Why is Google Chrome So Slow?

Google Chrome is among the fastest browsers—but over time, it can become sluggish. Here’s why, and what we at Computer Technicians would do:

1. Too Many Open Tabs

Like all browsers, each tab uses memory and CPU. Having dozens open simultaneously can seriously impact the performance of your system.

➡️ Fix: Close tabs you don’t immediately need or use Chrome’s built-in Memory Saver to pause unused tabs.

2. Excessive Extensions

Extensions run continuously in the background and may degrade performance—especially poorly optimized ones.

➡️ Fix: Go to chrome://extensions/, disable or remove unnecessary extensions.

3. Corrupted Cache & Cookies

Over time, cached files and cookies can become outdated or corrupt, slowing down browsing.

➡️ Fix: Navigate to Settings → Privacy and security → Clear browsing data, and remove Cached images/files and Cookies.

4. Outdated Chrome Version

There is a good chance you’re running an outdated version of Google Chrome. Make sure you regularly update Chrome. Each version update brings improvements and security features.

➡️ Fix: Go to chrome://settings/help or Help → About Google Chrome to check for updates and relaunch.

5. Heavy CPU/Mem Usage By Tabs or Processes

A single tab, video, or app running in Chrome might be consuming your system resources.

➡️ Fix: Open Chrome’s Task Manager using Shift + Esc and end resource-hogging tabs or extensions.

6. Resource-Intensive Web Pages

Sites with embedded videos, animations, or heavy scripts use more CPU and RAM.

➡️ Fix: Avoid sites with lots of pop-ups or auto-playing media. Try disabling ad-heavy scripts with a content blocker or turning off JavaScript selectively.

7. Hardware Acceleration Issues

Chrome can leverage your GPU to handle graphics tasks—but faulty drivers or conflicts may slow things down.

➡️ Fix: In Settings → System, toggle “Use hardware acceleration when available”. Enable if off, and disable if Chrome warns of driver problems. Restart afterward.

8. Built-in Memory Saver & Performance Mode

Chrome now includes Memory Saver (also called “tab freezing”) and Performance Detection tools to help reclaim idle tab resources .

➡️ Fix:

1. Go to Settings → Performance.

2. Enable Memory Saver, choosing the level (Moderate, Balanced, or Maximum).

3. Activate Performance issue alerts to get notified of tabs hogging resources.

You can whitelist critical tabs (e.g., Google Docs, YouTube, Gmail) so they stay active .

9. Malware or Unwanted Software

Malicious software might be running background processes that slow down browsing. From our experience, many malware attach themselves to Extensions as well. So make sure you disables ones that you don’t need or look dodgy.

➡️ Fix:

• Run antivirus scans (built-in Windows Defender or a trusted third party).

• Chrome offers a built-in cleanup tool: go to Settings → Reset and clean up → Clean up computer.

10. Low System Resources

Chrome pushes RAM usage aggressively. On older or low‑RAM systems, performance will suffer

➡️ Fix:

• Avoid running Chrome with other heavy apps.

• Upgrade your RAM if possible.

• Switch to lighter browsers if hardware is old.

11. Chrome Software Reporter Tool (Windows Only)

Google Chrome installs a background process called Software Reporter Tool, part of Chrome’s Cleanup utility. It scans your PC for unwanted software—but it can consume high CPU and disk usage, especially on lower-end or older machines.

📍 What it does:

• Scans every week or so in the background

• Reports conflicts or threats to Chrome

• Not essential for normal browsing

➡️ Fix or Disable:

1. Open File Explorer and go to:

   C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\SwReporter


2. Rename or delete the folder (or the .exe inside).

3. Alternatively, restrict its permissions:

   • Right-click the SwReporter folder > Properties > Security tab.

   • Click Edit, then remove all permissions or deny execution.

📋 Quick Fix Checklist

✅ Final Thoughts

Chrome is powerful—but its multi‑process design means it can become resource‑hungry. Follow the steps above to keep it running smoothly:

1. Manage tabs & extensions

2. Keep Chrome updated

3. Clear cache regularly

4. Monitor resource use

5. Use built‑in Memory Saver and Performance tools

6. Scan for malware and consider hardware upgrades

If you still have issues with Google Chrome, get in touch with our PC repair experts.