache and Browsing Data
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete
- Set time range to All time
- Check Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data
- Click Clear data
4. Disable Hardware Acceleration (If Chrome is Crashing)
- Go to chrome://settings
- Search for hardware acceleration
- Toggle Use graphics acceleration when available — disable if Chrome is crashing or displaying graphical glitches, enable if it is slow on a capable GPU
5. Use Chrome Task Manager to Find Problem Tabs
- Press Shift+Esc to open Chrome Task Manager
- Sort by Memory or CPU to find tabs and extensions consuming the most resources
- Select a tab or extension and click End process to kill it without closing the browser
6. Enable Prefetch for Faster Page Loads
- Go to chrome://settings/cookies
- Enable Preload pages for faster browsing and searching
- Select Standard preloading for a balance of speed and data usage
7. Reset Chrome Settings
If Chrome is still slow after trying the above, resetting to default settings clears all customisations, disables all extensions and resets startup pages — without deleting your bookmarks or saved passwords.
- Go to chrome://settings/reset
- Click Restore settings to their original defaults
- Click Reset settings
8. Update Chrome
Running an outdated version of Chrome can cause performance issues and security vulnerabilities. Go to chrome://settings/help to check for and install updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Chrome using so much RAM?
Chrome uses a separate process for each tab and extension, which is by design for security and stability. Memory Saver helps by sleeping inactive tabs. If Chrome is using excessive RAM, check the Chrome Task Manager (Shift+Esc) to identify which tabs or extensions are the culprits and close or remove them.
Does Chrome slow down with too many bookmarks?
No — bookmarks have negligible impact on Chrome performance. The main culprits for slowdowns are extensions, too many open tabs, outdated cache and insufficient RAM on the device.
Should I use a different browser if Chrome is slow?
If Chrome is consistently slow despite optimisation, consider Firefox or Brave as alternatives. Firefox has improved significantly for memory efficiency in recent versions. Brave is Chromium-based so most Chrome extensions work, and it has built-in ad blocking which reduces page load times.
Does clearing Chrome cache delete my passwords?
No — clearing cached images and files does not delete saved passwords or bookmarks. Only clearing Passwords or Autofill data will remove those. Always check which options are selected before clicking Clear data.
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