Top 7 Ways to Fix Memory Leak In Google Chrome on Windows and Mac

Top 7 Ways to Fix Memory Leak In Google Chrome on Windows and Mac

Google Chrome continues to dominate the popularity charts of browsers and is often the browser of choice for many users. However, it is not without missteps and problems. Google Chrome is infamous for its large share of the device’s RAM. We have seen Google Chrome slow down over time due to the memory leak issue.

You must have noticed random behaviors like opening a new tab taking longer, Google Chrome throwing blank screen for a few seconds, and slow scrolling performance while browsing the web. Every issue is related to the memory leak issue in Google Chrome. Let’s solve it.

1. Use Task Manager (Windows)

A task manager on Windows 10 lets you see how many resources Google Chrome is using on the device. Sometimes you will be surprised at how much Google Chrome uses RAM and CPU to deliver smooth performance. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Use the keyboard combination Ctrl + Alt + Del.

2nd step: Select Task Manager from the next menu.

Step 3: You will notice Google Chrome as well as the other processes that it is running in the background.



Windows Task Manager

Right-click on Chrome in the list to select it and press the End Task button at the bottom. This will close all running Chrome processes, free up RAM space, and allow you to relaunch Chrome. You should also take a look at other processes running in the background.

2. Use Activity Monitor (Mac)

Activity Monitor is the Mac version of Task Manager. You can opt for Activity Monitor on Mac to track Google Chrome RAM usage and close it.

Step 1: Use Command + Space keys on Mac and search for Activity Monitor.

2nd step: Open the activity monitor and search for Google Chrome.



Activity Monitor on Mac

Step 3: If you notice huge spikes in CPU usage, select the app and click the ‘X’ icon at the top.

The process will force the application to close completely.

3. Use the Google Chrome task manager

Do you know that Google Chrome comes with a built-in task manager? It is available on Windows and Mac. The task manager and activity monitor trick completely shuts the app down, but what if a culpable tab is causing the memory leak problem on Google Chrome?

In such cases, you can use Google Chrome’s built-in task manager. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open Google Chrome and right click on the tab bar.

2nd step: Select Task Manager from the following context menu.



Chrome task manager

Step 3: This will open the task manager and you will be able to see the amount of RAM used by Chrome tabs, extensions and services.



Chrome task manager

Step 4: Select the process with excessive RAM usage and press the End Process button at the bottom.

4. Disable Chrome Extensions

Extensions play a vital role in the Chrome experience. You’ll be fine with popular plugins, but if you’re used to using unfamiliar plugins, you need to keep track of them. Some may not be actively maintained, may be out of date, or may develop incompatibilities with newer versions of Chrome.

First of all, you can use the Chrome task manager and disable a memory-leaking extension on Chrome. Another way is to remove all extensions installed on the browser. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open Google Chrome, tap the three-dot menu at the top.

2nd step: Go to More Tools> Extensions.



Disable Chrome Extensions

Step 3: This will open the Extension menu. Hit the Remove button and remove the Chrome extensions.

5. Reset all Chrome settings

This can help, as there are times when changing the wrong settings could potentially cause issues with Chrome, especially if you enable beta features.

You can fix all of this by resetting Chrome.

Step 1: Launch Chrome and open Settings.

2nd step: Scroll down and click on Advanced to open all settings.



Reset chrome settings on the desktop

Step 3: Scroll down to the Reset & Clean section and click on Restore Default Settings.

This will open a window with a warning that all Chrome settings will be reset. Just select Reset Settings to continue.

Remember that this will disable all your extensions, erase temporary data, and erase all cookies. However, it will not affect saved favorites, history and passwords.

6. Use Chrome Malware Scanner

If none of the above tips work, your system may contain malware that is interfering with Chrome. The good news is that Google has built in an anti-malware scanner that will scan your computer and detect any issues.

Step 1: Open Chrome and go to settings.

2nd step: Scroll down and click on Advanced to open all settings.



Chrome Scanner

Step 3: Scroll down to the Reset and clean section and click Clean up computer.

This will open a window where you can launch the Chrome malware scan. Simply select the Search button to start the scan.

7. Update Google Chrome

A recent Chrome update may have disrupted memory management on the device. Fortunately, the Chrome software team are quick to fix these issues with a fix.

Step 1: Open Google Chrome on the device.

2nd step: Click on the three-dot menu in the upper right corner and open Settings.



Update Chrome

Step 3: Go to the About Chrome menu and update Google Chrome to the latest version.

Also on Guiding Tech

Enjoy a smooth Chrome experience

Google Chrome’s memory leak is a headache, especially when you’re about to get things done. Follow the above steps and fix Chrome memory leak issue on Windows and Mac. Let us know which trick worked for you in the comments below.

Then:

Are you receiving too many notifications from the Google Chrome browser? Read the article below to find out why this is happening and how to fix it.

Last updated on April 12, 2021


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