ChromeOS is designed to run smoothly on low-spec\u2019d devices. So it can be surprising to see a Chromebook lag like a Windows computer. You shouldn\u2019t panic, as the platform also has its own bad days. I\u2019ll explain why you\u2019re experiencing the problem and show you the fixes to apply.<\/p>\n
When a Chromebook is slow, even performing normal tasks like taking a screenshot in ChromeOS will become tedious. The following are the main reasons for the problem. Understanding them will guide you on how to make your Chromebook faster :<\/p>\n
As you already know, ChromeOS auto updates itself unless you turn off the feature. If you do turn off the feature to save data and the drag on your system, you\u2019ll miss out on important updates that keep your system in good shape. As time goes on, your old software version will be unable to handle certain websites and online applications and will cause your system to lag.<\/p>\n
Systems can run slow when downloading and installing updates <\/a> in the background. That\u2019s because most updates can be bulky and use up system resources.\u00a0 Also, certain updates, no matter how small, can ship with bugs that affect overall system performance and keep your Chromebook running slow until the issue is fixed.<\/p>\n Problematic or heavy extensions can bog down your system\u2019s resources, including your internet connection. Also, having a lot of extensions turned on at the same time can make the system run slow, as their demands may be too much for your hardware.<\/p>\n As mentioned, updates running in the background can make your Chromebook slow. In the same vein, running too many apps and other background processes, especially multiple tabs, will tank your Chromebook\u2019s performance if your hardware is not equipped for the load.<\/p>\n Low performance can also be the by-product of full storage devices. Every system needs a fair bit of free storage space <\/a> to run smoothly. In most cases, hard drive <\/a> space is filled up due to unnecessary files like large temporary browsing data.<\/p>\n Most Android apps, such as games and those written in native code, work better with Arm chips. Most Chromebooms are powered by x86 chipsets. Since ChromeOS must translate the Arm-optimized Android, especially 32-bit versions, this translation could significantly use up system resources and make any Chromebook slow .\u00a0 Other poorly optimized Android applications can also affect system performance.<\/p>\n ChromeOS requires a stable internet connection <\/a> for optimal performance. A slow connection means responsiveness in web applications will drop, and you\u2019ll experience slower load times.<\/p>\n Older, less powerful, and damaged hardware devices generally struggle to handle intensive tasks, particularly when you have to run multiple tabs simultaneously. This could spoil your user experience, as it keeps any old Chromebook slow and laggy.<\/p>\n Some malware websites <\/a>, files, applications, and extensions run down computer resources as part of their activities. Some of these elements include adware, spyware, and ransomware that work hard to steal data or simply wreak havoc. You may have unwittingly installed them while trying to download certain files and apps outside the Play Store and the Chrome Web Store.<\/p>\n The following solutions will show you how to speed up your Chromebook<\/a> by resolving the issues I outlined above.<\/p>\n If you turned off ChromeOS\u2019s automatic update feature, consider turning it back on to get the platform\u2019s latest update installed. The most recent update could also be what you need to get your system running smoothly again if the old update is buggy. Whenever Google releases problematic updates, it tends to realize its mistakes quickly and publish hot fixes for the problem through subsequent updates.<\/p>\n Follow these steps to manually check for updates:<\/p>\n Speeding up an internet connection <\/a> is one of the most effective \u201cHow to make Chromebook faster\u201d solutions. Start by restarting your router\/Wi-Fi device and your Chromebook (press and hold the power button till your computer goes off). If nothing works, consider changing your DNS server <\/a>. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n You should approach your internet service provider to be sure the issue is not their fault. Some processes have no business running in the background, and your system will be lighter once you close them.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how to make Chromebooks faster by stopping apps from running in the background <\/a>:<\/p>\n Check if the Chromebook running slow issue persists.<\/p>\n Hyper-threading <\/a> is an Intel process that allows applications to utilize multiple processor cores at once. While AMD <\/a> and other manufacturers have similar functionalities, this feature is peculiar to x86 Intel chips. It is turned off by default on Chromebooks with Intel processors <\/a>. However, turning it on can significantly boost performance, as it allows apps and extensions to access advanced resources.