Google Chrome is a popular, easy-to-use and fast web browser with a big library of available extensions and apps. Chrome is definitely reliable but it can freeze or even crash. Here are some of the reasons you might be facing problems with Chrome.
The listed troubleshooting tips are applicable to Chrome on macOS systems and Windows.
Causes of Chrome Freezing
There are multiple reasons why the Chrome browser slows down to a crawl, freezes or crashes. At times it is tough to find the exact reason for this.
- Third-party extensions and apps can interfere with the operation of Chrome by using too much of the memory and causing Chrome to crash.
- There are too many tabs that are open and too many resources of the system are being utilized by the browser.
- Malware and virus infections can be trouble for Chrome.
Simple troubleshooting steps can help in pinpointing the reason and get back Chrome to behaving.
How to fix Chrome when it Crashes or Freezes
Chrome can slow down, freeze or even crash on different operating systems. This includes macOS or Windows. The same solution can help in whatever platform is used.
- Close the Tabs
There is a chance that the computer will run out of memory if there are multiple tabs opened at the same time. This means, Chrome in not able to load a new tab along with extensions and apps. Close all the tabs except the one that is displaying the error message. Reload the pages on a new tab.
Instead of closing all the tabs manually, you can use the Chrome extension called ‘The Great Suspender’. This can suspend activity in all the tabs that are not being used at that moment. These can wake only when you click on one.
- Quit the other programs and running apps
Force quit the apps that are frozen. This can free the resources of the system. After you close any running program, try opening Chrome again.
- Restart Chrome
This step for troubleshooting resolves the problem most of the time. Close all the Chrome windows and tabs and wait for a few minutes before reopening Chrome.
If you find that you cannot close the Chrome windows as it is totally frozen, you need to ‘force-quit’ the program on macOS or Windows.
- Reboot the Computer
This step for troubleshooting is easy and can solve many problems with the computer.
- Scan the Computer for Malware
At times, Chrome may crash or freeze due to a virus or malware picked up when browsing the web. Scan the PC or Mac to remove any infections.
- Disable Chrome Extensions and apps
You need to dig a little more deep if a simple troubleshooting does not seem to be of much help. The problem might be due to an extension or an app. Disable the add-ons and extensions one by one to narrow down the problem. If you find that there is an improvement in the behavior of Chrome after a specific app or extension has been disabled, then you have the solution.
You can disable all the extensions and apps as a starting point. You can add the extensions one by one if Chrome loads in a normal manner.
- Reset Chrome to Default State
This can restore the original home page, search engine, cookies, content settings and more. This can also disable apps and extensions. This is helpful if the home page, search engine or any other setting has been hijacked by any malware.
Sync the bookmarks of Chrome, settings and other data to the Google account to restore with easy after reset.
- Turn off Hardware Acceleration in Chrome
The GPU (video card) is used by the hardware acceleration for heavy tasks, graphics including the playback of in-video. The hardware is used to its full extent for a smooth and robust browsing experience. This feature can, possibly be the cause of conflicts resulting in the crashing or freezing of Chrome. Disable and check whether this can solve the problem.
- Uninstall and Re-install Chrome
Uninstall and re-install the Chrome browser as a last resort. You will have to re-install the extensions and apps.
You need to be aware that you lose browsing data including history and bookmarks that are not stored on the servers of Google using ‘Sync’ when you follow this uninstall and re-install of Chrome.
- Visit the Help Page of Google
For any further information or even ideas, you can visit the Google Help page. You also have the option of posting the question to the community.
FAQ
How to make Chrome the default browser?
For changing the default browser in Windows 10 go to ‘Start > Settings > Apps > Default apps > Web Browser.
On macOS, go to ‘Apple’ menu > System Preferences > General. Select ‘Chrome’ from the drop down of Default Web Browser
How to update Google Chrome?
To update Google Chrome on Windows, select ‘More > Help > About Google Chrome > Relaunch.
To update Google Chrome on macOS, go to ‘Help > About > Google Chrome
