Chromebooks are laptops and two-in-ones that run ChromeOS, Google’s Chrome operating system. These laptops heavily feature Google Suite of apps (Chrome, Google Docs, Google Slides, etc.) and require a working internet connection to utilize them. But like any electronic device, Chromebooks will slow down over time, be it from heavy usage, hardware, or internet issues.
If you are wondering ‘why is my Chromebook so slow,’ we will discuss in this article possible reasons why your Chromebook’s speed is declining and some tips that will help you speed it up and maintain its performance.
Page Contents (Click Icon To Open/Close)
Why Is My Chromebook So Slow? (Possible Causes)
Despite functioning heavily on the cloud, Chromebooks are still susceptible to common problems that may slow down their systems. Here are some of the possible causes:
Apps And Extension
Installing many apps on your Chromebook will take up more resources from your system. At the same time, using too many extensions means more items will be running in the background requiring the system to use more power. This will take a toll on your system and slow it down.
Issues with Programs
Another reason why your Chromebook is running slow might be from the programs installed in your system. For example, using an outdated or incompatible program will result in the sluggish performance of your system.
In addition, these programs will force your Chromebook to use more of its resources, hindering the speed of your OS.
You also need to make sure that your programs are properly configured. If they aren’t, they will cause the disk space to be shallow, affecting the overall performance of your Chromebook.
Storage
The local storage capacity on Chromebooks is usually limited, given that they provide free cloud storage. Google Chromebooks offer 16 - 32 GB of local storage, while Acer and Samsung have 32 GB storage. HP Chromebooks offer the highest storage with 64 GB.
Most of the time, the local storage is mainly used as a cache, so if you download and store files locally, it may cause your system to slow down as it reaches its maximum capacity.
Heavy Web Pages
This reason is out of your control, but it can still affect the speed of your Chromebook. As the web is becoming more powerful, operating systems, including ChromeOS, need to work harder to keep up with it. Because of this, rendering web pages can sometimes be a lot of work for Chromebooks, especially if you have an older model.
How To Speed Up Your Chromebook (Essential Tips For Speed)
Important note: Before anything, ensure that your internet connection is working correctly. Chromebooks often require an internet connection to function, and in some instances, your internet connection is the culprit on why your system is slow.
Terminate Unnecessary Background Apps
Installing unnecessary apps can slow down the speed of your Chromebook. To speed up, you must terminate them, freeing up some resources. Here’s how you can end these tasks:
- 1Open your Task Manager by pressing and holding Shift + Esc.
- 2Once you’ve pulled up your Task Manager, you will see all the applications and processes your system is using. Check each one and see which one takes more resources.
- 3When you find unnecessary processes or apps running in the background, right-click it and choose End task. Make sure that you aren’t using these programs or processes before you end them.
In most cases, terminating applications and processes from the Task Manager can quickly boost the speed of your Chromebook. However, if it doesn’t fix the solution, try the other methods below.
Remove Extensions
Having too many extensions can cause your browser and computer to slow down. Disabling them from your Chromebook can speed up your system. Here’s how:
- 1On your Chromebook, open Google Chrome.
- 2On Chrome, open the menu and select More Tools, then choose Extensions.
- 3From this page, disable or delete the extensions that you rarely or don’t use anymore.
This method can reduce the memory burden on your Chromebook, making it faster.
Move Local Files To The Cloud
Since Chromebooks have limited local storage, using it to almost the maximum capacity can slow down your device. So instead of saving your files locally, move them to your online storage, such as Google Drive, to free up space from your Chromebook. Otherwise, delete them if you don’t use them anymore.
Deactivate Your Offline Sync
Automatically syncing your Google Drive can be helpful, especially if you can’t always find a reliable internet connection. However, it takes up large amounts of bandwidth and processing power on your device. Below are the steps on how you can deactivate this setting:
- 1Go to your Google Drive and click the gear icon found on the top-right part of the page.
- 2Go to General settings and uncheck the box that says “Sync Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drawings files to this computer so that you can edit offline.”
Once done, you won’t have access to your Google Drive files and won’t be able to edit them offline. However, it will speed up your Chromebook.
Try Using The Guest Mode
The last method you can try to speed up your Chromebook is using it as a guest. This allows you to use your Chromebook in a factory setting and disables any customization you have on it.
If this speeds up your Chromebook, there is something wrong with your setting. You can either look for the setting that causes the problem and modify it or reformat your computer.
