9 Effective Ways to Boost the Speed of Google Chrome

Google Chrome is undoubtedly one of the most widely used desktop browsers, even with strong competition from Microsoft Edge and Apple Safari. However, with its plethora of features and occasional bloatware, Chrome can become sluggish and slow down your browsing experience. If you're tired of waiting for pages to load and want to make Chrome run faster, here are nine effective ways to boost its speed.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Before blaming Chrome for its slow performance, it's essential to ensure that your internet connection is stable. Sometimes, slow page loading can occur due to multiple devices connected to the same network or when using a public Wi-Fi network with limited bandwidth. Use the SpeedTest tool to check your internet connection speed and consider upgrading to a better plan if necessary.

2. Update Chrome to the Latest Version

Regularly updating Chrome can significantly improve its performance. Google releases updates for Chrome every few weeks, including minor updates that can enhance the browser's speed. Although Chrome usually updates automatically in the background, you can manually check for updates by clicking on the Kebab menu (three-dot icon) at the top right corner, selecting Settings, and clicking on About Chrome. Update Chrome to enjoy the latest security updates, bug patches, and features.

3. Use Performance Mode

If you're someone who often keeps multiple Chrome tabs open in the background, enabling Performance Mode can be a game-changer. When Chrome detects that you haven't used a tab for a while, it automatically freezes the inactive tab. This not only speeds up your browser but also saves system resources and battery life. Ensure that the Memory Saver option is enabled in Chrome's Settings under the Performance tab. Consider using the OneTab Extension to convert all your tabs into a list and restore them individually or all at once for a significant boost in performance.

4. Remove Unused Extensions

Extensions are useful but can also be a major cause of Chrome slowdowns. Streamline your browsing experience by removing unnecessary Chrome extensions that you no longer use. To do this, click on the Kebab menu, select More Tools, and click on Extensions. Alternatively, enter ‘chrome://extensions' in the Address/Search bar to go directly to the Extensions page. Uninstall unnecessary extensions and disable those that you might need in the future. The SimpleExtManager extension can help you enable and disable extensions on the fly, making Chrome faster and more efficient.

5. Run a Malware Scan

Sometimes, slow webpage loading is not due to Chrome or your internet connection but rather because your computer is infected with malware. To ensure a smooth browsing experience, scan your computer for malware using a reliable antivirus software like Malwarebytes. Take immediate action if anything unusual is detected. It is worth noting that Chrome's built-in Cleanup tool has been retired, so using a dedicated antivirus software is recommended.

6. Turn On Preload Page Feature

Chrome's Preload Page feature loads web pages in advance, even before you click on them. By utilizing browsing habit data, Chrome predicts which websites you're more likely to visit and preloads them in the background. This results in faster site loading and a snappier browsing experience. By default, Preload Page is enabled in Chrome's Settings under Privacy & Security. You can also consider using the FasterWeb extension, which preloads pages when you hover your mouse pointer on a link for 65 milliseconds, saving bandwidth and improving performance.

7. Switch to a Better DNS Provider

Switching to a faster and more efficient DNS provider like Google or Cloudflare can significantly speed up your browsing experience. DNS servers translate website URLs into IP addresses, and many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may not handle this task optimally. By manually changing your DNS provider, you can improve browsing speed and reduce latency.

8. Remove Theme from Chrome

While themes may give Chrome an aesthetic look, they can also make the browser slightly slower. If you're looking to optimize Chrome and make it faster, consider removing any visually appealing themes. Go to Chrome's Settings, select Appearance, and click on Reset to default to remove the theme. Avoid using extensions that change the look and feel of the Chrome browser as well.

9. Reset Chrome Settings

If all else fails, resetting Chrome to its default settings can help resolve any underlying issues. This process resets your browser settings, disables themes and extensions, and deletes cookies and temporary site data. Your bookmarks, browsing history, and saved passwords will not be affected. To reset Chrome settings, go to Chrome Settings and select Reset Settings or enter ‘chrome://settings/reset' in the Address/Search bar for quick access. Conduct a manual check to identify any root causes and prevent future occurrences.

By following these nine effective strategies, you can make Google Chrome faster and enjoy a smoother browsing experience. Remember to consider hardware limitations, check for malware, and ensure a stable internet connection before implementing advanced solutions.