Speed up Google Chrome

Surfing the web could be much faster and more comfortable if users take the problem of slow page loading seriously. However, most of them either think that this is the way it should be or express their dissatisfaction (with the backbone, ISP, network equipment and their own device) but do nothing about it.

Why things are so bad

Before assigning blame, let's understand what the cause is. First, determine what exactly is running slow. Open the same site (preferably with videos and large images) in different browsers. If the problems are observed only in Chrome, it will be easy to correct it by working with the programme. If the pages load equally slowly, the problem is with your connection or system.

Common causes of slow booting include:

1. Problems with the computer itself. There can be several possibilities here:
   • outdated devices (graphics or central processor, network card or adapter). Even the «fastest» browser will not work fast on an «ancient» computer;
   • problems with drivers (outdated or «torn»);
   • viruses;
   • an abundance of running programmes, each of which requires resource consumption.
2. Slow speed of connection to the Internet. We told you how to check it earlier. Indicators are low when ping > 80 ms, speed < 30 Mbps. If this is observed when connecting via Wi-Fi — use our tips for improvement.
3. Problems with Google Chrome itself. There are also different situations here:
   • a large number of open tabs;
   • an outdated version of the browser;
   • an abundance of active extensions.

Disconnect everything unnecessary. Check the system

First, let's close all the currently unnecessary programs and extensions in Google Chrome. Open «Extensions» and go to «Manage Extensions». Disable those that are unnecessary or perform the same functions, there may be a lot of them.

The neighbouring item «Delete data about pages viewed» will also come in handy. The browser stores data about page visits and remembers images. It is recommended to clear history, cookies and cache periodically.

Run a full antivirus scan on your computer (you should always do it) and delete any suspicious files found during the scan.

An additional useful programme to clean your computer of anything unnecessary is called Ccleaner. Unlike antivirus, it searches not for malicious, but unused files that simply «steal» memory. We also recommend that you periodically defragment your discs and do not fill up your C drive to a high level.

Check drivers, update or reinstall if necessary. Go to «Control Panel», «Hardware and Sound» and select «Device Manager». Locate your video card, network card and open the settings by double-clicking. Click on the "Driver" tab to see the current version. Then open the manufacturer's website and see the available update for the driver for your model. If the driver is outdated or not installed for some reason, download it.

Useful tricks in Google Chrome settings

There are several tricks that will allow you to «overclock» the browser even on a not very modern computer. First, go to the applications by entering the command in the address bar:

chrome://apps

A list of active applications will open. Often users do not use half of the built-in functions, so there is an opportunity to delete unnecessary («PCM» — «Delete»).

Now let's move on to the experimental functions. Type the command in the address bar:

chrome://flags

Here, tick the checkboxes against such functions:

• override software rendering list;
• experimental canvas features;
• accelerated 2D canvas.

After changing each of the settings, restart your browser to monitor performance.

Now go to the address:

chrome://flags/#enable-scroll-prediction

Here you need to activate the «Scroll prediction» feature.

Next command:

chrome://flags/#enable-simple-cache-backend

Activate Simple cache for FTTP. This is the new caching system.

Last and most important:

chrome://flags/#enable-nostate-prefetch

Here you need to select Enabled Prerender.

Once again, restart the browser and check if the programme is working. Tabs should open and load much faster.

We also recommend you to read our video on this topic.