How to speed up Chrome performance

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To speed up Chrome performance, users can implement various methods such as clearing cache, disabling unnecessary extensions, and adjusting settings. These steps can significantly enhance browsing speed and responsiveness.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before attempting to speed up Chrome, ensure you have the following:
  • •A computer running Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS, or a compatible Linux distribution.
  • •Administrative access to install or remove software and extensions.
  • •Google Chrome installed (latest version recommended).
  • •Backup important data such as bookmarks and passwords.

Method 1: Clear Browsing Data

Clearing browsing data can free up space and improve Chrome's performance, especially if it has been used for an extended period.
  • •Step 1: Open Chrome and click on the three vertical dots (⋮) in the top-right corner.
  • •Step 2: Navigate to 'More tools' > 'Clear browsing data...'.
  • •Step 3: In the dialog that appears, select 'All time' from the Time range dropdown, check 'Browsing history', 'Cookies and other site data', and 'Cached images and files'.
  • •Step 4: Click on 'Clear data'.
  • •Step 5: To verify it worked, check the size of the cache by going to 'chrome://settings/clearBrowserData'.

For Windows 11

Windows 11 specific steps include:
  • •Ensure Chrome is updated by going to 'Settings' > 'About Chrome' and clicking 'Update'.
  • •Use the Windows search bar to find 'Settings' and adjust system performance settings if needed.

For Windows 10

Windows 10 specific steps include:
  • •Check for Windows updates by going to 'Settings' > 'Update & Security' > 'Windows Update'.
  • •Consider disabling hardware acceleration in Chrome settings if issues persist.

Method 2: Disable Unnecessary Extensions

Extensions can consume resources and slow down Chrome. Disabling or removing those that are not in use can enhance performance.
  • •Step 1: Click on the three vertical dots (⋮) in the top-right corner.
  • •Step 2: Select 'More tools' > 'Extensions'.
  • •Step 3: Review the list of installed extensions and toggle off or click 'Remove' for those you do not need.
  • •Step 4: Restart Chrome to see if performance improves.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If Chrome is still slow after trying the above methods, consider these troubleshooting steps:
  • •Error: 'Aw, Snap!' - Solution: Check for corrupted extensions or try resetting Chrome settings.
  • •Issue: Pages are not loading - Fix: Disable hardware acceleration in 'Settings' > 'Advanced' > 'System'.
  • •Problem: Chrome crashes frequently - Workaround: Create a new user profile by going to 'chrome://settings/people' and clicking 'Add person'.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users looking to optimize their experience further, consider these tips:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) / Command + Shift + Delete (macOS) - Opens the Clear Browsing Data dialog quickly.
  • •Command line: chrome://flags - Access experimental features and settings to enhance performance.
  • •Hidden feature: Task Manager (Shift + Esc) - Monitor resource usage of extensions and tabs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Regular maintenance and awareness of resource usage are key to ensuring Chrome runs smoothly.