How to Speed Up a Slow Chromebook Without Replacing It

Restart and update ChromeOS

A restart is the simplest performance fix. It clears memory, stops background processes, and lets pending updates install. ChromeOS automatically downloads updates in the background, but you must restart to apply them. To check for updates manually, open Settings, go to About ChromeOS, and select Check for updates. If an update is available, restart your Chromebook to finish the process. Updates also bring performance improvements and security fixes; Google provides 10 years of automatic updates for ChromeOS devices from their platform release date, so keeping your device current is essential for both speed and safety.

You can find step-by-step instructions in our guide to checking and installing ChromeOS updates. Restarting also clears the system's RAM and stops background processes that may have accumulated over time.

Close tabs and use the task manager

Each open tab consumes memory, and with many tabs, your Chromebook's RAM can fill up quickly, causing lag. Use the built-in task manager to see which tabs and processes use the most memory. Press Shift+Esc to open it, and sort by memory to find the culprits. You can end a tab's process directly from there. Keep only the tabs you're actively using. Also, close Android apps you're not using. From the app shelf, long-press or right-click the app icon and select close. Over time, this habit keeps resources free.

For a deeper understanding of how to monitor and manage processes, see our task manager guide.

Clean up extensions and clear cache

Extensions add features but also run scripts that can slow down every page you visit. Go to chrome://extensions, review the list, and disable or remove anything you don't use frequently. Each extension consumes memory and CPU. Additionally, your browser's cache can grow large and cause sluggish performance. To clear it, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data, choose "Cached images and files," and click Clear data. You won't lose passwords or bookmarks. Clearing cache forces the browser to load fresh resources, which can improve responsiveness.

Learn more about managing extensions and clearing cache to keep your browser lean.

Free up storage space

A nearly full storage drive makes your Chromebook work harder. Temporary files, downloads, and apps fill the drive, leaving little room for the system to operate smoothly. Check your usage in Settings > Storage. Delete large files you no longer need, move media to an SD card or external drive, and empty the trash. Uninstall Android apps you don't use from the Play Store. If you have Linux enabled, it may be using significant storage; consider removing it if you don't use it. These steps free up space and help the OS manage virtual memory better. For example, moving large downloads to an external drive can often free several gigabytes.

Our guidance on freeing up storage and understanding Chromebook storage can help you reclaim space effectively.

Turn off Linux and background features

If you enabled Linux for development but now rarely use it, that container is running in the background and consuming memory and CPU. Remove it by going to Settings > About ChromeOS > Developers and selecting "Remove" next to Linux development environment. This permanently deletes the Linux container and frees up resources. Similarly, check for other background activity: Google Drive sync, automatic photo backups, and sync for extensions or apps. You can pause these from the system tray or adjust them in settings. Turning off unused features gives your Chromebook more headroom for the tasks that matter.

See our guide on removing the Linux container for step-by-step instructions.

When your Chromebook is beyond help

If you've tried all these steps and your Chromebook still feels sluggish, it may be reaching the end of its support life. ChromeOS devices get automatic updates for 10 years from the platform release date. You can check your device's Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date in Settings > About ChromeOS > Additional details. If the date has passed, your Chromebook is no longer receiving updates, which means you're missing performance and security patches. In that case, a new Chromebook with more RAM and a faster processor will deliver a dramatically better experience. For most users, 8GB of RAM is the sweet spot, and Chromebook Plus models offer that plus faster CPUs and AI features. Chromebook Plus devices are required to have at least 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, according to Google.

If you're considering a replacement, our best Chromebooks with 8GB RAM and best Chromebook Plus models lists are excellent starting points.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Why is my Chromebook slow after an update?

An update might cause temporary slowdowns as the system reindexes files or migrates settings. Restart your Chromebook after an update to ensure everything finishes. If the slowness continues, try clearing your cache and closing unused tabs. If it persists, check your storage space and remove unnecessary files. Often, a fresh restart resolves post-update stutters.

How do I check if my Chromebook is still supported?

Go to Settings > About ChromeOS > Additional details and look for the 'Update schedule' section. It shows the date until which your device will get automatic updates. If that date is in the past, your Chromebook is no longer receiving security and performance updates, and it's a good reason to consider a replacement.

Will clearing the cache delete my passwords?

No. Clearing cached images and files only removes temporary internet files. Passwords, bookmarks, and other settings are stored separately. You can choose to clear cache only by unchecking other data types in the Clear browsing data dialog.

Can I add more RAM to my Chromebook?

Most Chromebooks have RAM soldered to the motherboard, so you can't add more after purchase. That's why choosing the right amount of RAM at the time of purchase is important. If your current Chromebook is slow due to low RAM, the only hardware fix is to replace it.

How often should I restart my Chromebook?

A restart once a week helps clear memory and update processes. If you use many tabs or resource-intensive apps, a daily restart might be beneficial. Restarting is especially important after OS updates to apply them completely.