8 Effective Ways to Speed Up Your Chromebook for Better Performance
Chromebooks run on Google’s Chrome operating system (OS) and are user-friendly and affordable. They are designed to primarily run web-based applications and store files on the cloud, offering a low-cost alternative to traditional laptops. However, as with all devices, Chromebooks eventually get bogged down with open tabs, outdated software, or excessive browser extensions. In this article, we explore how to speed up a Chromebook so you can surf the web and get more done without annoying lags or delays.
1. Restart your Chromebook
Restarting a slow or clunky device may seem like simple advice, but it is often sufficient to get things running smoothly again. Turning a Chromebook off and on again clears temporary files and shuts down problematic programs, giving your Chromebook’s OS a much-needed refresh.
2. Update the ChromeOS and your apps
An outdated OS can also slow down Chromebooks due to bugs or errors. You can improve your device’s performance by updating ChromeOS to the newest version. Although Chromebooks usually do this automatically, it is worth looking for system updates manually by selecting Settings > About ChromeOS > Check for updates. Similarly, to manually check for application updates, select the Launcher > press the Up arrow > click Play Store and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Clear cache and browsing data
Accumulating excessive browsing data can also slow down a Chromebook, especially as there is limited storage space available. Moreover, temporary files, data, and login information may be stored on Chromebooks as a cache so that you can access websites quickly the next time you visit. Launch the Settings app > select Storage Management to view a summary of cache or browsing data that could be causing device lags. When reviewing your browsing history, you can decide to clear cookies and other site data or cached images and files, too.
4. Remove unused apps and extensions
It is also beneficial to do a regular inventory of apps and extensions, removing those that are unused and outdated. Most apps and extensions start automatically when a Chromebook powers up, which can slow the device down. To uninstall apps, hit the Launcher key to view all the installed applications, hover over the ones you wish to delete, right-click, and then click Uninstall. To uninstall Chrome extensions, first launch Google Chrome and click the Puzzle icon on the top right toolbar to view extensions. Then, click the three dots icon and select Remove from Chrome to uninstall.
5. Disable or limit unnecessary background apps
Running multiple applications in the background can consume a Chromebook’s resources and memory. This leaves little capacity to run system processes and can cause lags. Luckily, ChromeOS has a built-in task manager in which you can disable and limit background apps. Press Launcher + Esc to open the task manager > click the Memory Footprint tab to view which applications consume the most RAM > select End Process. You can also consider turning off the Play Store or other applications that are eating up too much memory.
6. Free up some storage
Chromebooks tend to operate with less local storage than standard laptops. As such, it is wise to clear out old files regularly to avoid delays. To remove unwanted files, click Launcher > Open Files, select the files or folders you wish to delete > and click Trash. These files will be permanently deleted after 30 days, or you can permanently delete them immediately. Alternatively, you can move files to the cloud via your Google Drive.
7. Adjust performance
Enabling hyper-threading lets multiple threads, or processes, run on a CPU. This means that if one process lags, the CPU will continue running other threads so the system is unaffected. To switch on hyper-threading, open Chrome and enter chrome://flags#scheduler-configuration into the location field. Then, change Default to Enables Hyper-Threading on relevant CPUs in the right-hand dropdown. Hyper-threading can improve CPU performance, however adjusting experimental Chome flags can pose stability or security risks. This feature only works on Chromebooks with suitable CPU capabilities and be sure to consider the associated risks before enabling hyper-threading.
8. Powerwash the Chromebook
Performing a factory reset, or a Powerwash, can resolve stubborn Chromebook issues and return it to its original condition. However, be sure to back up all files that are saved locally to avoid losing them for good, as they cannot be recovered once a Powerwash is complete. To conduct a Powerwash on a Chromebook, open the Chrome browser, click the three dots in the right-hand corner, select Settings, and click Advanced > Reset settings > Powerwash.
Speeding up your Chromebook: the takeaway
Chromebooks are low-cost and user-friendly devices that support browsing and other web-based tasks. However, like all devices, they can become clogged with files and temporary data known as a cache. The eight points mentioned in this article are a great starting point if you are struggling with a slow-moving Chromebook, but ensure all files are backed up or moved to the cloud beforehand.
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Jeni is a translator and writer based in Taiwan. She is passionate about business development and loves helping companies enter international markets. She is fluent in English, German, and Mandarin Chinese, and combines these with her industry experience to provide practical market entry solutions.
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