Google Chrome is one of the most popular browsers, but it’s also known for being a resource hog. On Linux, where system performance often takes center stage, you might notice Chrome slowing things down, especially if you’re running it on a lightweight or older setup.
The good news? With a few simple tweaks, you can drastically improve how Chrome runs on your Linux machine. Whether you’re a developer, gamer, or casual user, these tips are designed to give you smoother browsing and better system performance.
In this guide, I’ll share 10 practical tips to optimize Chrome on Linux. These aren’t theoretical fixes—they’re real solutions I’ve tried myself. So, let’s get into it and make Chrome run faster and lighter on your Linux system.
1. Keep Chrome Updated
It might sound obvious, but keeping Chrome up to date is one of the easiest ways to boost performance. Each new version includes bug fixes, performance improvements, and security updates.
On Linux, you can ensure updates by using your package manager. For example, if you’re on Ubuntu, run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
Make it a habit to check for updates regularly. Newer versions are often better optimized for modern hardware and can make a noticeable difference.
2. Enable Hardware Acceleration
Linux users often overlook hardware acceleration, but enabling it can significantly improve performance, especially for video streaming or gaming.
To enable it, go to chrome://settings, search for “Hardware Acceleration,” and toggle it on. If you’re not sure whether it’s working, type chrome://gpu in the address bar to check the status.
If you’re using older drivers, enabling this might not help, so ensure your GPU drivers are up to date.
3. Use the Chrome Task Manager
Chrome has its own Task Manager, which you can access by pressing Shift + Esc. This tool shows you how much CPU and memory each tab and extension is using.
Identify resource-heavy tabs or extensions and close or disable them. For instance, you might find that a certain website is consuming way more memory than it should. Killing that process can free up resources instantly.
4. Reduce the Number of Open Tabs
Tabs are Chrome’s biggest weakness. The more tabs you have open, the slower everything gets. Instead of keeping 20 tabs open, try bookmarking pages or using tools like OneTab, which saves all your tabs in a list.
Linux users often work with multiple desktops, so you can also spread your tasks across different virtual desktops instead of cramming everything into Chrome.
5. Disable Unnecessary Extensions
Extensions are great, but too many of them can bog Chrome down. Head to chrome://extensions and review what’s installed.
Disable or remove anything you’re not using. Extensions like ad blockers or password managers are useful, but running too many background processes can slow Chrome to a crawl. Keeping only essential extensions can make a big difference.
6. Enable Chrome Flags for Performance
Chrome Flags are experimental settings that let you enable or tweak hidden features. They can improve performance if used wisely. Type chrome://flags in the address bar to access them.
Some recommended flags include:
-
Parallel Downloading: Speeds up downloads by splitting files into smaller parts.
-
Lazy Frame Loading: Loads images and frames only when you scroll to them, saving resources.
-
Override Software Rendering List: Forces hardware acceleration on unsupported devices.
Be cautious and enable only one or two flags at a time to see how they impact performance.
7. Clear Cache and Cookies Regularly
Over time, Chrome’s cache and cookies can pile up, slowing it down. On Linux, you can clear them by going to chrome://settings/clearBrowserData.
Select “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data,” and clear them. Doing this every few weeks can keep Chrome running smoothly.
If you don’t want to do it manually, use an extension like Click&Clean to automate the process.
8. Adjust Chrome’s Memory Settings
Linux users who frequently multitask might find Chrome’s default memory settings insufficient. Use a custom configuration to adjust memory usage.
You can increase Chrome’s memory cache size by adding this line to your Chrome launcher command:
google-chrome –disk-cache-size=104857600
This allocates more memory to Chrome, reducing the need to fetch data from slower disk storage.
9. Enable ZRAM for Better Performance
If your system has limited RAM, enabling ZRAM can help. ZRAM is a Linux kernel feature that compresses data stored in RAM, allowing you to run more applications without slowing down.
To enable ZRAM on Ubuntu, run:
sudo apt install zram-config
Once it’s installed, restart your system, and Chrome will perform better, especially with multiple tabs open.
10. Switch to a Lighter Alternative Browser (When Needed)
If you’ve tried everything and Chrome still feels heavy, it might be time to consider alternatives like Chromium or Brave. These browsers are built on the same engine as Chrome but are often lighter on system resources.
Brave, for example, has built-in ad and tracker blocking, which reduces the load on your system. You’ll still get the same familiar interface without the resource drain.
Wrapping It Up
Optimizing Chrome on Linux doesn’t require a degree in computer science—it’s all about understanding your system and making a few smart changes. By keeping Chrome updated, enabling hardware acceleration, clearing cache, and using tools like ZRAM, you can enjoy faster browsing without overloading your Linux machine.
These tips are easy to follow and make a real difference, especially if you’re working on resource-limited hardware. Give them a try and see how much smoother Chrome runs. If you’re looking for more tech tips, check out The Last Tech and Develop n Solve for additional guides tailored to Linux enthusiasts.
