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If Chrome keeps freezing or shows “Not responding,” start with the reversible fixes: free up computer resources, restart Chrome, and restart your device. Then check for an outdated browser, a resource-heavy task, an extension conflict, or a graphics compatibility issue. The steps below are for desktop Chrome; test another browser early to see whether the problem is limited to Chrome or affects a particular site or connection.

Why does Chrome keep freezing?

A freeze can happen when the computer is short on memory, a browser task or extension is causing trouble, or Chrome encounters a compatibility problem. It can also be a site, network, device-setting, or security-software issue rather than Chrome itself. Google does not identify one cause as responsible for most freezes, so use the steps below to narrow down the cause instead of assuming one fix will work for everyone.

If Chrome freezes when you open multiple tabs, begin by reducing the work the computer is doing. Google notes that more open tabs make Chrome work harder, and that the computer may not have enough memory to load a site while other apps and programs are running.

Seven strategies to fix Chrome freezing

1. Close unused tabs and apps, and pause downloads

Leave open only the tab that is freezing, quit apps you are not using, and pause active downloads temporarily. This frees resources for Chrome and helps determine whether the freeze is triggered by the workload. If the affected page becomes responsive, reopen tabs gradually and watch for the point at which the problem returns.

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2. Quit and reopen Chrome

Close Chrome completely, then launch it again and test the same page. Restarting clears the browser’s current session and can stop a temporary process from continuing to interfere. If Chrome is so unresponsive that it will not close normally, use your operating system’s standard method for closing an application, then reopen it.

3. Restart the computer

If Chrome still freezes, restart the computer and try again before changing browser settings. Google recommends this because other running programs can interfere with Chrome. Save work in other apps first; restarting closes their running sessions.

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4. Update Chrome and check for resource-heavy tasks

Chrome works best on the latest version, according to Google. Open Chrome’s menu and go to Help > About Google Chrome; Chrome checks for updates there. If an update installs, relaunch the browser when prompted.

To see whether a particular tab or process is consuming resources, open Chrome Task Manager from More > More tools > Task Manager. Select the Memory footprint column to sort by memory use. If a task you recognize is unnecessary, select it and choose End process. Ending a task closes it, so any unsaved work in that tab or process will be lost.

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5. Test extensions one at a time

An extension may conflict with a page or consume resources, but that does not mean every extension is responsible. Turn off extensions temporarily, then test the page again. Open More > Extensions > Manage extensions and use each extension’s toggle to disable it.

If the freeze stops, re-enable extensions one at a time and test after each change. When the problem returns, the last extension enabled is a useful suspect; leave it disabled or remove it if you do not need it. If disabling extensions makes no difference, re-enable the ones you want to keep.

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6. Test whether the problem is Chrome-only, then try hardware acceleration

Open the same page in another browser. Also compare whether the freeze affects just one site or several. If the other browser has the same issue, the cause may be the site or network rather than Chrome; Google also identifies device settings and security software as possible contributors to loading problems.

If the page works in another browser but freezes in Chrome, test hardware acceleration. Go to More > Settings > System, turn off Use hardware acceleration when available, and relaunch Chrome. This is a diagnostic, not a guaranteed fix. If it makes no difference, you can turn the setting back on.

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7. Reset Chrome settings or reinstall it as a last resort

Before resetting, note that this is not a complete wipe. Google says saved bookmarks and passwords are not deleted or changed, but a reset can change the default search engine, homepage and startup tabs, pinned tabs, content settings, cookies and site data, extensions, and themes. You may need to set up those preferences again.

To reset, open More > Settings > Reset settings, choose Restore settings to their original defaults, and confirm. If Chrome still freezes after simpler troubleshooting, consider reinstalling it. Reinstallation is a later step, not the first response to a temporary freeze.

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Choose the next step based on what you observe

What happens What to try next
Chrome improves after closing tabs or apps Keep the workload lighter and reopen tabs gradually to identify when the freeze returns.
Only one site freezes, including in another browser Investigate that site or the network rather than assuming Chrome is the cause.
The page works in another browser but not Chrome Test extensions, then hardware acceleration.
A freeze returns after enabling a particular extension Leave that extension off or remove it if it is not needed.
The simpler steps do not help Consider resetting Chrome settings, then reinstalling only if the issue persists.

These strategies are for desktop Chrome. On Android, Google’s guidance focuses on closing tabs and apps, restarting Chrome or the device, testing another browser, and reinstalling Chrome if the issue appears specific to Chrome; desktop menu paths and the hardware-acceleration test do not apply.

Google Chrome Help references

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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