Google Chrome High CPU usage on windows 10/11

Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers, known for its speed, versatility, and extensive library of extensions. However, sometimes you may experience high CPU usage when using Chrome, which can slow down the system, cause overheating, and drain battery life. Well, High CPU usage in Chrome can be caused by several factors, including excessive background processes, too many open tabs, resource-hungry extensions, and outdated software. Again malware or cryptojacking scripts running in the background can also contribute to the problem. Whatever the reason, here solutions help fix Google Chrome High CPU usage problem and optimize its performance.

Why does Chrome use so much CPU?

Various reasons can cause Google Chrome high CPU usage, 100% disk or memory usage. As a Virus malware infection, malicious Chrome extensions, poorly designed extensions, or the Browser itself gets corrupted/outdated etc causes Google Chrome to use up too much CPU or memory on your System.

• Too Many Open Tabs – Each tab runs as a separate process, increasing CPU load.
• Heavy Extensions – Some Chrome extensions continuously run in the background, using up resources.
• Background Processes – Chrome keeps various services running even when minimized, affecting CPU performance.
• Hardware Acceleration Issues – This feature is meant to improve performance but can sometimes backfire.
• Malware or Cryptojacking – Hidden malware or malicious scripts running within Chrome can spike CPU usage.

Restart Google Chrome

A simple restart of Chrome can clear background processes, reset its temporary state, and improve performance.

• Close Chrome completely by clicking the X button or pressing Alt + F4.
• Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
• Under the Processes tab, look for any running Chrome processes.
• Right-click on Google Chrome and select End task.
• Restart Chrome and check if CPU usage has decreased.

In addition, each open tab in Chrome consumes additional memory and CPU power. Closing unused tabs can reduce the load on your system.

Clear Cache and Cookies

When you visit webpages, chrome stores all the necessary cache data such as images, scripts, and other resources to speed up future visits. However a large accumulation of cache and cookies can slow Chrome down and cause higher CPU usage.

• Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu.
• Go to More Tools> Clear browsing data.
• Select Cookies and other site data and cached images and files.
• Click Clear data and restart Chrome.

Disable or Remove Unnecessary Extensions

Chrome extensions enhance your browsing experience by adding extra features and functionality. However, Some Chrome extensions run continuously in the background, consuming CPU resources even when not in use.

• Open Chrome and click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
• Go to Extensions > Manage Extensions.

Also you can enter “chrome://extensions/” in your search/address bar to directly go to the extension page.

• Disable or remove extensions you don’t need.
• Restart Chrome and check CPU usage.

Enable or Disable Hardware Acceleration

The hardware acceleration setting allows Chrome to share heavy processing loads between your CPU and your GPU, but it doesn’t always work well. In fact, sometimes it causes Chrome to use more CPU. Try disabling it and seeing if that helps.

1. Open Chrome and go to Settings.
2. Scroll down and click Advanced > System.
3. Toggle Use hardware acceleration when available:
   • If enabled, try disabling it.
   • If disabled, try enabling it.
4. Restart Chrome and check CPU usage.

Update Google Chrome

An outdated Chrome version can contain bugs that increase CPU usage. Let’s update Chrome with the latest version that brings fixes for most of known issues including High CPU or Memory usage.

• Open Chrome and click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
• Select Help > About Google Chrome.
• Chrome will automatically check for updates and install any available ones.
• Restart Chrome after updating and check if this helps reduce CPU usage.

Reset Chrome to Default Settings

Resetting Chrome removes problematic settings, extensions, and cached data, resolving CPU usage issues.

• Open Chrome and go to Settings > Advanced > Reset and clean up.
• Click Restore settings to their original defaults.
• Confirm the reset and restart Chrome.

Stop Chrome from Running in the Background

Even after closing Chrome, some processes may continue running in the background, using CPU resources.

1. Open Chrome and go to Settings > Advanced > System.
2. Disable Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed.
3. Close Chrome completely and check CPU usage in Task Manager.

Reinstall Google Chrome

If none of the above steps work, reinstalling Chrome can provide a fresh installation free from corrupt files.

• Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features in Windows 10).
• Find Google Chrome, click Uninstall, and follow the prompts.
• Download the latest version of Chrome from the official website.
• Install Chrome and check CPU usage.

Sometimes virus or malware infections also cause high CPU usage on your computer. Use third-party antivirus or build in Windows security to perform full system scan and remove them.

In addition, use Script Blocker Extension (Ad blocker), it will automatically block almost all the types of scripts on a site and reduce CPU strain.