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Google Chrome’s reputation for excessive RAM usage might finally be nearing an end, thanks to an update with heaps of new performance features. These updates grant you more control over Chrome and keep its RAM usage in check.
Performance Issue Alerts
It’s no secret that Chrome often hogs RAM, keeping it all to itself and making other applications struggle. However, Google has finally taken steps in the right direction by introducing performance features that indirectly let you decide how much RAM Chrome can use, as first revealed onGoogle’s The Keyword blog.
One of Chrome’s new features is the performance issue alert. This feature raises alerts for websites using more resources than needed, which is especially handy when a single website is causing a slowdown.
Now, whenever Chrome feels the system is lagging, it sends a notification recommending tabs for deactivation. You also get a “Fix now” button to deactivate tabs directly from there.
To activate performance issue alerts:
With this, I finally can have peace of mind, as I don’t have to worry anymore about web pages that might beslowing down my PC, especially when there are over 20 tabs open at a time. Additionally, I also get a quick fix button within reach.
Memory Saver Modes
Apart from sending notifications to improve performance, you can choose from three memory-saving modes. Memory-saving features simply deactivate tabs that haven’t been used for some time and free up the RAM.
To activate it:
Choosing each mode will impact how aggressively Chrome frees up memory:
I have set memory saver mode to the maximum, as Chrome has caused a severe slowdown on my laptop with 8GB of RAM. This feature will also help yousave battery on your laptop.
Inactive Tab Appearance
With the inactive tab appearance, you can toggle to either hide or visibly see which tabs in Chrome are deactivated. I have toggled the feature off because I find it annoying, and it has added clutter to the interface. You can turn it on or off:
You might have to play around with it to find your favorite option.
Keeping My Favorite Websites Active
Sometimes, I want to prevent Chrome from deactivating certain tabs that might have background processes running, or I want the page to refresh itself periodically.
Chrome offers two ways to add websites that are prevented from deactivating. I can either manually add a web page’s address or select sites currently open in a tab. To add a website:
Whichever option you choose, you now have more ways than ever to manage Chrome’s memory use, something its users have demanded for years.