<\/p>\n Follow these steps to turn on hyper-threading:<\/p>\n chrome:\/\/flags#scheduler-configuration <\/i><\/p>\n I understand that you need extensions to get certain things done, like block ads and trackers, organize your tabs, and manage your workflow when browsing. However, they may be the reason for your Chromebook running slow . The best way to identify the specific extension causing the problem is by turning one app off and restarting your computer <\/a> to check if the problem persists. Repeat the process until the lagging stops. The last extension you disabled is the cause of the issue, and you should find an alternative. To turn off an extension, open Chrome, select the three dots in the top-right corner, go to More tools > Extensions <\/i>, and turn off the extension.\u00a0 To remove an extension, go to the Extensions page, click the Remove <\/i>option next to the extension you want to uninstall, and confirm your decision. Still asking, \u201c Why are Chromebooks so slow? \u201d Move on to the next solution.<\/p>\n Applications you no longer need may be running in the background and slowing down your system. Here\u2019s how to make Chromebooks faster by uninstalling apps:<\/p>\n Cleaning up your hard drive involves uninstalling apps <\/a> and extensions you no longer need, removing unwanted profiles, and deleting junk files. You can also move large files to Google Drive or other cloud storage services to free up space <\/a>.\u00a0 Another way to create more storage space is by deleting browsing data <\/a>. Open Chrome, select the three dots in the top-right corner, and click Delete browsing data <\/i> in the menu. Next, choose the types of data you want to remove, select the time range, and click Delete data <\/i>. Move on to the next fix if you\u2019re still asking, \u201c How to make my Chromebook faster ?\u201d<\/p>\n Also read:<\/b>SSD vs. HDD: What\u2019s the Difference and What to Choose? <\/a><\/p>\n Visiting websites running too many ads may burden your CPU and system memory. An ad blocker can help you block ads in Chrome <\/a> and free up your system resources. However, it\u2019s important that you use competent and reliable extensions to avoid creating a different type of problem.<\/p>\n A hard reset, also called a hardware reset, refreshes your Chromebook hardware and resolves common glitches that may be causing the computer to lag. There are different ways to perform this operation <\/a> depending on your Chromebook manufacturer and device model. Important warning: The hard reset may delete some of your downloads and other files. So, ensure you back up critical files before you continue. <\/i>However, the general method involves turning off your Chromebook, pressing and holding the Refresh <\/i> button on your keyboard, and tapping the Power <\/i> button. Only release the Refresh <\/i> button after your Chromebook boots.<\/p>\n This process is also called Powerwashing, and it is similar to factory resetting a Windows 10 or 11 computer <\/a> because it removes your files and applications. If you have critical files, back them up to an external drive or move them to a cloud storage <\/a> before you begin. Follow these steps:<\/p>\n The performance problem should now be resolved.<\/p>\n The Chromebook running slow issue should no longer be a problem. Ensure you always maintain a healthy amount of free storage space, mind the extensions and apps you install, and always keep your Chromebook operating system updated to avoid asking, \u201cWhy is my Chromebook so laggy?\u201d in the future. You should also avoid using too many tabs and running too many background programs if your hardware cannot handle too much load.<\/p>\n Let us know in the comments section how you fixed the problem.<\/p>\n ChromeOS devices hardly ever suffer performance problems. So, why is your Chromebook running slow? I\u2019ll answer that question and help you resolve the problem.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":77,"featured_media":72239,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[879,819],"tags":[143,235,1077,185,1081,23,133],"class_list":["post-72225","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-device-issues","category-how-tos","tag-android","tag-chrome","tag-factory-reset","tag-google","tag-intel","tag-pc-diagnostics","tag-wi-fi"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
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How to Make Your Chromebook Faster<\/h2>\n
Fix 1: Update Chromebook<\/h3>\n
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Fix 2: Improve your internet connection<\/h3>\n
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Fix 3: End the background processes using Chromebook\u2019s inbuilt Task Manager<\/h3>\n
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Fix 4: Enable hyper-threading<\/h3>\n
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Fix 5: Remove extensions<\/h3>\n
Fix 6: Uninstall apps you don\u2019t need<\/h3>\n
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Fix 7: Clean up your SSD or HDD<\/h3>\n
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\nFix 8: Use an ad blocker<\/h3>\n
Fix 9: Perform a hard reset<\/h3>\n
Fix 10: Factory reset your Chromebook<\/h3>\n
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Why Is My Chromebook So Slow? Explained<\/h2>\n
FAQ<\/h2>\n