Introduction
Google Chrome is known for its speed and efficiency, but it can also be a memory hog, especially when multiple tabs are open. The Chrome Memory Saver feature helps manage memory usage by putting inactive tabs to sleep. This guide will teach you how to enable and optimize Chrome Memory Saver for better performance on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Quick Fixes to Try First
- Update Chrome to the latest version.
- Restart your computer to clear temporary memory issues.
- Disable unused extensions.
- Ensure you have enough available system RAM.
How to Enable Chrome Memory Saver
Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the upper-right corner to open the menu.
- Select Settings.
- Navigate to Performance on the left sidebar or type chrome://settings/performance into the address bar.
- Toggle the Memory Saver option to enable it.
Android and iOS
As of now, the Memory Saver feature is primarily available on desktop versions of Chrome. Ensure your mobile Chrome is updated for other performance enhancements.
Managing Excluded Sites
To keep certain tabs active and prevent them from sleeping, you can exclude specific sites:
- Go to Settings > Performance.
- Under Memory Saver, find Excluded Sites.
- Click Add and enter the URL of the site you wish to exclude.
- Press Enter to save.
Understanding Tab Behavior
Chrome Memory Saver puts inactive tabs to sleep to save memory. When a sleeping tab is clicked, it reloads with the latest content.
Monitoring Memory Savings
To see how much memory is being saved, you can check Chrome’s Task Manager:
- Press Shift + Esc (Windows/Linux) or Search for Task Manager in the Chrome menu (macOS).
- Look for the Memory footprint column to see resource usage.
Performance Settings
Additional performance settings can help manage memory:
- Clear cache and cookies regularly: Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data.
- Disable hardware acceleration: Settings > System > Use hardware acceleration when available.
- Manage extensions: chrome://extensions/.
Keyboard Shortcuts
- Access Chrome Task Manager: Shift + Esc (Windows/Linux) or Command + Option + Esc (macOS).
- Open Chrome settings: Alt + E (Windows/Linux) or Command + , (macOS).
Conclusion
Chrome Memory Saver is a powerful tool to optimize memory usage by managing inactive tabs effectively. By following these steps, you can enhance your browser’s performance and maintain a smooth browsing experience. For further assistance, refer to the official Google Chrome Help articles.