Chrome can run well on an older or low-spec PC if you give it less to do. Turn on Memory Saver, keep only the tabs and extensions you need, and use Chrome’s Task Manager to find what is heavy. First, though, make sure the computer can still run a supported version of Chrome, since updates are how Chrome gets its security fixes.
Can this computer still run Chrome?
Google publishes the minimum operating system and processor for each platform on its Chrome system requirements page. A few points from it:
- Windows 7, 8 and 8.1: the last version of Chrome for these was released in January 2023, so Chrome on them no longer gets updates.
- Windows on an Intel processor: Google asks for a Pentium 4 or later that supports SSE3.
- Linux: Chrome needs a 64-bit distribution.
Our system requirements page lists the current minimums for every platform. If your computer meets them, check that Chrome is up to date:
Select the three-dot More menu > Help > About Google Chrome. Chrome checks for updates on that page. If you see Relaunch, select it. If there is no Relaunch button, you have the latest version (from Google’s update guide).
Turn on Memory Saver
Memory Saver frees memory for the tabs you are using. Chrome deactivates tabs you aren’t using, and they reload when you click them.
- Select More > Settings, then Performance on the left.
- Turn on Memory Saver.
- Choose Maximum for the biggest saving, or Balanced, which Google recommends.
Sites that must keep running, such as a chat app, can be added under Always keep these sites active. Details are in Google’s performance settings guide.
On a laptop, turn on Energy Saver
On the same page, Energy Saver reduces background tasks while your laptop is unplugged or its battery is low. Google says it stops eligible CPU-intensive background tabs, leaving tabs on video calls or playing audio alone. It is available on Windows, Mac and Chromebook computers that have a battery.
Give Chrome less to do
These steps are from Google’s guide to speeding up Chrome:
- Close tabs you aren’t using. The more tabs you have open, the harder Chrome has to work. Ctrl + W closes the current tab (⌘ + W on a Mac).
- Turn off extensions you don’t use. Select More > Extensions > Manage Extensions, then switch them off or remove them.
- End heavy tasks. Press Shift + Esc on Windows and Linux, or select More > More tools > Task Manager. Select Memory to sort, then select a task you don’t need and select End process.
- Don’t run many apps at the same time. Chrome shares memory with everything else that is open.
If Chrome crashes or freezes
There could be a problem with how your computer’s hardware works with Chrome. Google’s crash help suggests turning off hardware acceleration:
- Select More > Settings > System.
- Turn off Use hardware acceleration when available.
- Restart Chrome.
Turn it back on if it doesn’t help. See also fixing Chrome freezing.
If it is still slow
- Look for unwanted software. Pop-ups, a search engine that keeps changing, and extensions you didn’t add are warning signs. Follow Google’s removal steps.
- Reset Chrome’s settings. Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults. Google says your bookmarks and saved passwords aren’t deleted or changed.
Using an older Mac? See optimizing Chrome on older Macs. For more on memory, see how to make Chrome use less RAM.