How To Fix Slow Internet Issues On Your Chromebook
Most of the Chromebooks’ functionality depends on a stable internet connection, so if you don’t have a stable one, it could slow down your device. Here are some ways to fix slow internet issues:
Ensure Your Network Connection Is Not Slow
Before doing any advanced troubleshooting, check your network speed. More often than not, your internet speed is the culprit for slow internet issues on your Chromebook.
To do this, simply open your Chrome and run a speed test. Check if you're getting the normal speed you should get from your Internet Service Provider. If not, you can try to restart your router and see if it will fix the problem. Otherwise, call your provider and let them know about this issue.
Disable Privacy Options
In some cases, your Chromebook's privacy options can slow down your internet connection. Two possibilities can slow it down:
Turning this option can speed up your internet connection. Simply open Chrome and go to Menu > Settings > Show Advanced Settings > Privacy.
Change DNS
Your Internet Service Provider usually sets the Domain Name Servers (DNS) on your router. However, a certain DNS can encounter network problems, and changing it to something can help solve the issue. We suggest using Google’s DNS to help minimize internet problems. Here’s how:
- 1On your Chromebook, click your WiFi connection and then select your network.
- 2Choose Google name servers under the Network tab; if you wish to use a different DNS, select Custom name servers.
Use An Ad Blocker
Sometimes, a slow internet connection is caused by the ads on the websites you visit. If you usually leave many tabs open, each of them runs many advertisements that can use a lot of resources and bandwidth. Minimize these ads by using extensions like Adblock, uBlock Origin, and similar.
How To Maintain Performance On Your Chromebook (Prevention Tips)
Ensure that your Chromebook is running at optimal speed by doing these tips below:
- 1Limit your Chrome extensions. Every extension you install on your browser uses resources on your device. The more you install, the harder your Chromebook will work. Try only to install those you need to maintain its performance.
- 2Close tabs if not in use. Every tab you open will use your machine’s RAM and CPU cycles, slowing down your system. If you can, close the tabs that you are not using.
- 3Periodically clear your Chrome’s browsing history. As your browser history builds up, some may get corrupted, causing your Chromebook to run slower. Clear them periodically to ensure they won’t affect the performance of your system.
Tip: Quickly delete your Chrome browser history by pressing and holding the Ctrl + Shift + Delete key.
- 4If you can, always use your Chromebook in a location where you can get a strong WiFi signal. Since the functions of your device heavily rely on a stable internet connection, the stronger the WiFI is, the faster it will work.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How do I clear RAM on my Chromebook?
You can clear RAM on your Chromebook by deleting unnecessary files, using Google Drive instead of your local storage, deleting your browser history, or using third-party extensions, such as The Great Suspender.
Is 4GB RAM enough for a Chromebook?
If you are just working from home and doing light tasks such as typing and surfing the internet, 4GB RAM is enough. However, if you need to run heavy programs or stream, you will need more RAM.
Can Chromebook RAM be upgraded?
Unfortunately, most model Chromebooks are not upgradeable. Batteries, RAM, SSD, modules are soldered to the motherboard, and the cases hold them together designed as a “unibody.” However, it doesn’t make it impossible to repair.
How do I increase my Chromebook processor?
You can use the methods above to speed up your Chromebook processes. However, you won’t be able to upgrade the processor itself. If you need an upgrade, you need to buy a new Chromebook with an updated processor.
Why is zoom so bad on Chromebook?
Zoom is a CPU-intensive program, and if you have a lot of processes or programs open in the background, it can affect the performance of Zoom. So close some of your apps or processes when you plan to use Zoom to ensure it works well.
Conclusion
Chromebooks are famous for providing seamless internet browsing, thanks to Google’s ChromeOS. However, if your Chromebook is beginning to slow down, you can try the methods we listed below and the prevention tips. But if you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work, it may be time to consider getting a new one.
Jake Redman is a UK-born-digital nomad & founder of Ultimate Quality Content, a collective of high-end copywriters formed to provide detailed insight into everything technology-related. Jake is the definition of a man-nerd. He gets excited over things like processor architecture, ray-tracing, & is an avid E-Sports fan, specifically League of Legends. When he isn’t writing detailed tech-related articles, Jake can be found performing fire-breathing shows & wields a dragon staff, or on the sofa playing Mario Kart.