Why Is My Chromebook So Slow and How Can I Speed It Up? [Comprehensive Guide]

Chromebooks are highly responsive due to the advanced features of ChromeOS. They are much faster than their budget hardware suggests! The streamlined software of Chromebooks ensures they perform efficiently for many years, offering a cost-effective solution.

But did you know that even the most advanced Chromebooks have an expiration date? As they age, the everyday tasks you perform on them can affect their performance. If you're experiencing a slow Chromebook issue, you can revitalize its performance with the tips and tricks mentioned below.

Alright, without further delay, let's uncover the answer to your query: "Why is my Chromebook so slow!"

Why Is My Chromebook So Slow?

Everyone enjoys streamlining their tasks with a Chromebook, but what if its decreased speed affects performance? Numerous factors can contribute to a sluggish Chromebook! Let's explore the 5 most common reasons behind the Chromebook running slow issue.

Reason 1: Google Update

Google has recently released its updated version 91.0.4472.147 for ChromeOS. However, upon upgrading to this newest version, users have discovered various bugs that make the experience less appealing. The performance of their Chromebooks has notably decreased, resulting in the recent Google update causing Chromebooks to become slow.

Reason 2: Slow internet connection

When faced with a poor network connection, you cannot enhance your Chromebook's speed by adjusting settings, modifying hardware, or managing installed/downloaded software. A slow internet connection frequently compromises your PC's performance, resulting in a sluggish Chromebook experience.

Reason 3: Installed Extensions

You can enhance your Chromebook's performance by incorporating various extensions into your browser. Consequently, the more extensions you add to your Chromebook, the more resources they will consume. In summary, installing extensions is the primary reason your Chromebook might become slower over time.

Reason 4: Multiple apps running in the background

Are there multiple programs and apps running on your system? As you've installed a large number of apps, they can consume a significant amount of system resources and memory. In this context, it's advisable to review the installed applications and remove those that are least utilized. Alternatively, some applications might be outdated or originally installed from a different operating system, which could cause your Chromebook to perform slowly.

How Can I Speed Up My Chromebook?

Are you wondering how to make your Chromebook run faster? Here are some effective ways to speed up your Chromebook:

1. Method 1: Enable Hyper-Threading
2. Method 2: Automatically Suspend Inactive Tabs on Chromebook
3. Method 3: Free Up Chromebook Storage
4. Method 4: Check with Task Manager
5. Method 5: Remove Extensions

Method 1: Enable Hyper-Threading

If your Chromebook is powered by an Intel processor, there's a hidden technique to optimize its CPU performance. Hyper-threading is a feature that allows your computer to execute multiple tasks simultaneously on a single core.

Chromebooks have hyper-threading disabled by default. This means that each core can handle only one task at a time on your device. Disabling hyper-threading is a security measure to protect your Chromebook from potential risks. However, if you're willing to exercise additional caution when deciding which websites or apps to download, you can enable hyper-threading to potentially improve performance.

Type chrome://flags into the address bar of the Google Chrome browser and press Enter. Look for an entry called "Scheduler Configuration" and select "Enable Hyper-Threading on Relevant CPUs" from the dropdown menu next to it. Restart your Chromebook for the changes to take effect.

Method 2: Automatically Suspend Inactive Tabs on Chromebook

Most of your work on a Chromebook probably takes place within open tabs and windows. Thus, it stands to reason that restricting the number of active processes in your browser would be the most effective way to boost your device's performance.

This image shows a screenshot of the "OneTab" feature in action, which allows users to suspend inactive tabs to conserve browser resources. The text on the tab says "OneTab" and below it, there's a message that reads "Suspends 11 inactive tabs to save memory." This indicates that the user has temporarily consolidated multiple inactive tabs into one OneTab entry, freeing up memory and improving their browsing experience.

With the assistance of the free OneTab browser extension, you can effortlessly pause all inactive tabs, freeing up a substantial amount of RAM for the ones you're actively using. OneTab allows you to browse through the list of suspended pages whenever you need to restore them, making it easy to locate the specific pages you're seeking without overloading your computer's resources.

Method 3: Free up Chromebook Storage

Your Chromebook depends on the temporary data it generates regularly to load frequently used programs and websites swiftly. If it runs low on storage space, it might be necessary to clear out its local storage. There are various methods to free up space on a Chromebook. For instance, you can click this link to learn how to delete apps on a Chromebook.

Step 1. Launch the "Settings" app on your Chromebook

Step 2. Next, select "Storage management" from the menu. This will provide a summary of what is taking up space on your computer's storage. Based on this information, you can take appropriate action.

For example, if there has been an excessive accumulation of browsing data.

Step 3. Click "Browsing data," then check "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files" in the pop-up that appears.

Step 4. Click "Clear data" after deciding how much of your most recent browsing history you want to erase.

