The Google Chrome browser is infamous for using a high CPU and memory on a PC. The browser can sometimes use 40 to 50 percent of the CPU. Chrome is also notorious for running unnecessary background programs. Therefore, users may often run into lagging issues while using the Google Chrome browser. Google Chrome high memory usage Windows 10 is a common problem that can cause significant problems with the browser. If you are struggling with Chrome using too much CPU in background on your computer, this guide is perfect for you. In this guide, we will discuss how to fix Google Chrome high CPU and memory usage on PC. We will also discuss reasons for Google Chrome high CPU usage on startup. So, continue reading to find effective solutions to fix this issue.
How to Fix Google Chrome High CPU and Memory Usage on PC
In this article, we have given the troubleshooting methods to solve Google Chrome high memory usage on Windows 10 PC issue in detail.
Reasons for Google Chrome High CPU and Memory Usage on PC Issues
There can be various issues with high CPU and memory usage on PCs. Some of the common reasons for this issue are mentioned here.
- Various program issues and problems with program files are common causes of this problem.
- Corrupt extensions are also responsible for this issue.
- Outdated graphic drivers are also responsible for this issue.
- Corrupt or problematic system files can also cause this issue.
- Excessive drive space on your computer is also responsible for this issue.
- Corrupt cache and cookie data in Google Chrome are also associated with the issue.
- A malware intrusion on your computer can cause various issues, such as high CPU and memory usage.
- Improper registry editor keys are also responsible for the error.
- Enabled hardware acceleration settings in Google Chrome are also associated with this error.
- An outdated Google Chrome program can cause this error.
- Improper Google Chrome settings can also cause this issue.
- Other underlying issues with the Google Chrome program can also cause Google Chrome high memory usage Windows 10 issue.
In the following guide, we will discuss methods to fix Google Chrome high CPU and memory usage on PC.
Method 1: Run Chrome as Administrator
One of the first things that you should consider to fix Chrome using too much CPU in background issue is giving Chrome administrative privileges. When you run a program as an administrator, you can avoid many problems, such as Google Chrome high CPU usage on startup issue. You can follow these simple steps to run Google Chrome as an administrator.
1. Right-click on the Google Chrome Desktop icon and click on Properties.
2. Navigate to the Compatibility tab and check the box for Run this program as an administrator.
3. Finally, click on Apply, and then OK.
Method 2: Remove Chrome Extensions
Browser extensions are important tools that can help you navigate around the Google Chrome browser, making navigating around websites easier for you. There are all kinds of extensions on Google Chrome, from extensions providing download links for YouTube videos to extensions helping you find the best deals on online shopping. However, sometimes these extensions can also interfere with the Chrome settings and cause various errors. Therefore, if you continue to receive this error, try removing some of the extensions to fix Google Chrome high CPU and memory usage on PC.
1. Open Google Chrome from the start menu.
2. From the top right corner of the browser window, click on the Menu options.
3. Here, click on More Tools and then click on Extensions.
4. From the list of your extensions, locate the one that may be causing Google Chrome high memory usage Windows 10 issue and remove it.
Also Read: Fix Google Chrome Frequently Visited Sites Missing
Method 3: Update System Graphic Drivers
If the previous methods do not help with the issue, you should consider checking with the system graphic driver. A corrupt graphic driver can cause various errors with various programs, including Chrome using too much CPU in background issue. If you are not sure how to update the graphic driver to fix Google Chrome high CPU usage on startup issue, you can check out the 4 Ways to Update Graphics Drivers in Windows 10 guide to safely update your system graphic driver.
Method 4: Repair System Files
The issue with Google Chrome can also be caused by corrupt or problematic system files. If system files are corrupt, they can cause a number of problems with their computer’s performance. Windows allows users to perform a scan to repair and resolve issues caused by corrupt system files. You can check out the How to Repair System Files on Windows 10 guide to learn how to perform scans to fix Google Chrome high CPU and memory usage on PC.
Also Read: Fix Chrome Blocking Download Issue
Method 5: Free up Drive Space
If the C: drive on your computer is almost full, you can experience lagging issues on your computer. A full disk can also cause various other issues with programs such as Google Chrome. Therefore, you can try to free up drive space on your computer to resolve the Chrome high CPU usage issue. You can check out the 10 Ways to Free Up Hard Disk Space On Windows guide to find methods to safely free up space on your computer’s hard disks and resolve Google Chrome high memory usage Windows 10 issue.
Method 6: Clear Chrome Cache & Cookies Data
Cache data is temporary browser data, and is stored in the temp folder. This data normally does not harm the computer or the program. However, when cache and cookie data are stored in excessive numbers or when some files get corrupt, it can cause a number of issues such as Chrome using too much CPU in background issue. Chrome’s high CPU usage issue is also sometimes associated with excess or corrupt cache and cookie data. Therefore, it is a good idea to clear Chrome’s cache to resolve Google Chrome high CPU usage on startup issue. You can check out the How to Clear Cache & Cookies in Google Chrome guide to clear cookies and cache data from Google Chrome.
