How To Disable Multiple Google Chrome Processes In Task Manager

I have only one tab open. However, Google Chrome has multiple processes running in the background in Task Manager. How do I stop Google Chrome from running several processes?

You may notice that Google Chrome creates multiple processes on your Windows computer when you run the Chrome browser. You see these Chrome.exe processes when you open Windows Task Manager.

Why does Google Chrome need to run so many processes? Why does each Chrome process do? Here are the answer and ways for disabling multiple processes on Google Chrome.

Google Chrome & Multiple Processes

Google Chrome opens a process for every tab, extension or addon once you open the Chrome browser. In other words, each time you open a tab, Chrome creates a process.

Each time you install a plugin, Chrome opens another process for the plugin. Chrome creates a process for each element of the browser.

Why Does Chrome Need To Create So Many Proccesses

Why does Google Chrome create so many Windows processes? Hmm, think about it. If there is only one process, and the browser crashes, then you lose everything.

To prevent complete failure, Chrome creates a process for each tab, extension, etc. So, if one tab/process crashes, the others remain fully functional. The same holds true for plugins and extensions.

Google Chrome Task Manager

To see which processes are running, access Google Chrome’s Task Manager by pressing “Shift” + “Esc“. Each process in the Chrome Task Manager also runs in the Windows Task Manage as a process.

Hence, if you choose the “End process” in the Chrome Task Manager, it also terminates the process in Windows Task Manager. Here, you also see the GPU Process.

How To Terminate Google Chrome Processes

Now you know a bit about Google Chrome and the multiple processes that it creates. However, how do you disable background processes and stop Chrome from using too much of your computer’s memory?

There are two ways to turn off the processes. One way is to use the Google Chrome Task Manager. The other involves stopping background processes altogether.

And, of course, there is a third way for those of us concerned about memory issues with Chrome. However, let us get the two most important things out of the way first.

Turn Off Chrome Background Processes

  • Select “Menu”  > “Settings” > “Show advanced settings…
  • Uncheck the “Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed” option in the “System” section.

This setting prevents Google Chrome from running in the background even after you close the Chrome browser. Apps that run in the background include Google Now and Hangouts.

End Processes via Google Task Manager

  • With Google Chrome open, press “Shift” + “Esc.“
  • The Google Chrome Task Manager should appear
  • Left click the process you want to end
  • Click end process

Use the Google Chrome Task Manager to manage processes that use too much memory. You can view the amount of memory each process uses in the second tab of the Chrome Task Manager.

Use Less Tabs & Extensions

And, thirdly, use fewer tabs and extensions. If you have a tab open and you’re not using it, try bookmarking the page instead. You can sync Chrome bookmarks across all your devices.

Also, disable unnecessary plugins and extensions as these lead to more processes and memory usage. Delete them if you do not need or use them.

Are you having trouble with Google Chrome and multiple processes? Or do you know of any other tips? Feel free to let us know in the comments.

5 Comments

  1. Don January 7, 2019
  2. Don June 17, 2017
  3. Tim December 30, 2019
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