Looking to keep your computer's memory in check while browsing? Chrome's latest feature is your new best friend. Here’s a simple guide on how to use Chrome’s tab memory usage tool, ensuring a smoother browsing experience.
If you find that certain tabs are using more memory than you’d like, consider using Chrome’s built-in Memory Saver. Access it by clicking the three-dot menu, going to 'Settings,' and selecting 'Performance.' Here, you can toggle the Memory Saver on. This feature puts tabs you aren't actively using on pause, freeing up valuable memory.
chrome://flags/#memory-saver-memory-usage-in-hovercards
in your address bar and set the flag to 'Enabled.'
By following these steps, you’ll not only have a more responsive browsing experience but also potentially extend the life of your device by avoiding unnecessary memory strain. Keep an eye on those tabs, and happy browsing!
Read next: Bing Chat Still Trending, 'Demand Definitely Did Not Go Down', Microsoft Confirms
Step 1: Update Chrome
Make sure you're running Chrome 119 or newer. This version includes the new memory usage feature. If you’re not sure how to update Chrome, simply open the browser, click on the three-dot menu at the top right, navigate to 'Help,' and select 'About Google Chrome.' The browser will automatically check for updates and install them.Step 2: Hover and Discover
Once updated, open your usual tabs and get to work. To check how much memory a tab is using, simply hover your mouse pointer over the tab. A card will pop up showing the page name, domain, and crucially, the 'Memory usage.' This instant feedback allows you to see which tabs are the most demanding on your system's resources.
Step 3: Manage Memory Effectively
If you find that certain tabs are using more memory than you’d like, consider using Chrome’s built-in Memory Saver. Access it by clicking the three-dot menu, going to 'Settings,' and selecting 'Performance.' Here, you can toggle the Memory Saver on. This feature puts tabs you aren't actively using on pause, freeing up valuable memory.
Step 4: Keep Important Tabs Active
Some tabs are too important to be paused. In the same 'Performance' settings, you’ll find an option to 'Always keep these sites active.' Add the URLs of any sites you don't want to be affected by Memory Saver.Step 5: Boost Your Browsing
Don’t forget about the Energy Saver mode, which is especially handy for laptop users looking to save battery life. This mode limits background activity and tones down visual effects that can drain your battery, like animations and videos.Step 6: Enable (or Disable) the Feature Manually (If Needed)
If you don’t see the memory usage feature yet, type:chrome://flags/#memory-saver-memory-usage-in-hovercards
in your address bar and set the flag to 'Enabled.'
By following these steps, you’ll not only have a more responsive browsing experience but also potentially extend the life of your device by avoiding unnecessary memory strain. Keep an eye on those tabs, and happy browsing!
Read next: Bing Chat Still Trending, 'Demand Definitely Did Not Go Down', Microsoft Confirms