Step 5. Similarly, you can uninstall any unnecessary programs by going to "Apps and extensions." On compatible Chromebooks, you can attach an external SD card to organize local files or connect a cloud storage service to转移一些内容 there.

Additionally, we can easily insert SD cards to add extra storage to a Chromebook. Often, when we attach or buy external storage for future use, we format it. Hence, if you wish to format an SD card on your Chromebook, we have solutions available for you at format SD card Chromebook.

Method 4: Check with Task Manager

The Chromebook features an integrated task manager, akin to those found on Windows computers, which displays a list of open programs and processes along with the utilization of memory, CPU, network, and other resources at any given moment.

Step 1. The Chrome browser will launch; hit the Chrome menu button in the upper-right corner.

Step 2. Click on "More tools" to open the Task Manager. Alternatively, you can instantly open the Chromebook Task Manager using the shortcut Search + Esc.

Step 3. Check the currently running programs or processes to see which one is using the most resources and can be closed.

Step 4. Select the application you want to close in the lower right corner, then click the "End Process" button.

Method 5: Remove Extensions

A Chromebook's underperformance is often due to having too many extensions installed. To address this, you should review your extensions and uninstall any unnecessary ones. The process to remove extensions typically involves: 1. Launch Google Chrome on your Chromebook. 2. Click on the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner of the browser window to open the Chrome menu. 3. From the menu, select "More tools" and then click on "Extensions." 4. This will open a new tab showing all your installed extensions. 5. Carefully go through the list and identify any extensions that you no longer need or suspect might be causing performance issues. 6. To remove an extension, click on the trashcan icon next to the one you want to uninstall. 7. A confirmation prompt may appear; click "Remove" to confirm the uninstallation. 8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for each additional extension you want to get rid of. 9. After removing the unnecessary extensions, restart your Chromebook to see if it performs better. Remember that some extensions might be enabled but not visible in the toolbar. In that case, look for the "Manage extensions" option in step 3, and you'll find a complete list, including the hidden ones.

Step 1. Launch the Chrome web browser.

Step 2. Select the menu button in the top right corner.

Step 3. Scroll down to More tools.

Step 4. Decide on Extensions. You can also access this by typing "chrome://extensions" into the address bar.

Step 5. The installed extensions will be listed.

Step 6. Turning the switch off will prevent the additional extensions from being used. However, we recommend selecting Remove to eliminate outdated extensions.

Final Verdict can be translated into English as "Ultimate Ruling" or "Final Judgment."

The first section delves into the essential knowledge about Chromebooks for those who are unfamiliar with them. If you're a Chromebook user asking, "why is my Chromebook so slow," the second section details the probable reasons. The third section provides 5 practical solutions to promptly speed up a sluggish Chromebook. It is sincerely hoped that the information above assists you in finding a resolution.

Chromebook FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Below are the FAQs to help you efficiently understand the topic:

1. How long does a Chromebook typically last?

The typical lifespan of a Chromebook generally ranges from 5 to 8 years. For at least five years following its release date, a Chromebook is scheduled to receive a full update to Chrome OS approximately every four weeks.

2. Why is a brand-new Chromebook so slow? A brand-new Chromebook should ideally provide a smooth and fast user experience right out of the box. If you're encountering slowness, there could be several reasons: 1. **Initial Setup and Updates:** When you first turn on your Chromebook, it may take some time to set up and download necessary updates. This process can cause temporary sluggishness. 2. **Background Processes:** Google services and other pre-installed apps might be running in the background, consuming resources. Check your running apps and close any unnecessary ones. 3. **Limited Storage:** Chromebooks often have limited local storage. If your device is filling up quickly, it can affect performance. Clear out temporary files, cache, and unused apps. 4. **Poor Internet Connection:** Chromebooks rely heavily on internet connectivity. A weak or unstable connection can lead to slow performance, especially for web-based activities. 5. **Too Many Tabs or Apps Open:** Like any computer, having multiple tabs or apps open at once can strain the system. Close unnecessary tabs and apps to free up resources. 6. **Low Battery:** A low battery can cause a Chromebook to slow down as it conserves power. Make sure your device is adequately charged. 7. **Hardware Issues:** Although unlikely in a new device, hardware problems can occur. Ensure all components are functioning correctly. If the issue persists, try restarting your Chromebook or performing a Powerwash (a factory reset) as a last resort. Remember to backup your data before doing so. If the problem still isn't resolved, contact the manufacturer's support for further assistance.

One or more extensions on your Chromebook might be causing this slowdown issue. Additionally, if you frequently have numerous tabs open, don't regularly shut down your Chromebook, or run out of storage space, your device's performance may gradually decrease.

3. How do I check my Chromebook's performance?

After clicking the menu button on your Chromebook (found in the bottom left corner of the desktop), type diagnostics into the search box. Once you see the Diagnostics symbol, press Enter on your keyboard or click it using the trackpad.