Many times, when using Google Chrome, the performance of Windows or Mac computers slows down significantly. This is due to the fact that Chrome uses a large amount of RAM. In fact, Google Chrome uses more RAM than any other program.
But why does Google Chrome use so much of the computer's RAM ?
Chrome uses RAM in the same way that other applications, programs, or software do. It uses memory to store processes while performing tasks defined by users and the websites they visit.
If they wanted to open Chrome by itself, it wouldn't need more RAM than other browsers, such as Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox. In addition, modern websites have elements that require many processes and therefore, require a lot of memory.
It's worth noting that each open Chrome tab needs about 50MB of RAM to function properly.
How can users reduce the amount of RAM Chrome uses?
Google Chrome has experimental features called Flags. Some of the Flags are designed to help Chrome users limit Chrome's memory consumption. Users can access Google Chrome's Flags menu by copying and pasting chrome://flags/ into Chrome's address bar.
The best Chrome tab that helps reduce Chrome’s RAM usage is Tab Freeze. When enabled, Tab Freeze will suspend all eligible Chrome tabs that have been inactive for more than five minutes. They will reload when users reopen them, but until then, they will not use any RAM.
Extensions Toolbar Manager is another Chrome flag that users should install if they have a lot of different extensions in Chrome that perform a lot of different tasks. Extensions can be “heavy” processes, which means they put more strain on the system. Enabling the Extensions Toolbar Manager Flag will bring all the extension icons together in one menu. This will make it much easier for users to disable them when they are not using them, so they can use the RAM for something else.
Google Chrome, like Windows, has a Task Manager. Users can activate the Google Chrome Task Manager by opening Chrome and then pressing the Shift + Esc keys simultaneously. Unfortunately, this key only works on Windows, so if someone is using a Mac, they will have to go to the Window menu.
Great Suspender is a Chrome plugin that will give users quick results. It works by giving various options, such as setting time limits for how long tabs can remain inactive or unused before the extension “freezes” their operation. When tabs are not in use, they no longer burden the system resources. Tabs will appear dimmed when inactive and then reload when users reopen them.
Finally, Tab One is another great Chrome extension that promises a massive 95% memory reduction compared to Chrome browsers that don’t have the extension installed. When enabled, all open tabs are collapsed into a single tab, which then displays a list of all tabs.
