How to Enable or Disable Preload Pages in Chrome
Preload pages in Chrome is a built-in feature that loads web sites in the background before you click them so pages open much faster. Chrome turns on “Standard preloading” by default to guess your next clicks.
Google plans to upgrade this feature with smarter rules by 2026 to predict your visits even better. You can turn this setting on or off inside the “Performance” menu in your browser settings.
To enable or disable page preloading in Chrome, navigate to Settings, then Performance, and select your desired preloading level from the Preloading section. You can choose from No preloading, Standard preloading, or Extended preloading.
Enable or disable “Preload pages” in Chrome
The “Preload pages” setting turns on or off in Chrome to control how quickly websites load and how much data consumes. Turning it on makes websites load faster by guessing which pages might open next. Turning it off saves data by halting preloaded pages.
First, open the Google Chrome browser.
Click the Customize and Control (three vertical dots) button in the top right corner. Select Settings.
On the Settings page, look at the left panel and click on Performance.
The Preloading section appears on the right side of the window.
Click on Preloading to see available options. Typing this address into the browser bar also navigates there directly:
chrome://settings/preloading
Select the level of preloading that fits specific needs:
- No preloading
- Standard preloading
- Extended preloading
Chrome saves the preference automatically after selection. Closing the tab happens safely afterward.
Chrome applies the new preloading choice immediately, meaning that tab is safe to close.
Source: Google
Should I let Chrome preload pages?
Toggling this switch off disables page preloading entirely.
Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!