Why Does Chrome Use So Much CPU In The Background?

Google Chrome is unquestionably one of the most popular web browsers in the world, renowned for its speed, adaptability, and vast features. 

Chrome’s propensity to consume many CPU resources, even when the browser is in the background, is a persistent issue that Chrome users frequently encounter. This high CPU utilization can result in decreased device performance, decreased battery life on laptops and mobile devices, and an overall aggravating user experience. 

In this article, we will investigate the causes of Chrome’s high CPU utilization in the background, including the various factors contributing to this behavior. In addition, we can provide practical guidelines and capacity solutions to help mitigate this issue, enabling users to optimize their browsing experience while minimizing the impact on device resources.

Why Does Chrome Use So Much CPU In The Background?

Unnecessary extensions

Chrome used a large amount of CPU in the past due to numerous motives, with pointless extensions being one of them. Extensions are small software programs that could enhance the capabilities of Chrome, but they also can devour gadget sources. If you’ve got a couple of extensions installed, especially ones that run continuously or carry out in-depth obligations, they could contribute to multiplied CPU utilization. 

• How To Fix It?

Reviewing, disabling, or eliminating any needless or unused extensions to lessen CPU usage is usually recommended. Some extensions can only work on specific sites, and sometimes, we download extensions we only need for one-time use. You have to disable or remove such extensions. 

To remove or disable the extension, open Chrome and click on the three dots to open the settings file. Go to “More Tools,” then select “Extensions” from the file. Once you are in the extension settings, you can disable or delete the extension.

Unnecessary Background App

The CPU is a basic resource for many apps and programs. Additionally, the application may have processes in its history that demand CPU cycles to execute. These methods may include background services, monitoring requirements, or other activities that persist even when the app is not actively used.

• How To Fix It?

The most simple technique to remove unnecessary background apps is through Task Manager. Task Manager is a Windows program that contains a list of every application running in the background or foreground.

Press “Ctrl+Alt+Del” and then select “Task Manager” from the list. Once it’s open, go to the “Processes” tab. Here, you will find all the running apps. Select the unnecessary app and click “End Task” to remove it.

Low Disk Space

Chrome may use excessive CPU for various reasons, including when your device’s available disk space is low. When disk space is limited, Chrome may struggle to complete certain tasks, such as caching information or writing temporary files. As a result, the browser may consume more CPU resources as it endeavors to control and organize the restricted space. 

• How To Fix It?

To address this issue, you can free up disk space on your device by eliminating unused files and programs or by transferring data to an external storage device. Additionally, frequently deleting your browser’s cache and disabling unused extensions can help reduce Chrome’s CPU usage.

Outdated Chrome

In the past, older versions of Chrome have used a lot of CPU resources for various reasons. First, older versions may not have the speed improvements and trojan horse fixes that have been added to newer versions. So, the old Chrome might not have been able to manage device resources well, which led to longer CPU use. 

Also, older versions might not have had energy-saving features, which could have caused the CPU to work too much. Also, old Chrome might be unable to handle new web technologies and pages that are hard to understand, meaning that more CPU power would be needed to process and display information. 

• How To Fix It?

If you update Chrome regularly, you’ll get better speed, better control of your resources, and better compatibility with changing web standards. It will eventually lead to less CPU usage in the background.

Misconfigured Chrome Settings

Misconfigured settings in Chrome lead to using more than normal resources of your components, including the CPU. How it is set up can change Chrome’s use of useful resources. Each tab and application uses memory and CPU power, which could strain the CPU. 

The hardware acceleration feature is another bad thing about a possibility. If this setting is turned on but doesn’t work with the system or graphics card, it can cause the CPU to work too much. 

• How To Fix It?

The problem can be fixed by turning off hardware acceleration in Chrome’s advanced settings. Also, a few Chrome flags, which are experimental features that can be turned on or off, may affect how much CPU is used. 

Enabling sure flags may cause errors that make the CPU work harder. It is recommended to look over any changed flags and return them to their original settings. Also, restarting all the settings may make Chrome error-free.

Outdated Device Drivers

Device drivers are pieces of software that allow your computer’s operating system and hardware to talk to each other. When device drivers get old, they may no longer work well with the latest version of Chrome or your operating system.

Outdated device drivers can cause poor use of resources, such as longer CPU use. It can happen because the old drivers may be unable to optimize the hardware speed or do what Chrome needs. As a result, Chrome can use more CPU resources than it needs to, causing more CPU use even when the browser isn’t being used.

• How To Fix It?

Go to Windows Device Manager by right-clicking on the Windows start menu. Select each driver, especially the sound and display drivers, and press “Update.” Always select “Search automatically for drivers” to search and install the relevant drivers for your PC. 

How Much CPU Usage Is Normal For Google Chrome?

Google Chrome’s CPU usage should be between 30 and 40%, but up to 50% is acceptable. However, over 50% of excessive use must be controlled, or problems will arise. This usage is also due to excessive open tabs or background apps, including other browsers that may conflict. 

Google Chrome’s average CPU usage can change based on how many tabs are open, what extensions are installed, and how complicated the web content is. Most of the time, Chrome will use between 10% and 20% of the CPU when it is idle or showing simple web pages. 

But when doing more complicated tasks, like playing video games or running web tools, the CPU usage can go up to 30% to 40% or even higher. Suppose Chrome regularly uses too much CPU or causes performance problems. In that case, it might be worth looking into the extensions, plugins, or history methods running in Chrome, as they can help Chrome use CPU more efficiently.

Also, keeping Chrome and the operating system up-to-date, turning off extensions you don’t use, and not closing tabs you don’t need can help improve CPU use for a smoother browsing experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chrome’s high CPU usage in the past is a usual problem that many users have to deal with. Several things can cause this problem, such as unnecessary extensions, apps that are still running in the background, low file space, old versions of Chrome, settings that aren’t set up right, and old device drivers. 

To fix this, users can check for and disable or get rid of unnecessary extensions, get rid of useless background apps using the Task Manager, free up space on their devices’ hard drives, update Chrome often, fix misconfigured settings like turning off hardware acceleration, and update device drivers through the Windows Device Manager.

It’s important to note that the average CPU usage for Google Chrome should be between 30% and 40%, with up to 50% being a good number. But you must keep your CPU usage below 50% if you don’t want speed problems. 

The CPU usage can change depending on how many tabs are open, what plugins are installed, and how complicated the web content is. By doing these things and having their browsing environment optimized, Chrome users can improve their experience and make sure things run smoothly.

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