How to Fix Windows 11 Slow Performance Caused by Too Many Browser Tabs and Extensions

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to Fix Windows 11 Slow Performance Caused by Too Many Browser Tabs and Extensions. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Web browsers are often the most resource-intensive applications on a Windows 11 computer. Having dozens of tabs open or running multiple extensions can consume significant RAM and CPU, leading to slow system performance, lagging applications, and longer boot times. This guide will help you identify which tabs and extensions are causing the slowdown and how to manage them.

Identify Resource-Heavy Tabs

Most modern browsers, such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, have a built-in task manager that shows exactly how much memory and CPU each tab is using.

1. Open your web browser.
2. Press Shift + Esc to open the Browser Task Manager.
3. Look at the Memory footprint and CPU columns.
4. Select any tab using an excessive amount of resources and click End process.

Manage Browser Extensions

Extensions run in the background and can slow down your browser even when you aren't using them. It is best to keep only the extensions you use daily.

1. Open your browser settings.
2. Navigate to Extensions or Add-ons.
3. Review the list of installed extensions.
4. Click Remove or Uninstall for any extensions you no longer need.
5. For extensions you use occasionally, toggle the switch to Off to disable them.

Clear Browser Cache and Data

Over time, cached files and cookies can accumulate and impact browser speed.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete while in your browser.
2. Select Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data.
3. Set the time range to All time.
4. Click Clear data.

Consider using "Sleeping Tabs" in Microsoft Edge or "Memory Saver" in Google Chrome. These features automatically free up memory from tabs you haven't used recently.

Be careful when removing extensions. Ensure you do not uninstall password managers or security tools that your organisation relies on for daily operations.

If you have followed these steps and your Windows 11 device remains slow, please Open a Ticket for further assistance from our Brisbane support team.

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