Chrome's new features will get memory-hogging tabs under control

Chrome is the most popular browser on the planet, but even its most ardent fans will admit that this thing gobbles up memory like an Olympic swimmer chomping down protein bars.

Google has tried various methods over the years to slim down its memory footprint, but the newest Performance Detection feature might finally make it a lot more effective.

According to a blog post, Performance Detection “proactively identifies potential performance issues and offers solutions.” How, exactly? It’ll tell you which tabs are hogging memory and processor cycles, then give you a one-click option to deactivate them. They won’t disappear — they’ll just stop actively loading. Simple but effective, I suppose.

Google

Google also says that Memory Saver, a feature that frees up memory from inactive tabs, is more granular in the latest version of Chrome. It can now operate in Moderate, Balanced, and Maximum modes, basically determining how aggressive Chrome will be in automatically deactivating tabs that are using too much memory.

Both Performance Detection and Memory Saver can be adjusted and disabled in the Settings menu. You can selectively disable both of them for specific websites, too.

Personally, I’ve had to be more proactive in memory management thanks to my browser tab addiction. I’ve been using Tiny Suspender for years, particularly enjoying its options for disabling background suspension for particular websites or even entire domains. And yes, since most Chromium-based browsers can share extensions, I use it on Vivaldi, too!

Further reading: I got sick of Chrome’s BS and switched to Vivaldi

Author: Michael Crider, Staff Writer, PCWorld

Michael is a 10-year veteran of technology journalism, covering everything from Apple to ZTE. On PCWorld he’s the resident keyboard nut, always using a new one for a review and building a new mechanical board or expanding his desktop “battlestation” in his off hours. Michael’s previous bylines include Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and he’s covered events like CES and Mobile World Congress live. Michael lives in Pennsylvania where he’s always looking forward to his next kayaking trip.

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