Chromebook is a type of computer that operates on the Chrome operating system. It’s designed to make your work easier and faster. For this reason, the problem of the Chromebook running slow is of concern.
I will give you a quick overview of what a Chromebook is, why the issue of Chromebook running slow occurs, and finally steps you can take to remedy the situation.
What Is Chromebook?🤷♂️
As I mentioned earlier, Chromebook runs on the Chrome operating system. Chrome is the most popular browser globally, but many people do not know that there are special laptops that run on a Chrome operating system, called Chromebooks.
Chrome books enjoy all the benefits of the Google ecosystem, cloud storage, and several layers of security. It is designed to help you get things done effortlessly and quickly, especially on the internet.
Why Is Chromebook Running Slow?🤷♀️
Though Chromebook runs on superior cutting edge technology, it is not flawless. After months of use, you are bound to run into a problem or two while using the device.
Chromebook running slow is quite common. This alludes to the fact that there are several reasons why this can happen.
I will itemize the most common reasons for your Chromebooks slowing down. Of course, more than one of these may be responsible for your device lagging.
1. Google Update
An out-of-date OS may imply that your device doesn’t have the features it needs to operate smoothly. In this case, a new update usually brings new features and corrections to the bugs and glitches of previous updates.
However, there have been updates in the past that have led to the slowing down of Chromebook.
In these cases, the updates usually had increased CPU and storage requirements. If this happens to you, you can wait for a new update or uninstall the updates made.
2. Slow Internet Connection
Sometimes the slow speed of your device has nothing to do with your device’s memory or settings but rather with the speed of the internet.
No matter how good the conditions of your Chromebook are, if you have poor internet, you will experience lags during several processes.
So it is wise to make sure you are on a wired connection or one where not many other people are connected.
3. Too Many Apps And Programs
Chromebook running slow usually happens because the memory is almost full.
Accumulating several apps and programs has a way of taking up all the space. This becomes more obvious if they all are running or launched simultaneously.
There will be a higher demand or workload on the RAM with many apps running simultaneously.
Additionally, the presence of outdated apps or those better suited to a different OS slows down your system.
4. Installed Extensions
Extensions are installed to improve the performance of your browser or perform special purposes while on the internet.
Like apps, they tend to accumulate without you knowing and consume large amounts of your computer’s resources.
It is best to disable any extensions you do not need or uninstall them
5. Too Many Open Tabs
You’re probably guilty of having a gazillion tabs open when browsing. Some people never close tabs once they open them. The bad news is that those open tabs contribute to the slowing down of your Chromebook. They can even leave your browser unresponsive.
6. Low RAM Capacity
With more simultaneously running apps there is a larger need for computing and storage or RAM resources.
If the capacity is small, it would not be able to handle both the background processes and the computing activities you are engaged in. As a result, the Chromebook begins to run slower.
7. Low Disk Storage
When the SSD or hard drive used on your Chromebook is running out of space, processes automatically run slower.
You can either change your hard disk to one with a greater capacity or transfer files either to the cloud or to other storage devices.
8. Damaged Hardware
If you have a damaged or faulty hard disk or hardware, the Chromebook’s performance will be affected. Decreased speeds and decreased performance are one of the main signs of deteriorating hardware components.
What Should I Do When Chromebook Is Running Slow?🧚♂️
Now getting to fixes, there are several steps you can take to resolve the problem. Often your Chromebook gets slow for several reasons, so you may have to try more than one remedy to get it back to speed.
For instance, uninstalling apps may get your device to run faster, but coupled with other solutions; the speed will be almost as if your device is brand new.
Let us dive into these tips on how to get your Chromebook to run faster.
1. Update Chromebook
Your Chromebook running slow indicates that your OS needs an update. Many users have commented that getting an update seems to have a refreshing effect on their devices.
Processes that were slower become much faster, and apps that take forever to load do so in an instant.
This is because updates usually fix bugs and glitches that make the older version less effective. As a result, software companies are constantly making improvements on their products, and updates allow you to benefit from these improvements.
To see if there are updates available for your device:
Go to the “Settings” of your device.
When the Settings window opens, go to “About Chrome OS” found on the left.
In the new window that appears, click on “Check for updates.”
“Updates available” will be displayed if there are any available. You will then have to download the updates.
- When you are done, your device will restart.
If there are no updates available for you, there are other measures you can take to handle the Chromebook running slow issue.
