10 Ways To Resolve Chrome's 'Out Of Memory' Error

Chrome , notorious for its appetite for memory, especially on Macs, can be a source of frustration when encountering the dreaded " out of memory " error. Despite Google's continuous efforts to enhance Chrome's efficiency, users still face this issue. Here are ten effective ways to address the "out of memory" error and ensure a smoother browsing experience.

Prioritise Sufficient RAM : Having ample RAM is crucial. A minimum of 16GB is recommended for handling a standard number of Chrome tabs smoothly. While 32GB is even better, it might be excessive for most users. If your PC is stuck with 8GB, consider managing the number of open tabs and contemplate a RAM upgrade or a new computer.

Refresh the Affected Tab: Sometimes, the error is a momentary glitch. A quick fix might be refreshing the affected tab, preserving your data. For critical content, use backup applications like Notepad .

Close Unnecessary Tabs: A single Chrome tab can consume significant RAM. Close tabs that haven't been used for hours or days. For future reference, bookmark or add pages to your Reading List.

Enable Memory Saver: Chrome's Memory Saver automatically frees up RAM from inactive tabs. Confirm its activation by navigating to Settings > Performance in the triple-dot menu. You can also specify websites to remain active.

Update Chrome: Regularly check for updates in Settings > About Chrome. Google frequently releases updates that not only address bugs and security but also optimise memory usage.

Clear Chrome’s Cache: Although memory errors are usually related to RAM, clearing the cache can rule out potential issues. In Settings > Clear browsing data, select Cached images and files, and click Clear data.

Remove Unused Extensions: Trim down on extensions, as some may be more resource-demanding than others. Go to Extensions in the triple-dot menu, and remove any unnecessary ones, especially those pulled from the Chrome Web Store.

Restart Chrome: A temporary glitch may be hindering Chrome's performance. A simple restart might resolve the issue.

Restart Your Computer: Operating system-level cache or process problems could be the culprit. A reboot provides a fresh start and empties non-essential data from RAM.

Disable Hardware Acceleration: If issues persist, disable Chrome’s hardware acceleration in Settings > System. Toggle off "Use hardware acceleration when available." Re-enable it if this change doesn't make a difference.

Increase Available Virtual Memory: Windows users can control virtual memory allocation. In Windows 11, search for "advanced system settings," open the top result, go to the Advanced tab, click Settings under Performance, select the Advanced tab, and click Change under Virtual memory. Uncheck "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives" and cautiously increase the allocation.

By implementing these solutions, you can enhance Chrome's performance, minimise memory errors, and enjoy a seamless browsing experience.