Also Read: How to Perform Chrome Openload Fix
Method 7: Scan for Malware
If your computer has been infected by malware or viruses, you will experience problems while using various programs, including Google Chrome. Malware can also attack your private data and information. Therefore, it is important to scan your computer for a possible malware intrusion. You can check out the How to Remove Malware from your PC in Windows 10 guide to safely scan and remove malware from your computer.
Method 8: Disable Software Reporter for Chrome
One of the most effective methods to resolve this issue with Chrome is to disable the software reporter in the Registry Editor.
1. Open the Registry Editor from the Start menu.
2. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location path.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies
3. Here, if you can’t locate Google Keys, right-click on Policies and click on New, and then Key. Name this key, Google.
4. Now, right-click on Google, and again click on New, and then Key. Name this key Chrome.
5. Now, right-click on the empty space and click on New, and then DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name this new Key ChromeCleanupEnabled.
6. Right-click on the new key, and click on Modify…
7. Under Value data enter 0 and click on OK to save changes.
Also Read: Fix Google Chrome Server Sent No Data Error
Method 9: Disable Hardware Acceleration
Hardware acceleration uses your computer’s GPU to run graphics on your Chrome browser. You can try to disable the hardware acceleration feature to fix the issue. You can disable hardware acceleration in the system settings.
1. Open Google Chrome from the Start Menu.
2. Click on the Menu options from the top right of the window.
3. Here click on Settings.
4. Navigate to System from the left-side menu.
5. Disable the Use hardware acceleration when available.
Method 10: Update Google Chrome
If the previous methods do not help, you can try checking for the latest Chrome updates. Generally, Chrome updates automatically, but in some cases, you may have to check for the latest updates to fix Google Chrome high CPU and memory usage on PC.
1. Navigate to Google Chrome Settings.
2. From the left-side menu, click on About Chrome, and check for updates.
Also Read: Fix Chrome Errors While Searching for Harmful Software
Method 11: Reset Chrome
The Google Chrome high CPU data issue can occur when there are changes made to the Chrome settings. If you can’t figure out how to revert the changes to fix the issue, you can try to reset Chrome to its default settings to fix the high CPU usage issue.
1. Open Google Chrome Settings.
2. Now, navigate to Reset and clean up.
3. Now, click on the Restore settings to their original defaults button.
4. Finally, click on the Reset settings button to reset Google Chrome to default settings.
Also Read: Fix Shockwave Flash Crashes in Chrome
Method 12: Reinstall Chrome
If none of the above-mentioned methods work and you continue to receive the same error, you can try to fix the Chrome error by reinstalling Google Chrome on your computer.
1. Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to open Settings.
2. Here, click on Apps setting.
3. Now, navigate to and click on Google Chrome, and click Uninstall.
4. Click on Uninstall to confirm the process.
5. Click Yes in the confirmation pop-up.
6. Finally, click Uninstall to confirm the uninstallation of Google Chrome.
7. Now, press Windows + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
8. Here, type %localappdata% and press the Enter key.
9. Here, double-click on the Google folder to open it.
10. Locate and right-click on the Chrome folder and click Delete.
11. Again in the Run dialog box, type %appdata% and press the Enter key to open AppData Roaming folder.
12. Follow Steps 9 and 10 to delete the Chrome folder if there is any.
13. Finally, reboot the PC.
14. Open the computer browser, and visit the official Chrome website.
15. Click the Download Chrome button to download Chrome.
16. Run the setup file from the downloaded location and follow the on-screen instructions to install Chrome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What should I do if Chrome is using too much CPU in the background?
Ans. You can try to clear the Chrome data, including the browser history, cache, and cookie data.
Q2. Why does Chrome use too much CPU in the background?
Ans. Google Chrome is notorious for consuming a large amount of CPU in the background. This issue can be caused by excessive extensions or browser data.
Q3. How do I resolve Chrome using too much CPU in the background?
Ans. You can try to use various methods to fix this issue, such as freeing up disk space and checking for possible malware.
Q4. How do I reinstall Chrome to fix the high CPU usage issue?
Ans. One of the easiest fixes for this issue is to reinstall Chrome on your computer. You can reinstall Chrome by uninstalling the current version and installing a new version.
Q5. Can drivers cause high CPU usage issues with Chrome?
Ans. If the graphic drivers on your computer are not working properly, you can try to update them to fix the issue.
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We hope this guide was helpful to you and you were able to fix Google Chrome high CPU and memory usage on PC issues. Let us know which method worked for you. If you have any suggestions or queries for us, please let us know in the comment section.
