How to Enable Memory Saver in Google Chrome
Memory Saver in Google Chrome is a built-in feature that puts inactive browser tabs into a resting state to free up to 30% more RAM (Random Access Memory, your computer’s short-term storage) on Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Google Chrome often eats up large chunks of system memory when you keep dozens of tabs open at once, which can slow down your whole computer. Turning on this feature gives your other apps room to run quickly without closing your favorite web pages.
When you want to look at a resting tab again, click it and the page loads right back up instantly.
Open Chrome, click the three dots, select Settings, then click Performance on the left. Toggle the Memory Saver switch to enable or disable it. You can choose standard or enhanced modes, or add sites to always keep active.
Enable or disable Memory Saver in Google Chrome
Chrome handles this feature through its Performance settings. Freeing up resources when tabs sit idle makes computer navigation feel much snappier.
First, open the Google Chrome browser.
Click the Customize and Control button (three dots) in the top right corner. Select Settings.
On the left side of the screen, click Performance.
The Memory Saver settings appear alongside two available modes:
- Standard Memory Saver: Chrome frees up memory based on your computer's needs.
- Enhanced Memory Saver: Chrome predicts which tabs you are done with and puts them to sleep more aggressively to keep your browser fast.
The Energy Saver switch sits on this same page. Limiting background activity and visual effects helps laptop batteries last longer.
Always keep sites active
Websites requiring continuous background execution, such as music players or live update pages, need permanent active status. Preventing Chrome from freeing up memory for those specific pages ensures they stay ready to go.
- On the Performance page, look for the section labeled Always keep these sites active.
- Click the Add button.
- Type in the web address (URL) of the site you want to keep active.
- Click Add to save your choice.
Certain computer activities naturally block tab deactivation, including:
- Playing audio or video.
- Sharing your screen.
- Active downloads.
- Connected USB or Bluetooth devices.
You are all set. If you ever need to turn Memory Saver off, repeat these steps and toggle the switch back.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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