If your Chromebook is starting to feel sluggish or unresponsive, you’re not alone.
Over time, devices can slow down due to several reasons, like outdated software, limited storage, or too many apps running in the background.
The good news is that you don’t always need to buy a new device to enjoy a smoother experience.
There are practical steps you can take to speed up your Chromebook and get it running almost like new again.
This manual walks you through multiple effective solutions, all using easy-to-follow language and simple steps, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
1. Keep Chrome OS Up to Date
Google regularly releases updates to Chrome OS that fix bugs, improve performance, and increase security.
If your Chromebook is running an older version, it could be missing out on speed and optimization improvements.
Why it matters:
Older software may not run apps efficiently and can cause crashes or freezes.
How to check for updates:
- Click the clock in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
- Select the Settings gear icon.
- Go to About Chrome OS in the sidebar.
- Click Check for Updates.
- If an update is found, it will automatically download and install.
- Restart your Chromebook to apply changes.
📌 Tip: Make a habit of checking for updates once a week.
2. Restart Your Chromebook Regularly
You may leave your Chromebook in sleep mode for days without fully shutting it down. Over time, this can lead to slow performance as background tasks pile up.
Benefits of restarting:
- Clears memory.
- Closes unnecessary background apps.
- Applies pending system updates.
How to restart:
- Click the clock in the bottom-right corner.
- Click the Power button icon.
- After the device shuts down, press the Power button again to turn it back on.
💡 Best Practice: Restart your Chromebook at least once every few days.
3. Remove Unnecessary Extensions and Apps
Chrome extensions and apps can be very useful, but they also take up system resources.
Some keep running in the background even when you’re not using them, which slows things down.
How to clean up extensions:
- Open Google Chrome.
- Click the three dots in the upper-right corner.
- Go to More Tools > Extensions.
- Toggle off or click Remove next to extensions you don’t use.
How to delete unused apps:
- Open the Launcher (circle in bottom-left).
- Find apps you rarely or never use.
- Right-click the app > Uninstall.
📌 Pro Tip: Some pre-installed apps can’t be removed, but you can still disable them to reduce resource usage.
4. Use Task Manager to Spot What’s Slowing You Down
Just like Windows or Mac, Chrome OS comes with a built-in Task Manager.
It shows which apps, extensions, or browser tabs are using the most CPU and memory.
How to open Task Manager:
- Press Search + Esc on your keyboard.
- Task Manager will pop up.
- Click the column headers like CPU or Memory to sort.
- Select a process that’s using too much and click End Process.
⚠️ Caution: Don’t end tasks you don’t recognize unless you’re sure they aren’t important to the system.
5. Free Up Storage Space
Chromebooks don’t usually come with large hard drives. If your internal storage is nearly full, it can slow your device down significantly.
Easy ways to clean storage:
- Open the Files app.
- Go to the Downloads folder and delete files you don’t need.
- Sort by size or date to find old or large files quickly.
- Empty the trash.
Other storage-saving tips:
- Use Google Drive to store documents and media files.
- Transfer large videos or photos to an external USB drive or SD card.
- Remove unnecessary Android apps that take up a lot of space.
📌 Tip: You can check storage space under Settings > Device > Storage Management.
6. Reduce Open Tabs or Use Tab Management Extensions
Many people leave multiple browser tabs open while working. This can hog your Chromebook’s RAM, especially if you’re using a device with only 2GB or 4GB of memory.
What you can do:
- Close tabs you’re not using.
- Bookmark pages to return later instead of keeping them open.
Use tab manager extensions:
- OneTab: Converts all your open tabs into a list to save memory.
- The Great Suspender (alternative versions): Automatically suspends tabs not in use.
📌 Reminder: Always install extensions from the Chrome Web Store and check reviews for safety.
7. Clear Cache and Browsing Data
Cached data helps websites load faster, but over time, it can build up and start slowing down your Chromebook.
How to clear it:
- Open Chrome.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Backspace.
- In the dialog that appears, choose a time range (select All time for a deep clean).
- Check Cached images and files, Cookies, and Browsing history.
- Click Clear data.
📌 Frequency: Do this once a month to keep things running smoothly.
8. Perform a Powerwash (Factory Reset)
If your Chromebook is still slow after trying all the above steps, consider doing a Powerwash, which is a factory reset. It wipes everything and restores your device to how it was when new.
Before you reset:
- Back up important files to Google Drive or external storage.
- Sign out of accounts on any apps if needed.
How to Powerwash:
- Click on the time in the bottom-right.
- Go to Settings > Advanced > Reset Settings.
- Click Powerwash.
- Restart and follow the on-screen steps.
⚠️ Warning: This will erase all local data.
9. Adjust Your Chromebook Settings for Better Speed
There are a few Chrome OS settings you can tweak to make things smoother.
Some useful settings:
- Disable Instant Tethering if you don’t use mobile data.
- Turn off Bluetooth when not in use.
- Disable Offline Sync for Google Drive if not needed.
- Reduce animation effects from Accessibility settings.
📌 Find these under Settings > Device > Advanced > Accessibility.
10. Understand Your Chromebook’s Hardware Limitations
Older Chromebooks with basic hardware (2GB RAM, 16GB storage) are more likely to slow down over time.
No matter how well you optimize it, there’s only so much performance you can get from old specs.
What you can do:
- Upgrade to a newer Chromebook with at least 4GB of RAM and 32GB storage.
- Look for models with newer Intel or ARM processors for better multitasking.
- Use cloud apps like Google Docs instead of installing large Android apps.
📌 Bonus Tip: Always check the Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date of your Chromebook.
After this date, it no longer receives updates from Google. You can find this at Google’s AUE support page.
11. Use Lite Versions of Web Apps
Some websites are heavy and full of ads or scripts that slow things down.
Try these alternatives:
- Use Google Go or Lite mode on supported apps.
- Use mobile versions of websites (e.g., m.facebook.com) for faster load times.
- Install Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) instead of Android apps where possible. PWAs are lightweight and designed to work fast on low-power devices.
12. Improve Internet Speed
Sometimes the issue isn’t your Chromebook — it’s your internet connection. A slow or unstable network can make your device appear sluggish.
What you can do:
- Restart your Wi-Fi router.
- Move closer to your router for a stronger signal.
- Disconnect devices you’re not using from the network.
- Use a wired Ethernet connection with a USB-C to Ethernet adapter for faster speeds.
📌 Extra Tip: Use the “Network Health” tool under Diagnostics in Chromebook settings to run speed tests and check signal strength.
Final Thoughts
Speeding up a Chromebook doesn’t require technical skills or expensive upgrades.
By following these 12 practical steps, you can solve most slowdowns and extend the life of your device:
- Keep Chrome OS up to date.
- Restart regularly.
- Manage extensions and apps.
- Free up storage space.
- Use tools like Task Manager and Powerwash.
- Upgrade when necessary.
By staying on top of regular maintenance and making smart usage decisions, your Chromebook can remain fast, efficient, and enjoyable to use, whether you’re browsing, studying, or working.
