FIX: Chrome GPU Process High Memory Usage. (2024)

In this article, we will discuss what is causing the Chrome GPU process high memory usage and how to fix it.

Most users worldwide use Chrome as their primary web browser, because is stable and light. However, some users noticed that their computer is running a bit slower than usual and after investigating, they found that the problem is due to the GPU process of Google Chrome which using a lot of memory (RAM).

So if you are facing a similar problem, you are not the only one, and in this guide we will guide you how to fix the problem.

What is Chrome GPU Process?

The Chrome GPU process is a hardware acceleration process that is used by Chrome to handle graphics and visual processing. This process is necessary for Chrome to display web pages correctly, but it can sometimes use a lot of memory, particularly on older computers or if you have a lot of tabs and windows open.

Why is the Chrome GPU Process Using So Much Memory?

There are a few reasons why the Chrome GPU process might be using more RAM than usual.

• One reason is that you may have an outdated graphics driver. Outdated drivers can cause all sorts of problems, including high memory usage.
• You may have too many Chrome tabs and windows open. If something like this happens, Chrome "has to work harder" to render all the pages, which can lead to more memory usage.
• Another reason for Chrome GPU high memory usage could be that you have some web pages with heavy graphics or videos open. These pages require more processing power and can cause the GPU process to use more memory.
• Incorrect Chrome settings can also lead to high memory usage. For example, if you have many Chrome add-ons (extensions) installed or if you have "hardware acceleration" enabled, high memory usage may occur.
• It's also possible that your Chrome browser is infected with a virus or malware that uses the GPU. This is rare but can happen if your system is not protected by a good security program.

How to check if Chrome's GPU process is causing high memory usage?

If you want to know how much memory each Chrome task is using, along with the GPU process do the following.

1. Right-click on the title bar of Chrome and from the menu select Task Manager. (Make sure you are right-clicking outside the tab).

2. In Chrome's Task Manager, you'll see all the tasks your browser is running and how much memory each tab, window or extension is using. Locate the GPU Process task and see at the Memory footprint column to find out the memory usage. If you think is high proceed below to fix the issue.

How to Fix Chrome GPU Process High Memory Usage in Windows 10/11.

1. Restart Chrome.
2. Turn-of Hardware Acceleration in Chrome.
3. Disable Chrome Extensions.
4. Update Video Drivers.
5. Perform Virus Scan.
6. Reset Chrome Settings to Default.

Method 1: FIX Chrome High Memory Usage by restarting the Chrome Browser.

An easy fix, that many times fixes the GPU high memory usage issue is to restart your browser. Additionally, try to reduce the number of open Chrome windows and tabs and avoid websites that play videos in the background.

Method 2: FIX GPU High Memory Usage by Turning Off Hardware Acceleration in Chrome.

If you have the "hardware acceleration" setting turned on, it can sometimes cause problems. So, try turning it off and see if that fixes the issue.

1. Open your Google Chrome Browser and from three dots menu go to the Settings.

2. At the left pane, expand Advanced and select System.

3. Next, disable the Hardware Acceleration by clicking on the blue button and then Relaunch the browser to apply the change.

Method 3. FIX GPU Process High Memory Usage by Disabling Chrome Extensions.

1. Launch Chrome and click on the More button (three dots) on the top-right corner of your screen.
2. Select More tools from the context menu and then click on Extensions.

3. Disable all extensions by switching the toggle to OFF and then restart your browser.

Method 4: Reduce Chrome GPU Process Memory Usage by Updating Graphics Driver.

As we mentioned before, one of the reasons for high memory usage could be an outdated video driver. So, proceed and update your graphics driver to its latest version. To do that:

1. Click on Start and type Device Manager in the Search bar. Then open the Device Manager .

2. At the Device Manager window, expand Display Adapters and right-click on your video adapter. Select Update Driver and let Windows to search for an updated driver.*

* Note: If Windows cannot find an updated driver, then select the Uninstall Device option and restart your computer to force Windows to re-install the driver for your graphics adapter.

Method 5: Scan your computer for viruses and malware.

The next method to troubleshoot the GPU Process high CPU usage issue, step is to verify that your computer is 100% clean from harmful programs like rootkits, malware or viruses. To accomplish this task, follow the steps from this Quick Malware Scan and Removal Guide.

Method 6. Reset Chrome Settings.

If none of the above methods helped you to fix Chrome's GPU process high memory usage problem, then give a last shot and proceed to reset all Chrome settings to their defaults. To do that:

1. Open your Google Chrome Browser and from three dots menu go to the Settings.

2. At the left choose Reset and clean up and then click Restore settings to their original defaults on the right.

3. Finally click Reset settings to restore Chrome settings to their defaults, to disable all extensions and to delete all cookies and temporary files.

That's it! We hope this article helped you fix the high memory usage issue caused by the Chrome GPU process. If so, which method worked for you?

Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.

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