2. Check Chromebook Resources
Checking the Chromebook resources is a good method of finding the culprit behind the slowing down of your computer. Applications and processes that are resource-intensive are usually responsible for this.
As with other computers, Chromebook has a task manager that allows you to check the apps and processes running on the device. To check your system’s resources, follow these steps:
- Use the keyboard hotkeys Shift + Esc to open the task manager.
Task manager shows you the applications, processes, and systems on your computer as well as their memory, processor, and network consumption. You can evaluate which processes are consuming a lot of your resources.
End processes or applications consume large chunks of your device’s memory by right-clicking and selecting ” End task.”
3. Remove Unneeded Extensions
In one’s internet usage, there is a tendency to accumulate extensions and plugins. However, you may not realize the many extensions you have installed and how many of them are unnecessary until you check.
Cutting back on extensions is a way to clear the device’s memory and resolve the problem of the Chromebook running slow. Here are the steps to take to view your extensions and remove the ones you do not want.
- Open your Chrome browser, and navigate to the Menu.
- In the Menu, select More Tools.
Next, select extensions. This displays the extensions installed, both the ones that are enabled and disabled.
You can choose to either disable or delete these extensions.
4. Uninstall Unwanted Applications
Your Chromebook comes with access to the Play Store. You may be oblivious to the number of apps you have installed. Your Chromebook running slow may allow you to take stock of these applications to decide which are needed or not.
A number of your apps run in the background. For example, apps like WhatsApp and Snapchat need to run background processes to keep you notified when new messages arrive. This takes its toll on your device’s memory and RAM.
When you uninstall apps, you free up space, making your device run smoother.
5. Change The Settings On Your Chromebook
Though Chromebooks do not offer much by way of settings, there are still a few changes you can make that will make some difference to the speed of your computer.
Go to the device’s menu, then click on Settings.
Select Advanced Settings.
- Next, click on Privacy.
Here there are plenty of options you can enable or disable. Make sure to turn off the use of web services both for navigation and spelling errors.
This simple change frees up some of your computer’s resources. It is a particularly useful hack when there is a poor network connection.
6. Manage Your Tabs
Opening several tabs tasks your Chromebooks. So we recommend not to open several tabs at a time. When you are done with a tab, close it rather than leaving it open though it is not needed.
Most people do not remember to pay attention to how many tabs they have open; others feel it is too much work. If you fall in this category, consider using OneTab. It is an extension that helps you reduce the strain your open tabs put on your computer.
You will be one of more than two million people who use this tab to cut the RAM using processes on their tabs. It compiles all the open tabs into a single list where you can open them individually or concurrently. The developers claim the extension can cut resource consumption by up to 95%.
7. Guest Mode
Logging into your Chromebook as a guest is another way to find out what exactly the cause of the slowed speed is. A user logged in as a Guest is logged in with standard settings.
This means that if you are not experiencing problems with slower speeds, the problem is due to the settings on your device.
8. Clear Cache
Clearing cache on your device also frees up much-needed space. Besides, cache sometimes interferes with the regular operation of your device.
Several third-party apps help with clearing cache. With some, you can even automate the process to do it on a schedule.
Open your settings.
Scroll down and to Privacy and Security, and click on Clear browser cache.
Tick the Browser history and Cookies and other site data options, and finally click the Clear data button.
9. Powerwash
If all other steps fail, it may be time for something more drastic. Powerwash is simply another term for a factory reset. The powerwash accomplishes a total wipe of the device, making it as good as new. Any bugs, settings, or applications responsible for slowing down the computer are wiped away.
A powerwash is an effective solution to the Chromebook running slow; however, it has one downside. All your data is also wiped away from the computer during the reset. It restores your device to its original condition when it was new.
You should back up important files, so they are not lost during the powerwash. To continue with the powerwash:
Go to your device settings.
Click on Advanced on the left pane.
Scroll till you find Reset Settings.
Click on the Reset Settings, then click on the option to powerwash.
After the process is completed, your computer will be restarted. If it is not, manually restart your computer.
Final Thoughts
Chromebooks make it easy to integrate your life and work with the internet. It offers fast and easy means of doing your work and saving your documents. Unfortunately, this will often come at the cost of the Chromebook running slowly.
I have discussed the reasons why you may be experiencing this issue. I have also explained several steps you can take to get your device back to prime working condition.
It would help if you used one or more of these fixes to remove the clutter on your device to return to full speed. If this has proven helpful to you, don’t forget to share it with others who are having the same problem of Chromebook running slow.
